Eidothea (Greek myth)

Eidothea (Ancient Greek: Εἰδοθέα) is a name appearing in Greek mythology, primarily associated with figures possessing prophetic or shape-shifting abilities. Two prominent individuals bear this name:

1. Eidothea, Daughter of Proteus: This Eidothea is the daughter of Proteus, the Old Man of the Sea, a shape-shifting sea god. She appears in Homer's Odyssey. In Book IV, she takes pity on Menelaus and his companions, who are stranded on the island of Pharos, unable to sail due to unfavorable winds. She instructs Menelaus on how to capture her father, Proteus, and force him to reveal the information they need to appease the gods and ensure a safe voyage home. Eidothea aids Menelaus by providing him and his men with sealskins to disguise themselves, enabling them to ambush Proteus during his noonday slumber.

2. Eidothea, a Nereid: Eidothea is also listed as one of the fifty Nereids, sea nymphs who are daughters of Nereus and Doris. These Nereids are generally benevolent figures associated with the sea, often assisting sailors. Her role as a Nereid is less prominent than that of Proteus's daughter in surviving mythological narratives. The primary source for her identification as a Nereid is the list provided by Homer in the Iliad (Book XVIII) as Thetis gathers her sisters to mourn Achilles' anticipated death.