Hellens

Hellens (also sometimes spelled Hellenes) refers to the Greek people. Specifically, it's the name the Greeks have historically used to refer to themselves as a collective ethnic and cultural group. The term derives from Hellen, a mythological ancestor figure in Greek tradition.

The use of "Hellens" encompasses a sense of shared identity based on language, culture, traditions, and history. It's broader than simply referring to citizens of the modern nation-state of Greece, as it includes Greeks living in diaspora around the world.

The distinction between "Hellens" and "Greeks" is often a matter of context. While "Greeks" is commonly used in English to describe the people and culture of Greece, "Hellens" carries a deeper historical and cultural significance, emphasizing the continuity of Greek identity from antiquity to the present day. The term is also frequently employed in academic contexts and within the Greek community itself when discussing broader aspects of Greek history, culture, and ethnicity. The modern nation-state of Greece is often referred to as the Hellenic Republic.

The concept of Hellenism refers to Greek culture and civilization, and being a Hellen implies adherence to, or a connection with, these cultural values and traditions.