Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪlə] (IPA) 
Scylla is a Greek mythology sea monster with multiple heads that would devour sailors. The word "Scylla" is spelled with a double "l" to represent the "l" sound that is elongated. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, "Scylla" is written as /ˈskɪlə/. The "k" sound represents the hard "c" sound that is typical in Greek. The "y" is used to represent the "i" sound that is pronounced differently than a typical English "i".
Scylla is a noun that refers to a mythical creature in Greek mythology. In Greek literature, Scylla is described as a monstrous sea creature with the upper body of a woman and the lower body consisting of a cluster of canine-like heads. These heads have snarling mouths, sharp teeth, and long necks, which they use to snatch and devour any passing sailors or ships unfortunate enough to come near them. According to legend, Scylla dwells on a rocky outcrop near the Strait of Messina, and her frightening presence poses a severe risk to sailors navigating through it.
Metaphorically, 'Scylla' is also used to describe a difficult dilemma or a situation where choosing between two undesirable alternatives is inevitable. It represents a predicament in which both choices are equally undesirable and any decision made is likely to result in a negative outcome. This concept of Scylla is often contrasted with another mythological creature known as Charybdis, representing a whirlpool that creates hazards for sailors navigating through the Strait of Messina. The expressions "between Scylla and Charybdis" or "caught between Scylla and Charybdis" are used to illustrate being trapped between two equally dangerous or harmful situations, with no clear or favorable path to take.
A rock between Italy and Sicily, formerly supposed to be dangerous to ships; and opposite to this is Charybdis, a whirlpool, also formerly supposed to be dangerous to vessels.-accordingly, in anc. myth., ships passing between them are said to have been wrecked by the one when endeavouring to avoid the other.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "scylla" has its origins in Greek mythology. It is named after a mythical creature called Scylla, who was a six-headed sea monster. Scylla was said to haunt a narrow strait called the Strait of Messina between Italy and Sicily. According to the myths, ships passing through the strait had to navigate carefully to avoid Scylla on one side and another sea monster called Charybdis on the other. The name "Scylla" is believed to come from the Greek word "skylla", which means "to rend" or "to tear". It symbolizes the destructive nature of the sea monster, known for seizing and devouring sailors who ventured too close.
