léthos

Léthos is a term of Greek origin, derived from the word "léthē" which translates to oblivion or forgetfulness. In ancient Greek mythology, the River Lethe was one of the five rivers of the underworld, and its waters were said to induce forgetfulness in those who drank from them. Souls of the dead who drank from the River Lethe would forget their past lives before reincarnation.

The concept of léthos has permeated various fields of study and creative works. In psychology, it can be related to the natural process of forgetting or memory loss, distinguishing between active forgetting and passive decay of memories. It can also refer to the psychological state of being unaware or in a state of altered consciousness.

In literature and philosophy, léthos often symbolizes the loss of identity, the erasure of history, or the acceptance of the inevitable passage of time and the fading of existence. It is a recurring motif in art and poetry, exploring themes of mortality, remembrance, and the ephemeral nature of life. The idea of forgetting can be both a source of peace, relieving the burden of painful memories, and a cause for sorrow, representing the loss of connection to one's past and loved ones. The concept continues to be a subject of contemplation in discussions about consciousness, memory, and the human condition.