Charybdis (Ancient Greek: Χάρυβδις (Khárubdis)) is a large creature in Greek mythology that is often described as a whirlpool. It appears in the epic, the Odyssey, and also has a brief appearance in the story of Jason and the Argonauts.
Description[]
Scylla and Charybdis.
Charybdis is sometimes referred to as a whirlpool with a cauldron-like stomach. Other times, it is referred to as a gigantic mouth capable of swallowing millions of gallons of water, creating a huge whirlpool miles wide, then spitting it back out. Charybdis is also described as being eternally hungry. It is located in a strait across from the monster Scylla.
Myths & Legends[]
The Odyssey[]
In Homer's epic, the Odyssey, the hero Odysseus has a choice to either sail near Scylla or Charybdis. Odysseus chooses Scylla because he would only lose six men rather than the entire crew and She is the Daughter of Poseidon and Gaia.
In the movie adaptation, however, what is left of Odysseus's crew comes across Charybdis after a relentless attack from Scylla. The entire crew and the ship fall into the yawning pit of Charybdis's mouth, and Odysseus is the only survivor.
Modern Depictions[]
Films[]
- The Charybdis appears as a gigantic creature creating whirlpools in Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters.
- The Charybdis is an enormous underwater creature, that creates whirlpools and sucks in ships, in 1997 miniseries "The Odyssey".
Gallery[]
