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Pirithous Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Pirithous

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name PIRITHOUS. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Pirithous

Gender

Male

Origin

Greek

Lucky Number

9

Meaning of the Name

Pirithous is the name of a mythological Greek king known for his deep friendship with Theseus and daring adventures. The name evokes themes of loyalty, ambition, and the complex relationship between mortals and gods in Greek tradition.

Stages of a Male

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

9

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Mars

Positive Nature

Generous, passionate, energetic, and humanitarian.

Negative Traits

Impulsive, impatient, moody, and can be overly emotional.

Lucky Colours

Red, maroon, scarlet.

Lucky Days

Tuesday.

Lucky Stones

Red coral, garnet.

Harmony Numbers

1, 2, 3, 6.

Best Suited Professions

Military, sports, philanthropy, leadership roles.

What People Like About You

Courage, energy, leadership, generosity.

Famous People Named Pirithous

Pirithous (Mythological)

King of the Lapiths

Led the Lapiths in the famous Centauromachy against the centaurs

Pirithous (Literary)

Mythological Figure

Central figure in the story of attempting to abduct Persephone from the Underworld

Pirithous (Artistic)

Mythological Subject

Featured in numerous artworks depicting his friendship with Theseus and underworld adventures

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Peirithoos Ancient Greek Pirithous Latin/English Pirithoos Modern Greek Piritoo Italian

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Pirithous holds significant cultural importance in Greek mythology as the embodiment of deep friendship and daring ambition. As king of the Lapiths, his most famous story involves his wedding to Hippodamia, which sparked the Centauromachy when the centaurs, intoxicated by wine, attempted to abduct the bride and other Lapith women. This battle became a powerful symbol of civilization triumphing over barbarism in Greek art and literature. His even more audacious adventure with Theseus—attempting to kidnap Persephone from the Underworld to make her Pirithous's bride—represents the ultimate test of friendship and the consequences of hubris. This story has been interpreted as a cautionary tale about overreaching ambition and the sacred bonds of hospitality and friendship in ancient Greek society. The mythological tradition surrounding Pirithous explores themes of loyalty, the limits of human ambition, and the complex relationship between mortals and gods, making him a enduring figure in Western cultural consciousness.

Extended Personality Analysis

Pirithous is characterized by extreme loyalty and daring courage, tempered by a tendency toward reckless ambition. His friendship with Theseus represents one of mythology's most profound bonds, demonstrating unwavering commitment and mutual support—when Theseus helped him battle the centaurs, and when Pirithous returned the favor by joining Theseus's quests. However, this same loyalty could manifest as dangerous audacity, as seen in his willingness to accompany Theseus on perilous quests and his own ambitious plan to marry Persephone. His personality combines noble leadership qualities with a fatal flaw of overconfidence, making him a complex figure who embodies both the virtues and potential downfall of heroic ambition. The mythological tradition suggests a charismatic leader capable of inspiring great loyalty but prone to decisions that test the boundaries of divine and human limitations. His ultimate punishment—being bound eternally in the Underworld—serves as mythological commentary on the consequences of excessive pride and the importance of recognizing one's proper place in the cosmic order.

Modern Usage & Popularity

The name Pirithous remains extremely rare in modern times, primarily appearing in academic contexts, mythological studies, and occasional use in fiction or artistic works. It has never achieved significant popularity as a given name due to its complex mythological associations and challenging pronunciation. Contemporary usage is largely confined to literary references, classical studies, and as an unusual choice for parents deeply interested in Greek mythology. The name's association with underworld punishment and failed ambitions has likely contributed to its avoidance in mainstream naming practices. In recent decades, there has been minimal to no recorded usage in birth registries across English-speaking countries, maintaining its status as a primarily scholarly and mythological reference rather than a practical given name.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Pirithous symbolizes the dual nature of heroic friendship and dangerous ambition in Greek mythological tradition. His story represents the ultimate test of loyalty through his inseparable bond with Theseus, while simultaneously serving as a powerful warning against hubris and overreaching desires that challenge divine order. The mythological punishment of being bound to the Chair of Forgetfulness in Hades symbolizes the consequences of attempting to claim what is reserved for gods alone and serves as an allegory for the boundaries of human ambition. His narrative has been interpreted through various lenses: as a commentary on the price of friendship taken to extreme lengths, as a metaphor for the dangers of desiring immortal privileges, and as an exploration of how noble qualities like courage and loyalty can become destructive when divorced from wisdom and respect for cosmic boundaries.

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