Tereus Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Tereus

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

Name

Tereus

Gender

Male

Origin

Greek

Lucky Number

Meaning of the Name

Tereus is the name of a mythological king of Thrace known for his tragic story of violence and betrayal. The name carries associations of power, passion, and the dramatic consequences of moral failure in Greek legend.

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Neptune (Ketu)

Positive Nature

Intuitive, analytical, spiritual, and inquisitive.

Negative Traits

Secretive, reserved, aloof, and can be overly critical.

Lucky Colours

Green, yellow.

Lucky Days

Monday.

Lucky Stones

Cat’s eye, moonstone.

Harmony Numbers

1, 5, 6.

Best Suited Professions

Scientists, researchers, spiritual leaders, detectives.

What People Like About You

Depth of knowledge, analytical skills, spirituality.

Famous People Named Tereus

Tereus of Thrace

Mythological King

Central figure in the tragic myth involving his wife Procne and sister-in-law Philomela

Tereus (Literary Character)

Theatrical Character

Featured in Sophocles' lost tragedy 'Tereus' and referenced in Ovid's Metamorphoses

Tereus (Operatic Role)

Opera Character

Appears in various Baroque operas based on the Greek myth, including works by German composers

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Tereus Greek/Latin Térée French Tereo Italian Terej Slavic adaptation

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Tereus occupies a crucial position in Greek mythology as one of its most complex and morally ambiguous figures. As the Thracian king whose story unfolds in tragedy, his narrative serves as a profound exploration of cultural boundaries, with Tereus representing the 'barbarian' other whose actions violate Greek social norms. The myth has been interpreted as commentary on the tension between civilization and savagery, with Tereus embodying how foreign influences could corrupt and destroy Greek familial structures. This story has resonated through Western literature for millennia, influencing everything from Roman poetry to Renaissance drama and modern psychological interpretations. The enduring power of the Tereus myth lies in its examination of universal themes: the corruption of power, the consequences of unrestrained desire, and the cyclical nature of violence and revenge that ultimately consumes all involved.

Extended Personality Analysis

The personality associated with Tereus is characterized by dramatic intensity and moral complexity. From the mythological tradition, we understand Tereus as a figure of commanding presence and martial prowess, yet fundamentally flawed by overwhelming passions and poor judgment. This suggests someone with strong leadership qualities but vulnerable to emotional extremes - capable of deep affection and loyalty, but equally capable of horrific violence when provoked or consumed by desire. The name implies a personality marked by contradiction: a warrior king who protects his people yet destroys his own family, a hospitable host who commits the ultimate violation of guest-rights. This duality makes Tereus symbolic of the human capacity for both nobility and monstrosity, representing how virtues like courage and passion can transform into their destructive counterparts when unchecked by wisdom and moral restraint. The archetype warns of the danger when strong-willed individuals lack self-control.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Tereus remains an extraordinarily rare choice, primarily confined to academic circles, literary references, and occasional use by enthusiasts of Greek mythology. The name has never registered in mainstream baby name databases or popularity charts, largely due to its association with one of Greek mythology's most violent and tragic narratives. Its modern appearance is typically in scholarly works, fantasy literature, or as character names in media drawing from classical sources. Some parents might choose it for its distinctive sound and deep historical roots, overlooking the negative mythological associations in favor of its unique classical quality. However, its usage remains minimal compared to other Greek mythological names like Jason or Orion, and it's more likely to be encountered in cultural or educational contexts than in birth announcements.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Tereus represents the destructive potential of unrestrained power and passion. His story serves as an archetype of how noble qualities can become corrupted, symbolizing the transformation from civilized behavior to barbaric action. The name evokes themes of violation and retribution, embodying the classical concept that extreme crimes demand extreme punishments. Tereus also symbolizes cultural boundaries and the fear of foreign influence, representing how outside forces can disrupt social order. The metamorphosis that concludes his myth adds another layer of symbolism - the physical transformation into a bird representing both punishment and eternal reminder of his crimes. In broader terms, Tereus stands as a symbolic warning about the consequences of betraying fundamental human bonds and the inevitable cycle of violence that follows such transgressions against nature and morality.

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