Origin of the word "Hypnosis"

In Greek mythology, Hypnos is the god of sleep. Hypnos lived in a dark cave in the underworld, where the sun never shined. Around his home, there were poppies and other sleep-inducing plants, which helped him spread sleep over gods and humans.

Hypnos had the power to make anyone fall asleep, including gods. He was often depicted as a gentle and calming figure, bringing rest and dreams to all living beings. He had soft wings, either on his shoulders or head, and he moved silently through the night.

Once, Hera, the queen of the gods, wanted to help the Greeks win the Trojan War. But Zeus, the king of the gods, supported the Trojans.

Hera went to Hypnos and asked him to make Zeus fall asleep so she could interfere in the war.

At first, Hypnos refused because he feared Zeus. But when Hera promised him the hand of Pasithea, a beautiful goddess, he agreed.

Hypnos put Zeus into a deep sleep, allowing Hera to help the Greeks. When Zeus woke up, he was furious, but Hypnos had already escaped to his mother’s cave.

Hypnos was not an evil god. Instead, he helped both gods and humans by bringing them rest and dreams. Unlike his brother Thanatos, who brought death, Hypnos gave peace and relaxation.

The term “hypnosis” was coined in1880’s in France.The word “hypnosis” comes from the Greek word hypnos, which means sleep. Hypnosis is a trancelike state of altered consciousness and increased relaxation that resembles sleep but it is controlled by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject. It is also known as hypnotherapy.