Ocnus

In Greek and Roman mythology, Ocnus^{[pronunciation?]} or Bianor^{[pronunciation?]} was a son of Manto and Tiberinus, king of Alba Longa. He founded modern Mantua in honor of his mother.^[1] Alternatively, he was the son or brother of Auletes and founded Felsina (modern Bologna^[2]), Perusia or Cesena.^[3]

Ocnus is thus a character or allegorical deity which personifies hesitation, frustration, delay and the wasting of time, thus symbolising the vicissitudes of human life consumed in unsuccessful efforts.^[1] He was condemned to spend eternity in the netherworld, weaving a rope of straw. As depicted in the picture by Polygnotos, standing behind him is his donkey which eats the rope as fast as it is made.^[4]

References

^ ^a ^b Abril Cultural (1973). Editora Victor CivitaDicionário de Mitologia Greco-Romana (in Portuguese). Editora Victor Civita. p. 134. OCLC 45781956
^ Virgil X, 198
^ Serv. ad Virg. Ed. ix. 60, Aen. x. 198.
^ The picture by Polygnotos, University of Washington website

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Ocnus". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.

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[Abril-1] Abril Cultural (1973). Editora Victor CivitaDicionário de Mitologia Greco-Romana (in Portuguese). Editora Victor Civita. p. 134. OCLC 45781956

[2] Virgil X, 198

[3] Serv. ad Virg. Ed. ix. 60, Aen. x. 198.

[4] The picture by Polygnotos, University of Washington website

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