Greek Mythology Names Starting With B

Greek mythology is a rich source of names that have been passed down through the ages. These names are not only unique and beautiful, but they are also steeped in rich history and mythology. One popular letter to start a name with is “B”.

In Greek mythology, there are several names that begin with the letter “B” that are associated with gods, goddesses, heroes, and other mythical creatures. These names have different meanings and symbolize various aspects of Greek mythology.

One well-known name that starts with “B” is Bacchus. Bacchus was the Roman name for the Greek god Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and celebration. He was often depicted as a jovial figure, bringing joy and revelry wherever he went. Another significant name is Bellona, the Roman goddess of war. She was the sister of Mars, the god of war, and was associated with conflict and battle.

Another notable name beginning with “B” is Bellerophon. Bellerophon was a hero in Greek mythology who was known for his bravery and courage. He was most famous for taming the winged horse Pegasus and defeating the monster Chimera. His name comes from the Greek words “bellein,” meaning “to destroy,” and “phone,” meaning “voice” or “sound,” which reflects his heroic deeds.

Other names starting with “B” in Greek mythology include Briseis, a Trojan princess who was taken captive during the Trojan War; Brontes, one of the Cyclopes who helped Zeus in forging his thunderbolts; and the river god, Biston.

Whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology or simply looking for a unique and meaningful name, Greek mythology names starting with “B” offer a wide range of options. These names are not only beautiful, but they also carry with them the rich history and stories of Greek mythology.

Boreas: The God of the North Wind

Boreas was one of the four Anemoi, the gods of the winds, in Greek mythology. He was specifically the god of the north wind, which brought cold and wintry weather. Boreas was the son of Astraeus, the god of the dusk, and Eos, the goddess of the dawn.

In Greek mythology, Boreas was often depicted as a winged old man with a beard, holding a conch shell. He was known for his power to bring forth the cold winter winds from the north, which could be both fierce and destructive. Boreas was also associated with the season of winter and the chill of the frost.

One of the most famous stories involving Boreas is his pursuit of a mortal woman named Oreithyia. According to the myth, Boreas fell in love with Oreithyia and became obsessed with her. He eventually abducted her and took her to his windy mountain home in Thrace, where they had several children together.

Boreas was sometimes depicted as a violent and unpredictable god, capable of causing havoc and destruction with his powerful winds. He was often invoked by sailors for his favor and protection on their voyages, as he was believed to control the winds that guided their ships.

Boreas played a significant role in Greek mythology, representing the fierce and unpredictable nature of the north wind. His name is still associated with cold and wintry weather in modern times.

Briseis: A Trojan Girl Captured by Achilles

Briseis was a young Trojan girl who became a key figure in the events of the Trojan War. She was captured by Achilles, the greatest hero of the Greeks, during the war.

Briseis was known for her beauty and charm, which captivated Achilles upon their first meeting. Her name means “daughter of Briseus,” indicating that she was the daughter of a noble Trojan family.

After Achilles seized Briseis as a prize of war, she became his concubine and was taken to his camp. However, their relationship was not one of mutual affection; rather, it was that of a master and a captive.

Briseis played a significant role in the Iliad, a famous epic poem that chronicles the events of the Trojan War. She became a cause of conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army. Agamemnon took Briseis from Achilles as a way to assert his dominance and to undermine Achilles’ status as the greatest warrior.

This action caused Achilles to withdraw from fighting and led to a downward spiral of events for the Greeks, as Achilles was their greatest asset in battle. It was not until the death of his close companion Patroclus that Achilles returned to battle to seek vengeance.

Although Briseis had a tragic role in the Trojan War, she is remembered as a symbol of the human cost of war and the power struggles between the Greek heroes. Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities and tragedies that arose from the conflicts of Greek mythology.

Byblos: A Phoenician Princess Loved by Adonis

Byblos is a Phoenician princess who is famous for her love story with Adonis. She was the daughter of King Cinyras and Queen Cenchreis, and a descendant of the Greek god Apollo. Byblos was known for her beauty, intelligence, and charm, which captivated the hearts of many gods and mortals.

Adonis, the handsome son of King Theias and Queen Myrrha, was also a mortal who was loved by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. However, when Aphrodite learned of Byblos and her enchanting beauty, she became jealous and determined to win Adonis’ heart for herself.

Byblos and Adonis met during a hunting expedition, where they were instantly attracted to each other. They spent countless days and nights together, exploring the beautiful landscapes of Phoenicia and sharing their deepest secrets. Their love grew stronger with each passing day, much to the dismay of Aphrodite.

Aphrodite, in her anger, decided to test the integrity of Byblos and Adonis’ love. She disguised herself as an old woman and approached Byblos, pretending to be a wise and knowledgeable oracle. Byblos, ever curious and open-minded, listened to the old woman’s advice about her future with Adonis.

The old woman told Byblos that her love for Adonis would bring her great joy, but also immense pain. She warned Byblos that Adonis would be fated to die at a young age, and that she would be left heartbroken. Byblos, devastated by the prophecy, pleaded with the old woman to save Adonis’ life.

Aphrodite revealed her true identity and was moved by Byblos’ selfless love and devotion. She granted Byblos the ability to save Adonis from death, but only for a limited time each year. Adonis would spend six months with Byblos, symbolizing the beauty and abundance of life, and six months in the Underworld, symbolizing the cold and barren winter.

Byblos and Adonis cherished their time together, making every moment count. They valued the fleeting nature of their love and lived each day with passion and intensity. Byblos became a symbol of love and devotion, representing the eternal struggle between life and death.

Britomartis: The Cretan Goddess of Hunting

Britomartis, also known as Diktynna, was a goddess revered in ancient Greek mythology, primarily in the region of Crete. She was associated with hunting, fishing, and nature, and was often depicted with a bow and arrow.

According to myth, Britomartis was the daughter of Zeus and Carme, a nymph. She was pursued by the king of Crete, Minos, but was able to escape by hiding in the nets of fishermen. This led to her association with fishing and being called Diktynna, which means “mistress of the nets.”

Britomartis was considered a virgin goddess, and her devotion to chastity was highly esteemed. She was often depicted as a beautiful young woman, accompanied by wild animals such as deer or hounds. She was believed to be a skilled hunter, and her worshippers would offer her gifts of game and fish.

The exact nature of Britomartis’ role in Cretan mythology varied. Some sources portray her as a goddess of wild nature, who helped hunters and protected animals. Others depict her as a guardian of harbors and seafarers, showing her connection to the sea.

Despite her importance in Cretan mythology, the worship of Britomartis was not widely spread outside of Crete. She was primarily venerated on the island, where several sanctuaries dedicated to her were built.

Today, Britomartis is not as well-known as some other Greek goddesses, but her story and symbolism continue to intrigue those interested in ancient Greek mythology. Her role as the goddess of hunting and nature serves as a reminder of humanity’s connection to the natural world.

Bellerophon: The Hero Who Tamed Pegasus

Bellerophon was a legendary hero from Greek mythology who is best known for taming the magnificent winged horse, Pegasus. He was the son of Glaukus and the grandson of Sisyphus.

Bellerophon’s story begins when he was accused of a terrible crime by King Proetus of Tiryns. Instead of punishing him directly, the king sent Bellerophon on a seemingly impossible task – to kill the fearsome Chimera, a monstrous fire-breathing creature with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent.

Undeterred by the challenge, Bellerophon sought the guidance of the gods and was granted a magnificent golden bridle by the goddess Athena. With this special bridle, Bellerophon was able to tame and control Pegasus, the only creature capable of flying high enough to reach the lair of the Chimera.

Mounted on Pegasus, Bellerophon bravely confronted the Chimera and defeated the beast by impaling it with a spear. This victory brought immense fame and glory to Bellerophon, earning him the status of a hero throughout ancient Greece.

However, Bellerophon’s triumph over the Chimera led to hubris, a tragic flaw that affected many Greek heroes. He believed he was equal to the gods and attempted to fly to Mount Olympus to join them. Zeus, the king of the gods, was not pleased with Bellerophon’s arrogance and sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus, causing the hero to fall back to Earth.

After his fall, Bellerophon endured a life of hardship and isolation, wandering the Earth as a lonely and broken man. It is said that he eventually died and was buried near the banks of the River Pineios in Thessaly.

Despite his tragic end, Bellerophon remains a legendary figure in Greek mythology, admired for his courage, skill, and connection to the magnificent Pegasus. His tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility.

Boreades: The Sons of Boreas

The Boreades, also known as the sons of Boreas, were a group of mythical beings in Greek mythology. Boreas, the god of the north wind, had four sons: Calais, Zetes, Cleopatra, and Chione.

Calais and Zetes were said to have wings, which enabled them to fly swiftly and effortlessly. They were known for their bravery and were often depicted as heroic figures. The brothers played a key role in the story of the Argonauts, a group of heroes who embarked on a quest for the Golden Fleece.

Cleopatra and Chione, on the other hand, were not known for their physical abilities. Cleopatra was said to possess great beauty, while Chione was known for her icy nature. Both women played minor roles in Greek mythology.

The Boreades were often associated with the harsh and powerful north wind, which was said to accompany their presence. They were considered to be demigods, as they were the offspring of a mortal woman and the god Boreas.

Overall, the Boreades were a group of fascinating characters in Greek mythology. Their unique abilities and family lineage set them apart from other mythical beings, making them an intriguing part of Greek mythology.

Baucis and Philemon: A Couple Turned into Trees

In Greek mythology, Baucis and Philemon were a humble old couple living in the region of Phrygia. They were known for their strong bond and hospitality towards strangers.

One day, Zeus and Hermes, disguised as poor travelers, decided to test the humans’ hospitality in the area. They knocked on every door and asked for shelter, but everyone turned them away, except for the elderly couple, Baucis and Philemon.

Baucis and Philemon welcomed the strangers into their home without any hesitation. They offered them food, wine, and a warm place to rest. Despite their poverty, they shared everything they had with their guests, displaying utmost kindness and generosity.

As the night went on, Baucis and Philemon noticed that the pitcher of wine they had been pouring out refill itself miraculously. Realizing that their guests were no ordinary humans, they began to suspect that Zeus and Hermes were gods in disguise.

Zeus was impressed by the couple’s humble nature and their good-heartedness. He revealed his true identity and asked Baucis and Philemon to follow him to the top of the nearby hill. The couple obeyed and climbed the hill with the gods.

When they reached the summit, Baucis and Philemon were amazed to see that the entire region, except for their tiny cottage on the hill, was covered with water. Zeus explained that he had intended to flood the region to punish the inhospitable people, but Baucis and Philemon’s kindness had saved them.

As a reward for their hospitality, Zeus granted Baucis and Philemon a wish. The couple asked to be priests and guardians of the temple located on the hill. Zeus agreed to their request and also offered them one more blessing.

Baucis and Philemon, who had lived happily together for many years, wished to die at the same time. Zeus granted their wish and turned them into two intertwining trees – an oak tree and a linden tree. These trees grew side by side as a symbol of their everlasting love and devotion.

The story of Baucis and Philemon serves as a reminder of the value of kindness, hospitality, and the rewards that can come from treating strangers with respect and generosity.

Belus: A Mythical King and Ancestor of Hercules

Belus was a legendary king in Greek mythology and an important figure in the ancestry of the hero Hercules. He was the son of Poseidon and Libya, and the brother of Agenor and Danaus.

Belus ruled over Egypt and had a son named Aegyptus, who would go on to father fifty sons known as the Danaids. The Danaids would later play a significant role in Greek mythology and the story of Hercules.

Belus is often depicted as a wise and powerful king who brought prosperity to his kingdom. He was known for his strength and courage, and his descendants inherited these qualities, including Hercules.

According to legend, Belus was a son of the god Poseidon, who was thought to be the god of the sea. This divine lineage bestowed upon Belus supernatural abilities and a connection to the gods.

Belus is an important character in Greek mythology, as he is the link between the divine and mortal worlds. His descendants, such as Hercules, were believed to possess extraordinary strength and bravery, making them heroes in Greek society.

The story of Belus and his role as an ancestor of Hercules showcases the importance of lineage and the connection between gods and mortals in Greek mythology. Belus’s legacy lives on through the heroic deeds of his descendants, ensuring his place in the pantheon of Greek mythology.