Goddess of Fortune, Luck and Chance
Tykhe, also known as Tyche, was the Greek goddess of chance, fate and fortune. She represented not only the positive aspects of these characteristics but also the negative ones. The ancient Greeks thought she was the reason for unexpected events in their lives, good and evil. For example, if someone had much success in life without having to try hard, people said that Tyche blessed him at birth. When someone worked hard but still had bad luck, they thought this goddess was responsible.
Who Were Tyche’s Parents?
According to Hesiod, a Greek poet, she was the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys while others thought that Zeus was her father. People from various Greek regions worshiped Tyche, but she was especially popular in Athens. Athenians believed that this goddess favored their city. Some of her other famous sites of worship included temples at Argos and Thebes.
Tyche’s Appearance & Traits
When the ancient Greeks honoured her beneficial traits, they usually referred to her as Eutychia or Eutiykhia, goddess of prosperity, success and good fortune. Tyche was usually pictured with wings, a regal staff and a crown. However, many images also showed her with other items. These objects related to various traits. For example, when she was pictured holding rudders or a wheel, it meant that she was directing world events.
If she had a horn of plenty, she was a giver of abundant prosperity and wealth. When Tyche was balancing on a ball, it symbolized unstable fortune that could come and go, just like a ball might roll in any direction. In later times, she appeared wearing a blindfold and was shown with other assorted items that suggested risk and uncertainty.
In Rome, this goddess was known as Fortuna. To the Romans, Fortuna was much more important than Tyche to the Greeks. Additionally, Fortuna was not pictured with wings or a ball, especially in later times. This suggests that the Romans only saw her as a goddess of good luck who blessed mankind with beneficial fortune.
Tyche Facts
- Tyche was revered not just as a goddess who brought good luck but also as one who could bring misfortune. This dual aspect reflects the Greeks’ understanding of luck as a force that could change without warning.
- Beyond the commonly known symbols like the horn of plenty (cornucopia) and the rudder, Tyche was also often depicted holding a cup and a bow. The cup symbolizing the distribution of fortune and the bow, representing the ability to target fortunes towards someone.
- Tyche was celebrated in various festivals across Greece, where citizens would invoke her favor for prosperity and protection against unforeseen disasters. These festivals often included games, theatrical performances, and sacrifices.
- Small shrines to Tyche could be found in many Greek homes. Where individuals would offer prayers and small offerings in hopes of securing her favor for their household’s prosperity and protection against sudden misfortune.
- In certain locations, Tyche was believed to deliver oracles. People would visit her temples seeking guidance on decisions, particularly those involving risks or the potential for great fortune or loss.
- In ancient art, Tyche was not only depicted in statues and on coins but also in mosaics and frescoes. Often as a central figure representing the city’s prosperity and well-being.
- In some myths, Tyche was associated with the sea’s fortunes, embodying the unpredictable nature of sea travel and trade. Sailors and merchants would pray to her before voyages, hoping for her protection from storms and for success in their endeavors.
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