Phrixus (also spelt Phryxus) is a name from Greek mythology, derived from the Greek Φρίξος (Phrixos), meaning "thrilling, causing shivers", from φρίξ (phrix) meaning "ripple, shiver" or "standing on end, bristling".
Mythology
In Greek myth, Phrixus was the son of Athamas, king of Boeotia, and Nephele, a cloud goddess. He was the older brother of Helle (eponym of the Hellespont). Their stepmother Ino hatched a plot to kill them: she roasted the crop seeds, causing famine, and bribed an oracle to demand the sacrifice of Phrixus and Helle. Before they could be sacrificed, Nephele sent a flying ram with golden wool to rescue them. While fleeing, Helle fell off and drowned, but Phrixus survived and reached Colchis, where he sacrificed the ram to Zeus and gave its Golden Fleece to King Aeëtes. Phrixus later married Chalciope, daughter of Aeëtes, and had sons including Argus, Phrontis, Melas, and Cytisorus.
Cultural Significance
The story of Phrixus and the Golden Fleece is central to the later myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who sought the fleece. The name's vivid meaning reflects the thrilling and perilous nature of his escape.
Related Names
A Greek variant Phrixos exists.
- Meaning: Thrilling, causing shivers
- Origin: Greek
- Type: Mythological name
- Usage: Greek mythology
Variants
Sources: Wikipedia — Phrixus