Tethys

In Greek mythology, Tethys was the goddess of freshwater and the mother of all rivers. She was also the wife of Oceanus and the grandmother of Zeus. Her name means “the one who gives birth” or “nurturer”.

Tethys is believed to have been the original owner of all the world’s fresh water, which she kept in her great underground reservoir. When Zeus released his fire-breathing giant Typhon against Olympus, Tethys hid all the rivers in her cave to protect them from Typhon’s heat.

The ancients saw Tethys as a symbol of fertility and life-giving waters. In art, she is often shown holding a pitcher or urn from which streams flow forth. The Romans identified her with their goddess Aqua (water).