Hyperion (mythology)

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"Theia yielded to Hyperion's love and gave birth
to great Helios and bright Selene and Eos,
who brings light to all the mortals of this earth
and to the immortal gods who rule the wide sky."
(Hesiod, Theogony, 371-374)

Hyperion plays virtually no role in Greek cult and little role in mythology, save in lists of the twelve Titans. Later Greeks intellectualized their myths:

"Of Hyperion we are told that he was the first to understand, by diligent attention and observation, the movement of both the sun and the moon and the other stars, and the seasons as well, in that they are caused by these bodies, and to make these facts known to others; and that for this reason he was called the father of these bodies, since he had begotten, so to speak, the speculation about them and their nature." —Diodorus Siculus (5.67.1)
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Hyperion in Neopaganism

Modern interpretations of Hyperion by Neopagans, particularly Hellenistic sects in the United States, include the interpretation that he is the all seeing, and subsequently all knowing, god of observation. Others believe that Hyperion holds ultimate reign over the positions of the stars and the heavens, and can at times reveal celestial messages to careful observers. He is seen as impartial and unconcerned with mortals. Hyperion is believed to play a role in the final judgment of a mortal soul, particularly making observations about one's virtuous and ill deeds before Hades, and adding weight to the scales held by Themis.

Some modern pagans burn oils and incense to Hyperion and pray for worldly knowledge, or in some cases extended sight. There are those who believe that extended sight is impossible to control, and that some things in the universe are beyond mortal comprehension and should remain unseen. Others claim that extended sight can include seeing into Tartarus (hell) and may result in madness, thus some sects discourage active worship of Hyperion. Most sects that include the worship of Hyperion also include the worship of Hecate, and more commonly Theia. Such sects typically encourage experimentation with the paranormal.

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Hyperion in fiction

  • Hyperion is one of three titans that Xena meets in Xena: Warrior Princess in season 1, episode 7 called "The Titans".
  • John Keats wrote the poems 'Hyperion' and 'The Fall of Hyperion' in his honour.
  • Dan Simmons SciFi books 'Hyperion' and 'The Fall of Hyperion' are named after John Keats' writings though the relationship with Greek mythology is thinner here.
  • Hyperion is the name of Heath's dragon in Fire Emblem.
  • Hyperion is the name of Seifer's gunblade in Final Fantasy VIII.
  • Hyperion is the name of a hero unit Battlecruiser in Blizzard's, Starcraft, piloted by Jim Raynor, which has a key role in the final mission of Starcraft.
  • Hamlet compares his father (the late Old Hamlet) to Hyperion and his userping uncle Claudius to a satyr: "Hyperion to a satyr,"-Act I Scene IIast:Hiperión (mitoloxía)

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