ΠΟΛΥΠΟΥΣ

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, the ἀγάπη (polypus, ὁ) primarily refers to the 'octopus' or 'cuttlefish,' a marine cephalopod with many tentacles. The word is a compound of 'πολύς' (many) and 'πούς' (foot), eloquently describing its characteristic multitude of appendages. Its earliest appearance in ancient Greek literature is in Homer, where it is used to describe Odysseus clinging to rocks, suggesting the creature's strength and tenacity.

Beyond its literal meaning as an animal, the polypus also acquired metaphorical uses. Due to its ability to change color and adapt to its environment, it was used to describe a cunning, fickle person, or one who adapts to circumstances for personal gain. Plutarch, for instance, mentions the proverb «πολύπους τῇ πέτρῃ προσίσχει» ('the octopus clings to the rock') to emphasize the necessity of adaptation.

Within the context of 'mythological' concepts, the polypus, as a creature of the deep, was associated with the unknown and the formidable. Its complexity and peculiar form could render it a symbol of sea monsters or forces of nature that transcend human understanding. Although there is no specific myth featuring the polypus as a protagonist, its presence in ancient depictions and its description by authors such as Aristotle in his 'History of Animals,' where he analyzes its biology with astonishing detail, establish it as a creature that stimulates imagination and thought, bridging natural observation with symbolic interpretation.

Main Meanings

1. The marine animal (octopus, cuttlefish) — The literal and most common meaning, referring to the cephalopod with many tentacles. (Cf. Aristotle, «Historia Animalium»).
2. Metaphorically: The cunning, fickle person — Due to the octopus's ability to change color and adapt, the word was used for individuals who change their stance or character according to circumstances. (Cf. Plutarch, «Moralia»).
3. Symbolically: Creature of mystery and adaptability — As an inhabitant of the deep and with its peculiar form, the polypus could symbolize the unknown, survival, and flexibility.
4. Mythologically: Sea monster — In certain contexts, the complexity of its tentacles could allude to formidable marine creatures or forces of nature.
5. Botanically: A type of plant — In rare instances, it refers to a type of fern, possibly due to the shape of its roots or leaves. (Cf. Theophrastus, «Enquiry into Plants»).
6. Medically: Polyp (tumor) — Later, in medical terminology, the term was used for tumors that resemble an octopus due to their branching structure. (Cf. Galen).

Word Family

poly- + pod- (roots of πολύς and πούς)

The word polypus is a compound noun derived from two ancient Greek roots: poly- (from the adjective πολύς, meaning 'many, much') and pod- (from the noun πούς, meaning 'foot'). This transparent compound creates a family of words that describe either abundance and quantity, or the foot and movement, or combinations thereof. The root poly- is extremely productive in compounds denoting multitude, while the root pod- is fundamental for concepts related to walking and support. Each member of the family highlights an aspect of these basic concepts.

In Ancient Texts

Three characteristic passages highlight the variety of uses of the polypus in ancient literature:

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΠΟΛΥΠΟΥΣ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
• Homer — Odyssey, edited by W. B. Stanford. Bristol Classical Press, 1996.
• Aristotle — History of Animals, translated by D. M. Balme. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1991.
• Plutarch — Moralia, edited by F. C. Babbitt. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1927.
• Theophrastus — Enquiry into Plants, translated by A. F. Hort. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1916.
• Galen — De Locis Affectis, edited by K. G. Kühn. Leipzig: C. Cnobloch, 1821-1833.