How Do You Spell HELLESPONT?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛlɪspˌɒnt] (IPA)

The word "hellespont" is often misspelled due to its unique spelling. It is pronounced /ˈhɛlɪspɒnt/ and refers to the narrow strait between Europe and Asia Minor. The word is derived from the Greek Ἑλλήσποντος (Hellespontos), which means "Sea of Helle," referring to the daughter of Athamas, a Greek mythological figure. The spelling of Hellespont can be remembered by breaking it down phonetically as "hel-les-pont," with an emphasis on the first syllable "hel."

HELLESPONT Meaning and Definition

1. The Hellespont is a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, forming part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is approximately 61 kilometers long and separates the Turkish mainland from the Gallipoli Peninsula. The name "Hellespont" is derived from the ancient Greek word "Hellespontos," which means "Sea of Helle." According to Greek mythology, Helle was a young girl who fell into the sea while attempting to flee on the back of a flying ram with her brother, Phrixus.

   Throughout history, the Hellespont has been of great strategic importance due to its location and the control it provides over naval traffic between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It has served as a significant trade route, connecting Asia and Europe, and has witnessed numerous naval battles and military campaigns over the centuries.

   The Hellespont is also notable for its strong currents, known as the "the current of Imbros" and the "the current of Abydos." These currents were featured in Greek mythology, particularly in the story of Hero and Leander. It is believed that Leander would swim across the Hellespont every night to visit his lover Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite, who lived on the opposite side.

   Today, the Hellespont is known as the Dardanelles in Turkish and is a vital waterway, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. It is navigated by a significant amount of commercial shipping, as well as military vessels due to its strategic importance.

Common Misspellings for HELLESPONT

• gellespont
• bellespont
• nellespont
• jellespont
• uellespont
• yellespont
• hwllespont
• hsllespont
• hdllespont
• hrllespont
• h4llespont
• h3llespont
• heklespont
• heplespont
• heolespont
• helkespont
• helpespont
• heloespont
• Hellesponts
• Helispont
• Helospont
• Bellevont

Etymology of HELLESPONT

The word Hellespont is derived from ancient Greek. It combines two Greek words: Helles, which refers to the mythological character Helle, and pontos, meaning sea.