ichor

Ichor is a term with two principal senses. In Greek mythology, ichor is the divine fluid that flows in the veins of gods, serving as their lifeblood and immortal essence. It is often described as distinct from mortal blood, sometimes pale, golden, or luminous, and is associated with the gods’ invulnerability and longevity. In myths, ichor can be spilled or spent, but it does not decay in the way mortal blood is said to.

Etymology and usage. The word derives from ancient Greek ιχώρ (ichó̄r). In classical literature, ichor denotes the godly life force rather than a physical fluid. In later English, it acquired a broader metaphorical sense as life essence or supernatural vitality.

Historical and medical context. Historically, some medical writers used ichor to describe a watery, serum-like discharge associated with wounds or inflammation. In modern anatomy and medicine, the term is obsolete and replaced by precise terms such as serum, plasma, or exudate.

Contemporary usage. In modern fiction and popular culture, ichor is commonly employed as a fictional substance representing magical life force, divine power, or heroic energy. Its portrayal varies by work, ranging from a golden liquid to a luminous energy, and it is usually treated as a symbolic or fantastical concept rather than a real biological fluid.