Expert: Irulan Serena - 4/20/2006

Question
Hello, Irulan.

The "traditional" interpretation of Epaphus (Epaphos)is that it stems from "epaphe" ("touching")--but I don't think this is right at all.

I don't suppose you have any opinion on this--or know the authority on it?   

Regards,
Dan O'Hanlon

Answer
Hello Dan,

Yes the etymology is correct. The etymology of Epaphus IS epaphe.  

Io named her son Epaphus in memory of the ‘touch' of Zues.

With a touch he turned her into a heifer to wander the world before she gave birth to her son at the Nile.  

Hera's hatred for Io was transferred to Epaphus so he also felt the ‘touch' of Hera.

When Hera found out that Io had been changed back to human and had a son Hera, in a jealous rage, abducted Epaphus, and Io spent the rest of her days looking for him.   

Irulan