Erebus
/ˈɛr.ɪbəs/noun
In Greek mythology, the primordial personification of darkness and a realm of deep shadow; in modern usage, darkness or gloom.
Did you know?In Greek myth, Erebus is not just a spooky place but a primordial force, and his name was later used by poets and dramatists to evoke the deepest, most cosmic kind of shadow.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁regʷʰ-
“A proposed root meaning 'darkness' or 'to cover with darkness' (etymology is uncertain and debated).”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἔρεβος (Érebos)
“Darkness; the gloom of the underworld; personified as a primeval deity.”
Classical Latin
Latin
Erebus
“A poetic and mythological name for the underworld or utter darkness.”
Middle English
English
erebus
“Darkness; the underworld, especially in literary or poetic use.”
Modern English
English
Erebus
“The mythological personification of darkness; literary darkness or gloom.”