Nephele

In Greek and Roman mythology, Nephele (; ; corresponding to Latin nebula) is the name of two figures associated with clouds, sometimes confused with each other, who figure respectively in the stories of Ixion and in the story of Phrixus and Helle.

== Mythology == === The transformed cloud === Nephele was the name of a minor goddess of clouds and rain; she was created by Zeus—via parthenogenesis and apotheosis—sculpted from a cloud in the image of Hera, all in order to deceive Ixion after the latter had violated Zeus' Xenia attempting to force himself on Hera. Hera told Zeus of Ixion's attempt and, in order to test him, Zeus made a cloud in the image of Hera, which Ixion later assaulted, an act for which he was punished by Zeus. As the immortal creation of an immortal being, Nephele's creation could not be undone, and her assault by Ixion left her pregnant. Nephele later gave birth to a monstrous son, which she raised and named Centaurus.