Also called Lamiai (plural).
Their story
Lamia was a beautiful queen of Libya loved by Zeus. Jealous Hera killed her children, and in grief she became a monster who stole and devoured the children of others. Hera also took her sleep, but Zeus let her remove her eyes so she could rest. Greek nurses used her name, with Mormo and Gello, to frighten children into good behaviour.
Best times to give to them
- None traditional
- When reading or retelling the myth
What they like being given
- None are traditional; she was a bogey to frighten children
- A candle lit while reading or retelling the story
How to honour them
- Reflect on her story as one of grief turned monstrous, and on how unhealed grief can harm.
- Comfort children frightened at night rather than threatening them with monsters.
How they can help you
- Understanding grief and jealousy
- Ancient ideas of childhood fears
Symbols
- removable eyes
- serpent tail (later)
- cave
Later writers use lamiai for seductive vampire-like women, as in Philostratus.
Sources
- Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 20.41.3-6
- Aristophanes, Wasps 1177
- Strabo, Geography 1.2.8