Echidna

Echidna was half woman, half speckled snake, known as the 'Mother of all Monsters' because many of the more famous monsters in Greek mythology were mothered by her. Echidna was the daughter of Tartarus and Gaia. She was a drakaina, with the face and torso of a beautiful woman and the body of a serpent, sometimes having two serpent's tails. In some stories, she has been said to have wings on her nymph body.

Echidna was known to protect the vineyards and lived in a cave, coming out to snatch up and eat those passing. Her and her mate attacked the Olympians, but Zeus beat them back and punished Typhon by sealing him under Mount Etna. However, Zeus allowed Echidna and her children to live as a challenge to future heroes.

Echidna mated frequently with Typhoeus producing a variety of offspring. Although she was an ageless nymph, she was not immortal. Echidna was finally killed when sleeping by Argos Panoptes, the hundred-eyed giant.

Paintings:

Unfortunately, it has been very difficult in sourcing paintings for Echidna. I have found a couple of modern paintings on her, except they are anonymous.

The first painting below shows Echidna sitting by rocks, staring at something. It may just be the sky, or it could be her waiting for her next victim. The painting has shown use of all primary colours, strongly using red.

 

 

The painting below shows Echidna in a 'happy' environment surrounded by her offspring. The colours in the painting very a lot, yet they have that 'faded' effect. Like other creatures, this painting shows Echidna to be wearing nothing on her torso... Maybe this is what lures men into her cave.

Film / Television Series:

Unfortunately, due to her unpopularity, Echidna has not featured in any films or televsioin series. Her offspring, Gorgons and Sphinx, etc, have been much more popular.

Below is a video that I have found, which includes information about Echidna and a few photographs. Skip to 6:19 to see her section.

Books:

TITLE: Hesiod's Theogony
AUTHOR: Richard S. Caldwell
YEAR: 1987
A focus information group

This book provides information on the history and background of the mythological context in which it is placed.

TITLE: Lernaean Hydra: Greek Mythology
AUTHOR: Frederic P. Miller
YEAR: 2010

This book mainly discusses the importance of the Serpent in Greek Mythology. It talks about different creatures, including Echidna.

 

Photography:

TITLE: Myth to Life: Echidna
PHOTOGRAPHER: Red Phoenix

This photograph shows a modern conception of the Greek Mythological Creature, Echidna. It is a very naturally pretty young girl with what appears to be a 'photoshopped' Serpent's tail added to her waist down. Again, this photograph shows nudity on the top half of her human body.

 

 

Below is another photograph taken of a beautiful lady with an edited background and Serpent's tail to give off the true effect of Echidna.