Brizo /ˈbrz/ (Greek: Βριζώ; derived from Ancient Greek word βρίζω meaning "to slumber") is an ancient Greek goddess who was known as the protector of mariners, sailors, and fishermen.[1][2][3] Brizo was also known as a prophetic goddess specializing in the interpretation of dreams,[4]

One of the epithets that was used in ancient Greece for the seers who specialized at the interpretation of dreams was brizomantis (βριζόμαντις).[5][6]

Worship

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She was worshipped primarily by the women of Delos, who set out food offerings in small boats. Brizo would accept anything but fish.[2] Along with the offerings, Lillian Lawler has suggested that a dance done by sailors at Delos was in honour of Brizo.[7]

Prayers were addressed to her to grant everything that was good, but especially to safeguard ships.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Dictionary of Classical Antiquities". Archived from the original on 2011-06-05.
  2. ^ a b "Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898), Brizo". Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  3. ^ Talks, Religious (2017-09-29). "Brizo greek goddess - the protector of mariners". Religious Talks. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  4. ^ "Greek Divination". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
  5. ^ Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, enypniomantis
  6. ^ a b A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Brizo
  7. ^ Lawler, Lillian B. (1944). "The Dance of the Ancient Mariners". Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association. 75: 20–33. doi:10.2307/283307. ISSN 0065-9711. JSTOR 283307.