Scylla
Originating from Greek mythology, Scylla is a sea monster of terror, with multiple heads each bearing sharp teeth, poised to strike. She guards the narrow strait with relentless aggression, showcasing the perilous and the monstrous nature of mythical sea creatures.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Greek mythology
- Trait family
- The Horn-Blessed
Near this figure
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Legs bears image-domain Legs denote upright support and the individual journey of a life, answering the Sphinx's riddle by their number, and hobbled to signify conquest.
why
Her lower body consists of twelve tentacle-like legs and a ring of dog heads around her waist, adding to her monstrous appearance.
- Teeth bears image-domain Teeth denote the capacity to seize, bite and hold, bared in threat or defence, and dreamt falling when the power to grasp life feels compromised.
why
Originating from Greek mythology, Scylla is a sea monster of terror, with multiple heads each bearing sharp teeth, poised to strike.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Multi-headed body
why
Described as having multiple heads, often six or more, each equipped with three rows of razor-sharp teeth, Scylla is a nightmarish fusion of woman and beast.
- Cursed into monstrous form
why
Scylla was once a beautiful nymph, transformed into a monster by the jealous sorceress Circe.
- Hybrid of multiple animals
why
Her lower body consists of twelve tentacle-like legs and a ring of dog heads around her waist, adding to her monstrous appearance.
- Octopus-like sea monster form
why
Her lower body consists of twelve tentacle-like legs
Behaviour
- Aggressive territorial charges
why
She guards the narrow strait with relentless aggression, showcasing the perilous and the monstrous nature of mythical sea creatures.
Offensive powers
- Devastating bite
why
Scylla's position in the strait is fixed, making her a known danger that sailors must face, yet her multiple heads and swift strikes make her nearly impossible to evade completely.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Anima carries
3 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 510.
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Scylla."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Scylla."
- Shadow carries both readings
3 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 510.
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Scylla."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Scylla."
- Threshold carries both readings
3 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 510.
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Scylla."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Scylla."
- Father meets
3 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 510.
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Scylla."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Scylla."
- Hero meets
3 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 510.
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Scylla."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Scylla."
- Trickster meets
3 citations
- Apollodorus, translated by J. G. Frazer, The Library, p. 510.
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Scylla."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Scylla."