Λερναία Ύδρα
Lernaía Ýdrafeminine
The English phrase 'hydra' refers to the mythical serpent in Greek, known as Λερναία Ύδρα (Lernaía Ýdra).
Λερναία Ύδρα is the name used for the specific mythical serpent of Greek mythology.
Meaning: mythical serpent (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name consists of two parts: the adjective Λερναία (Lernaía), which means 'Lernaean' or 'of Lerna' to identify the creature's home and the noun Ύδρα (Ýdra), which is derived from the Greek word for water to reflect its aquatic nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
Lernaía Ýdra
Did you know?
- While the mythical serpent is the Λερναία Ύδρα, there is a real Greek island named Ύδρα. It is famous for its ban on cars and its history as a maritime power.
- In modern Greek, ύδρα describes a tiny freshwater polyp that can regenerate its entire body.
- The marshes of Lerna, which give Λερναία its name, were anciently considered a portal to the underworld.
Examples in context
- Η Λερναία Ύδρα ήταν πολύ επικίνδυνη.I Lernaia Hydra itan poly epikindyni.The Lernaean Hydra was very dangerous.
- Ο Ηρακλής νίκησε τη Λερναία Ύδρα.O Heraklis niki-se ti Lernaia Hydra.Hercules defeated the Lernaean Hydra.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are discussing Greek mythology in a library.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΞέρεις ποια ήταν η Λερναία Ύδρα;Xéreis pia ítan i Lernaía Ýdra?Do you know who the Lernaean Hydra was?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, ήταν το φίδι με τα πολλά κεφάλια.Ne, ítan to fídi me ta pollá kefália.Yes, it was the snake with many heads.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠώς κατάφερε να τη νικήσει ο Ηρακλής;Pos katáfere na ti nikísei o Irakles?How did Heracles manage to defeat it?
- Ελένη EleniΈκαψε τα κεφάλια της Λερναίας Ύδρας.Ékapse ta kefália tis Lernaías Ýdras.He burned the heads of the Lernaean Hydra.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hydra” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
