Chronos and Cronus: Exploring the Greek Gods of Time and Mythology
Chronos, in Greek mythology, is often associated with the concept of time, but he is distinct from Cronus (Kronos), the Titan who was the father of Zeus and other Olympian gods. The confusion between Chronos and Cronus is common due to the similarity in their names.
Chronos, or Khronos, represents the abstract, personification of time, often depicted as a god with no distinct personality or characteristics. He is more closely related to the abstract and unmeasurable aspects of time, like eternity or the passage of time itself. In some depictions, he is represented as a serpent or a winged creature, symbolizing the ever-flowing and continuous nature of time.
On the other hand, Cronus (Kronos) was one of the Titans, and he was associated with the harvest and agriculture. In some accounts, Cronus is also linked to time, particularly the cyclical and destructive nature of time as he was said to have devoured his own children, including Zeus, to prevent them from eventually overthrowing him.
Chronos is more closely related to the concept of time as a fundamental, abstract force, while Cronus is a distinct character in Greek mythology with a specific set of actions and stories. Clocks, as we know them today, are a relatively modern invention and not directly related to either Chronos or Cronus. The measurement of time using mechanical devices like clocks came much later in human history.
It's important to note that the ancient Greeks had a complex and evolving mythology with different versions and interpretations of their gods and stories. As a result, the association between Chronos and time, as well as any confusion with Cronus, likely developed over time through a combination of linguistic factors, philosophical considerations, and the way these concepts were represented in Greek culture and literature.
Image: "Chronos and His Child" by Giovanni Francesco Romanelli. National Museum in Warsaw, a 17th-century depiction of Chronos as Father Time, wielding a harvesting scythe.
In addition to my thirst for learning, I have two captivating hobbies that allow me to express my diverse interests: collecting vinyl and watches. With a keen ear for music, I immerse myself in the ri...
Interesting, thanks for sharing. I agree that neither of those seem to align too closely with clocks and watches, I wonder how the association started.
very interesting history and distinction, thank you for having it and teaching/showing it
Interesting, thanks for sharing. I agree that neither of those seem to align too closely with clocks and watches, I wonder how the association started.
Good question, to be brief, most likely the association may have been linguistic. The Greek word "Chronos" (Χρόνος) is etymologically related to "chronology" and "chronicle," which both deal with the recording and tracking of time.
Chronos is also Saturn when Romanised, to whom the ancient Romans dedicated the midwinter festival of Saturnalia which has since been replaced with our Christmas. Saturn equates linguistically to Satan. The planet Saturn was once in place of the Sun in ancient cosmologies and referred to as the Dark Sun, a.k.a. also Satan. Basically, all of us who wear watches are worshippers of Saturn. In other words, we are disciples of Satan. Watches are evil.
The planet Saturn also has a strange hexagonal cloud on top of it which inspired Genta designs, making those watches even more evil still.
Yes, in Roman mythology, Chronos is often identified with the god Saturn. However the words "Saturn" and "Satan" are not related in terms of their etymology or historical origins. Satan comes from the Hebrew word "שָׂטָן" (pronounced "satan") and appears in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as a term referring to an accuser or adversary.
Not true. Although Satan literally means "not God" in Hebrew, in pre-medieval times, the horned god Saturn became most certainly identified with Satan, as did Cernunnos, the Green Man, and any others which the early Christian church could conflate and use in anti-pagan imagery.
Also going back to the Saturn myths, and symbolism, the hexagon is also seen as an ever seeing eye and referred to in Freemasonry.
The levels of crossover between Saturn imagery and Satan imagery are a fascinating rabbit hole to waste your time on a wet afternoon, or waste 5 years of your life at university studying it like I did. 😉University is also evil and nothing but a scam too, because ultimately we all know nothing, not even where our consciousness comes from or where it goes.
Okay here we go, the 'Saturn and Satan' showdown: Saturn and Satan are about as related as a flat earth and common sense! 🔵👹
I'm glad you said 'clocks, as we know them today' because it is believed that stone henge was a Callander/clock of some description and the Egyptians were clever enough to build pyramids so I'm sure they figured something out.
I'm glad you said 'clocks, as we know them today' because it is believed that stone henge was a Callander/clock of some description and the Egyptians were clever enough to build pyramids so I'm sure they figured something out.
Yes, I also believe that Stonehenge was an astronomical calendar and marks a significant moment in time. 🍻
Yes, I also believe that Stonehenge was an astronomical calendar and marks a significant moment in time. 🍻
We can only speculate about these things because ironically this knowledge has been lost to time.
We can only speculate about these things because ironically this knowledge has been lost to time.
True.
Interesting, thanks for sharing. I agree that neither of those seem to align too closely with clocks and watches, I wonder how the association started.
Marketing, marketing, marketing.
Some say Daniel Wellington is a mythological creature.