Meander: what is the symbolism behind the grip of the warriors
  • Home page/Blog
    • Ancient Greece
    • Archaeology
    • Mythology
    • Architecture
    • Artefact
    • Inventions
    • Tourism
    • News
    • Science
    • General
    • Weird
    • Recipes
    • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Menu

GHD

  • Home page/Blog
  • History
    • Ancient Greece
    • Archaeology
    • Mythology
  • Art
    • Architecture
    • Artefact
    • Inventions
  • Travel
    • Tourism
  • Other
    • News
    • Science
    • General
    • Weird
    • Recipes
    • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Meander greek symbol.jpg

Meander: what is the symbolism behind the grip of the warriors

December 27, 2020

Once the king of Fthia, Peleas, saw in the moonlight a goddess dancing with the daughters of the water. It was the goddess Thetis, who was forced by the prophecy of Prometheus to marry a mortal, in order to not be born, he who would overthrow the almighty Zeus.

This magnificent theme is beautifully depicted on a red-figure chalice dating from 500 BC, which is now in the West Berlin Museum. This magnificent depiction shows Peleus defying the serpents of divine transformation that bite him everywhere, as well as the lion that growls hooked on his back.

peleus.jpg

Peleus defeats the transformations of the beautiful goddess with the sacred "grip", or "Meander" as it later became known, the famous ancient Greek symbol of victory over the gods.

Π Θ - Αντίγραφο.jpg

The dictionaries, however, say that Meander is "the decorative ancient Greek figure commemorating the maneuvers of the river Caria Meander where it was first found and from which it took its name."

The "Meander grip" is used repeatedly by Hercules, as is clearly highlighted in this masterful depiction of Hercules' battle with Triton in an angiograph of 550 BC, where we see Triton trying in vain to open his iron fingers locked with the invincible hero's Meander grip.

cebcceb1ceb9ceb1cebdceb4cf81cebfcf83-ceb1ceb3ceb3ceb5ceb9cebf.jpg

It might be no coincidence that some angiographies alluding to defeats of the Gods or excessive heroism are often crowned with a Meander.

Geometric bowl decorated with a meander, from 730-720 BC

Geometric bowl decorated with a meander, from 730-720 BC

A typical Attic red-figure cup with meander pattern at borders

A typical Attic red-figure cup with meander pattern at borders

In Mythology
← 11 Thought-Provoking Quotes By PericlesArchaeologists uncover well-preserved ‘fast food’ counter in Pompeii →
Featured
korensios.jpg
Jul 23, 2025
The Greek Painter Who Ruled Half of Italy—and Allegedly Killed His Rivals
Jul 23, 2025
Jul 23, 2025
488645114_9616439088403699_1868340199570535276_n.jpg
Jul 23, 2025
Tattooing in Ancient Greece: A Mark of Shame and Subjugation
Jul 23, 2025
Jul 23, 2025
dinfo-1.jpg
Jul 19, 2025
Greek Auto Mechanic Builds Real-Life Flintstones Village in Karditsa — Tourists Flock to Visit
Jul 19, 2025
Jul 19, 2025
drone2-780x427.jpg
Jul 19, 2025
Greek Military Develops and Tests Homemade Drones at Souda Bay (Video)
Jul 19, 2025
Jul 19, 2025
PARALIES_AKTES_POSEIDONIA-1200x675-1-780x450.jpg
Jul 19, 2025
A Rare Phenomenon Appears on Greek Beaches – What Are the Strange Sea-Borne Pods?
Jul 19, 2025
Jul 19, 2025
kordas-kifisia9-1-780x470.jpg
Jul 19, 2025
A First in Greece: House in Kifisia Features Underwater Bedroom Pool Aquarium
Jul 19, 2025
Jul 19, 2025
01-1-780x450.jpg
Jul 19, 2025
The Wavy Resort in Epidaurus That Blends into the Earth Like a Chameleon — and Is Praised by the International Press
Jul 19, 2025
Jul 19, 2025
image_2025-07-12_001701823.png
Jul 11, 2025
New Video Reveals What the Inside of the Parthenon Looked Like 2,400 Years Ago – And Its Stunning Play of Light
Jul 11, 2025
Jul 11, 2025
SEE MORE

Powered by ©GreeceHighDefinition / Privacy Policy