Also called Typhoeus, Typhaon.
Their story
Typhon was the last child of Gaia, by Tartarus, with a hundred snake heads flashing fire and voices of every beast. He rose against Zeus, who fought him with thunderbolts until he was hurled into Tartarus. From him come the dangerous, fitful winds. Pindar and others say he lies pinned beneath Mount Etna, which breathes his fire.
Best times to give to them
- During violent storms
- None traditional
What they like being given
- None are traditional; he was feared, not honoured
- A candle lit while reading or retelling the story
How to honour them
- In a storm, stay indoors and reflect on the forces order holds back.
- Consider what in your life is volcanic and how to give it a safe outlet.
How they can help you
- Understanding storms and volcanoes in myth
- Facing overwhelming forces
Symbols
- hundred serpent heads
- fire
- Mount Etna
- coils
The Homeric Hymn to Apollo makes Hera, not Gaia, his mother.
Sources
- Hesiod, Theogony 820-880
- Homeric Hymn 3, to Apollo 305-355
- Pindar, Pythian 1.15-28
- Apollodorus, Library 1.6.3