What does it mean word for word?
γλαῦξ is likely connected to γλαυκός, meaning 'gleaming' or 'grey-blue', describing the bird's distinctive pale, bright eyes.
Which one should you use?
The adjective γλαυκῶπις, 'owl-eyed' or 'bright-eyed', is a standing epithet for Athena in Homer, directly built on the same root as the bird's name.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
γλαῦξ is a plain descriptive noun used the same way in everyday speech and in religious or poetic contexts involving Athena.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The little owl was especially associated with Athens, where it appeared on official coinage for centuries.
How does it change in a sentence?
γλαῦξ is a feminine noun of the third declension, with genitive γλαυκός.
How do you pronounce it?
γλαῦξ is a single syllable, with the diphthong αυ pronounced like English 'ow', close to 'GLOWX'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Assuming γλαυκός, 'grey-blue' or 'gleaming', and γλαῦξ, 'owl', are unrelated misses one of the most memorable word connections in Greek animal names.
When do people say it?
The little owl was sacred to Athena and appeared on the reverse of the Athenian silver tetradrachm, one of the most widely circulated coins of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Did you know?
- The little owl, γλαῦξ, appeared on Athenian silver tetradrachms for centuries, making it one of the most widely recognized symbols of ancient Athens.
- Homer's standing epithet for Athena, γλαυκῶπις, 'owl-eyed' or 'bright-eyed', shares its root with the word for the owl itself.
Examples in context
- ἡ γλαῦξ νυκτὸς βλέπει.he glaux nyktos blepei.The owl sees at night.
- γλαῦκα εἶδον ἐπὶ τοῦ δένδρου.glauka eidon epi tou dendrou.I saw an owl on the tree.
Example conversation
Two children, Chloe and Pheidias, spot an owl near the Acropolis at dusk.
- Chloeὅρα, γλαῦξ ἐπὶ τοῦ δένδρου!hora, glaux epi tou dendrou!Look, an owl on the tree!
- Pheidiasαὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ γλαῦξ τῆς Ἀθηνᾶς.haute estin he glaux tes Athenas.This is Athena's owl.
- Chloeδιὰ τί ἱερά ἐστιν?dia ti hiera estin?Why is it sacred?
- Pheidiasβλέπει ἐν σκότῳ, ὡς ἡ σοφία.blepei en skoto, hos he sophia.It sees in darkness, like wisdom.
