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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Erysichthon!

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It's a bit of a mouthful, but it's also historically important with a rich history.

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Meanings and history of the name Erysichthon: | Edit

"Earth-tearer", from the Greek.

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Erysichthon in song, story & screen: | Edit

The name's most famous bearer is arguably one of the most despicable characters ever portrayed in Greek mythology. Erysichthon mercilessly killed a dryad nymph out of spite one day in a forest, and as punishment Demeter requested Famine to go after him. He was cursed with everlasting hunger, which was so strong that he lost all his wealth and property in an effort to make it stop. He then sold his daughter, Mestra, into slavery as a way of making more money (she was clever, though, and had some creative ways of escaping this fate.) Eventually, at a loss for any other way, Erysichthon ate himself, carrying out Demeter's revenge.