Hypnos

Hypnos, in Greek mythology, is the personification of sleep. He is the son of Nyx (night) and Erebus (darkness), and the twin brother of Thanatos (death). hypnos dwells in a dark cave in the Underworld, where he is depicted as a gentle god who brings tranquility and rest. He is often portrayed with wings, symbolizing his ability to travel swiftly and silently, and is frequently associated with poppies, symbolic of sleep and oblivion. His power lies in his ability to induce sleep, influencing both gods and mortals alike.

Hypnos meaning with examples

• Morpheus, one of Hypnos's sons, was known for shaping dreams and appearing to mortals in their slumber. The drowsy student struggled against Hypnos's irresistible embrace, fighting to stay awake during the lecture. The weary traveler welcomed the soothing embrace of hypnos after a long journey, falling into a deep, restful sleep. Ancient Greek artists frequently depicted hypnos in their artwork, often with his twin brother Thanatos.
• The soothing lullaby was an attempt to invoke hypnos and lull the crying baby to sleep. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, she felt the gentle touch of hypnos as her eyelids grew heavy. In Homer's works, hypnos is often portrayed as powerful, able to subdue even Zeus. The doctors suspected her insomnia was a sign that Hypnos's influence was being blocked, and ordered a full exam.
• The quiet atmosphere in the library felt like Hypnos's embrace; one by one the students fell asleep. The poet described their struggles to keep their eyes open, and to resist Hypnos. During a particularly tense scene, the film director hoped to invoke the imagery of Hypnos. The story featured a dream world, where hypnos seemed to hold power over the protagonist's perception of reality.
• The calming music had a hypnotic effect, causing the audience to feel like hypnos had gently drifted into the room. His research explored the relationship between physical exhaustion and Hypnos. In some interpretations, the absence of hypnos represents the loss of rest. The artist depicted hypnos using dark colours.
• After a sleepless night the soldier longed for Hypnos. The tranquil beach induced a feeling of Hypnos. The therapist worked to help the patient feel Hypnos. The medication was made to emulate Hypnos.