Lethe

usgb/ˈliːθi/
noun

In Greek mythology, a river in Hades that caused forgetfulness in those who drank its waters.

The souls of the dead would drink from the while crossing the underworld, erasing their previous human knowledge and memories.
Visual representation of "lethe" - In Greek mythology, a river in Hades that caused forgetfulness in those who drank its waters

Often appears as...

  • drink from lethe
  • fall into lethe

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "lethe"
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Mythological Origin

Remember that 'lethe' originates from Greek mythology and is often used in literary or historical contexts.

Illustration for Mythological Origin
Poets sometimes reference drinking from the river of lethe as a metaphor for forgetting.
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Literary Symbolism

'Lethe' is symbolically linked to forgetting past troubles or the relief of memory's burdens.

Illustration for Literary Symbolism
After her journey, she felt as if she bathed in the river of lethe, unburdened.
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Cultural Associations

Understanding 'lethe' may require familiarity with Western literary and cultural references to Hades and the afterlife.

Illustration for Cultural Associations
His memoir avoided the darker times, a narrative lethe cleansing historical memory.
Visual representation of the word "Lethe"

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