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Cynosura

Mythology
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Nymph or nurse who helped rear the infant Zeus in hiding on Crete. She was later honored by placement in the heavens as Cynosura, the constellation of the Little Bear.

Detailed Definition
Cynosura (“Dog’s Tail”) was an Idaean nymph who cared for infant Zeus and was honored as Ursa Minor. She represents nurturing and celestial reward. Poets invoke Cynosura as a navigational symbol and emblem of maternal devotion, especially in cosmological or hymnal poetry.
Example
Example in poetry:
Cynosura, nurse of Zeus or constellation (Ursa Minor), appears in mythographers like Eratosthenes; Poets use Cynosura (“dog’s tail”) as a navigational symbol; As a nurse, she represents hidden care; “Cynosura’s light” guides lost travelers—ideal for hope imagery; The constellation contrasts with Callisto’s Ursa Major in celestial poetry.
Additional Notes
Cynosura (“dog’s tail”) is either a nymph who nursed Zeus in Crete or Ida’s sister; placed in the sky as Ursa Minor, she guides sailors. The name also refers to the constellation’s shape. As a celestial nurse, she blends maternal care with cosmic order—useful in poetry linking nurture, navigation, and divine protection, especially in hymns or nautical allegories.
Also Known As
Cynosura|Kynosoura
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