Live Your Myths

Greek Myth | Niobe's Tears

Written by LaylaGriffin_

Many heroes and figures in Greek mythology have fallen victim to hubris, also known as fatal pride. From Achilles, Odysseus, Bellerophon and so on, every mortal or demigod who overstepped or bragged too much in front of Gods and Goddesses always was punished one way or another, often dying or losing something dear to them as a consequence and lesson of their pride. A striking yet tragic example of that is the tragic tale of Niobe, who lost the dearest people to her because of one fatal flaw - arrogance.

Who was Niobe?

Niobe was the daughter of King Tantalus and Dione. Not only was she born a princess, but also married a king and became his queen. Niobe married Amphion, the King of Thebes and together they had fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters of whom Niobe was very proud.

Children were very precious to noble families back then. Sons could carry one's family's name, and protect their name and power, while daughters were important to create alliances with other kingdoms and strengthen the kingdom through connections. Niobe knew that and she was proud she had these many blessings in life. However, one day her arrogance crossed the limit resulting in her insulting powerful deities that would not forgive or forget what she said.

One day, in a special ceremony held in honour of Goddess Leto, the goddess of motherhood and mother of Apollo and Artemis, Niobe, in a fit of arrogance and jealousy started to boast about herself and her children. She said she was not inferior to Leto, on the contrary, the Goddess was inferior to her, as she had birthed only two children, while she, Niobe, had given birth to fourteen.

When Leto and her children found out about Niobe's disrespect, they decided to punish her by taking what was most precious to her - her children. Apollo, the god of light and music, killed all seven of Niobe's sons. While Artemis, the virgin goddess of nature and hunting, killed Niobe's seven daughters. But Niobe's tragedy was still not over.

When Amphion found out that all his children were killed, in sadness he decided to end his life. Niobe had now lost all her children and her husband because of her pride. In despair, she fled and reached Mount Sipylus, where she prayed to the Gods to end her pain. Finally, Zeus felt pity for her and turned her into stone so she would not feel anything. Yet still, despite being turned into a rock her motherly heart still wept for her children.

The rock was called the Weeping Rock because it was thought that rainwater falling through the pores of the limestone resembled Niobe's tears.

Sources:

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