In Greek mythology, we know many deities governed various aspects of the human
experience and existence, those which embodied different virtues, domains and emotions.
Amongst these divine beings was the goddess Clymene, a goddess associated with fame,
renown and the cycle of life. Though she is often overlooked in comparison
to the more prominent goddesses, Clymene’s qualities as an Oceanid and her motherhood
over some of the more famous Titans make her a character worth exploring.
Known also as ‘Asia Klymene’ - with a K or Klymeneia, or simply ‘Asia’, according
to Pseudo Apollodorus, Clymene traces her lineage back to the first generation Titans who ruled the
world before the times of the Olympians. Hesiod, in his Theogony, tells us that she was one of the
eldest daughters of Oceanus, the personification of the world river and Tethys, the goddess of
fresh water. As she was a daughter of Tethys, this would in effect make Clymene what is known as an
oceanid - or a nymph - a deity that presided over nature and the elements. We are told in Hesiod’s
theogony, “Tethys brought forth also a race apart of daughters, who with lord Apollon and the Rivers
have the young in their keeping all over the earth, since this right from Zeus is given them.
They are Hippo and Klymene, Rhodesia and Kallirhoe [amongst many others]. Now these are the eldest
daughters who born to Tethys and Oceanus, but there are many others beside these, for there
are three thousand light-stepping daughters of Oceanus scattered far and wide, bright children
amongst the goddesses, and all alike look after the earth and depths of the standing water.”
By being born into such esteemed parentage and being one of the eldest amongst the three
thousand nymphs that followed, it’s reasonable to say that Clymene inherited
both the divine essence of the Titans and the elemental powers associated with water.
Unfortunately, in mythology itself, there is seldom any moment where
Clyemene takes the spotlight and is seen to ever demonstrate such power.
Her primary domain and sphere of influence lies in the aspects of fame and renown.
She was believed to possess the ability to bestow recognition,
praise and even a sense of immortality upon mortals who had achieved greatness,
whether through one’s own accomplishments, talents or heroic deeds. Essentially, Clymene could be
seen as a patroness to those who aspired to be remembered throughout history and thus,
she motivated individuals to strive for excellence and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Considering how closely associated Clymene was with the realm of moral fame and renown,
it’s no wonder that Clymene was married to the titan Iapetus,
he who was a god of mortality and the mortal lifespan.
Hesiod’s Theogony confirms this as we are told, "Iapetos took Klymene, the light-stepping daughter
of Okeanos, to be his wife, and mounted into the same bed with her, and she bore him."
In a sense, one might say whilst Clymene dealt with the prospects of man’s legacy,
Iapetus had dealings with the duration of man’s life, and that together,
they were able to determine how long a man had to live and work in order to achieve is fame
and renown as well as how long he might be remembered for. With Iapetus, Clymene
gave birth to some notable offspring including Atlas, Menoetius, Prometheus and Epimetheus.
These children would come to play significant roles in the mythology, with Prometheus being
renowned for his assistance to humanity in his gift of fire and Atlas being renowned for
his incredible strength as he held the sky above the world. Whilst not directly involved in these
stories, her presence can be inferred through her motherhood to these particular titans,
which adds some depth to her character and underscores her connection to the Titan lineage.
The Bibliotheca of Pseudo-Apollodorus does tell us of these events,
though as mentioned, Apollodorus refers to Clymene as ‘Asia’. We are told,
"The Titanes had children . . . Atlas (who holds the sky on his shoulders), Prometheus,
Epimetheus, and Menoitios, whom Zeus struck with a thunderbolt in the Titan battle and confined to
Tartaros, were all sons of Iapetos and Asia." Clymene's influence extends beyond the realms
of Greek mythology. Her embodiment of fame and renown serves as a timeless concept that resonates
in modern society. The desire for recognition, the pursuit of achievements, and the yearning
to leave a lasting legacy remain inherent aspects of human nature. As a goddess who champions those
who strive for greatness and leave an indelible mark on the world, Clymene's presence reminds us
of the enduring human pursuit for recognition and the desire to be remembered throughout the ages.
As always guys, if you’ve enjoyed today’s episode on Greek Mythology Explained, then don’t forget
to give this video a thumbs up and don’t forget to subscribe for more content just like this.
Furthermore, if you’re a fan of Greek Mythology as much as I am, then you may want to check out
a copy of our book Greek Mythology Explained, where we retell a few of our favorite myths
and explore the meanings and themes behind them. With that being said, I hope you all have a good
evening and I’ll see you in the next one. Until next time!