Snow White and the Greek Myth of Chione

Published by Hellenic Moon on March 22, 2025March 22, 2025

This week the live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White came out, featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. To celebrate, we will talk about the Greek myth of Chione, which inspired the story of Snow White (Chione means snow in Greek).

The classic fairy tale Snow White has its roots in folklore that spans various cultures, but a striking mythological precursor can be found in Greek mythology: the story of Chione. While the tale of Snow White is most commonly associated with the Brothers Grimm, its motifs of beauty, jealousy, and death-like sleep parallel the legend of Chione, a figure from Greek mythology who similarly evokes themes of divine envy, tragic consequences, and an unnatural state between life and death. This analysis explores the connections between these two narratives, demonstrating how the story of Snow White may have evolved from the myth of Chione.

Who Was Chione?

In Greek mythology, Chione (whose name means “snow” in Greek) was a beautiful mortal woman, sometimes described as the daughter of Daedalion, a man transformed into a hawk by Apollo. Her beauty was said to be so exceptional that it attracted the attention of the gods Apollo and Hermes. According to the myth, both gods desired her, and on the same night, she was visited by both: Hermes put her to sleep and lay with her, while Apollo approached her disguised as an old woman. As a result, Chione gave birth to two sons—Autolycus (from Hermes), known for his skill in thievery, and Philammon (from Apollo), famed for his musical abilities.

However, Chione’s pride led to her downfall. Boasting that she was more beautiful than Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, she incurred the deity’s wrath. In punishment for her hubris, Artemis struck her down with an arrow, killing her. In some versions of the myth, her father, Daedalion, was so grief-stricken that he attempted to take his own life, and was transformed into a bird by Apollo to spare him a tragic fate.

Parallels Between Chione and Snow White

The myth of Chione contains several key elements that closely resemble the story of Snow White. These elements suggest that the fairy tale might have been inspired by, or at least shares thematic connections with, this ancient myth. The similarities include:

1. Unparalleled Beauty and Divine Envy

Both Chione and Snow White are defined by their beauty. In the Snow White tale, the princess is described as “the fairest of them all,” leading to the Queen’s obsessive jealousy. In Chione’s myth, her extraordinary beauty attracts not just human admirers but gods themselves, sparking divine interest and, ultimately, divine punishment.

The Evil Queen’s jealousy in Snow White mirrors Artemis’ resentment toward Chione. Just as the Queen cannot tolerate Snow White’s beauty surpassing her own, Artemis cannot bear Chione’s arrogance in claiming superiority over the gods. The punishment meted out in both cases stems from the idea that beauty, when paired with arrogance, must be corrected.

2. The Role of the “Poisoned” Sleep and Death

One of the most famous aspects of Snow White is her apparent “death” caused by the poisoned apple. After consuming the apple given to her by the disguised Evil Queen, she falls into a deep, death-like slumber. This unnatural state is reminiscent of Chione’s fate, where she is struck down by Artemis’ arrow. Though Chione dies in the myth rather than merely sleeping, the concept of a beautiful woman being rendered lifeless due to divine or magical intervention is a strong shared motif.

Additionally, the motif of sleep as a liminal state between life and death is often present in Greek mythology. In some retellings of the Chione myth, her beauty is said to remain even in death, much like how Snow White’s beauty remains intact while she lies in her glass coffin.

3. The Disguised Old Woman and the Role of Deception

In Snow White, the Evil Queen disguises herself as an old woman to deliver the poisoned apple. This is reminiscent of Apollo’s role in the Chione myth, where he disguises himself as an old woman to seduce her. Both stories feature deception by a more powerful figure who ultimately causes harm to the young woman at the center of the narrative.

4. The Presence of a Protective Male Figure

In both stories, a male figure (or figures) plays a role in the young woman’s fate. In Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs act as her protectors, though they are ultimately unable to prevent her encounter with the disguised Queen. While in Chione’s story, she is pursued by Apollo and Hermes, who—while initially enamored with her—contribute to her tragic fate.

Furthermore, Snow White’s rescue by the prince parallels the interventions of the gods in Greek myths, where divine or heroic figures often play a role in a mortal’s ultimate fate. Though Chione does not receive a miraculous resurrection like Snow White, her legacy continues through her sons, who inherit divine traits from their fathers.

5. The Symbolism of Snow and Purity

The name “Chione” means “snow” in Greek, drawing an immediate linguistic connection to Snow White. Both figures symbolize purity and innocence, attributes often linked to their beauty and their tragic fates. Snow, in literature and mythology, is frequently associated with untouched perfection, making it a fitting name for both Chione and Snow White.

Cultural Evolution: From Greek Myth to Fairy Tale

Fairy tales often evolve from older mythological and folk traditions, adapting ancient themes to fit different cultural and historical contexts. The transformation of Chione’s myth into Snow White likely occurred through a combination of oral tradition and literary adaptation over centuries. Elements from Greek mythology found their way into European folklore, often reinterpreted with Christian or medieval moral overtones.

Whereas the Greek myth portrays Chione as a tragic figure punished for her pride, the fairy tale of Snow White presents a more optimistic resolution. Snow White, though harmed by jealousy and deception, ultimately triumphs through the intervention of love and fate. This shift reflects changing societal values, where fairy tales, especially those adapted for children, emphasize redemption rather than irreversible tragedy.

Chione and Snow White: A Timeless Story Reimagined

The parallels between Snow White and the Greek myth of Chione suggest that the fairy tale may have drawn inspiration from older mythological sources. Both stories revolve around an exceptionally beautiful woman whose beauty incites envy, leading to her downfall through deception or supernatural means. The themes of jealousy, purity, and an unnatural sleep or death-like state are central to both narratives, highlighting how ancient myths continue to shape and influence modern storytelling.

By examining the connections between Chione and Snow White, we gain a deeper appreciation for how mythology evolves across cultures, preserving timeless themes in ever-changing forms. Whether as a cautionary tale from Greek mythology or a beloved fairy tale, the story of a beautiful young woman imperiled by jealousy and ultimately redeemed remains a powerful and enduring narrative. Go to the official Disney website to learn more about the movie.