Eunoukhos (plural eunoukhoi) is a Hellenic Polytheist religiogender for castrated males and AMAB transgender individuals, and the Greek root word for the English term "eunuch."[1] Historically, a eunoukhos must be in some form castrated, sterile, or celibate. However, modern people identifying as eunoukhoi may simply be any male or masculine person without a penis (such as intersex and transmasculine individuals), people with a penis who intend to remove it, or celibate masculine individuals.
The term eunuch or eunoukhos can be derogatory, and should not refer to anyone without consent.
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Etymology
Eunokhos most likely originates from the role of eunoukhoi's roles of guarding and working in women's bedchambers, from eunē (bed) and echein (to have, have charge of).[1]
Pronunciation
History
Across various cultures, eunuchs have existed for virtually all of history. The English term "eunuch" is directly from the Greek term "eunoukhos."
Historically, a eunokhos would typically be a castrated male in charge of guarding or aiding women, especially the concubines of high ranking men in the East, or voluntarily castrated as a means of devotion or maintaining chastity.[2] However, some eunoukhoi, such as the galloi, also served as priests/priestesses.[3]