Somnus

in Greek mythology, the god of sleep. He was the son of Nox, Night, and was twin brother to Mors, or Death. He dwelt in a dark cave in the far west. Poppies and other herbs grew about the door, from which Night pressed slumbergiving juices for mankind. Somnus slept on an ebony couch surrounded by black drapery. Only the most urgent message from the gods could rouse him so far as to rest on one elbow. Having given his son and messenger, Morpheus, the desired command to visit some mortal, the god lay back drowsily and composed himself anew to sleep. This is the account given by Ovid. Other poets represent Somnus as a young man. In art, he is a graybeard, or again a youth bearing a wreath of poppies or else a horn in which he carries dreams. See Sleep; Dreams; Poppy, etc.