The Hesperides are also listed as daughters of Atlas and Hesperis, or Phorcys and Ceto. Some sources claim that she was a single mom, while some sources claim that they were fathered by Erebus, the god of darkness himself.īut, that’s not all. Nyx is in many sources presented as the mother of the Hesperides. Since many sisters in Greek mythology come in triads, it might be probable that there were also three Hesperides The most common number of Hesperides is either three, four, or seven. The number of sisters that are referred to as the Hesperides vary per source. The story of the Hesperides is very much contested. Confusion about the Hesperides in Greek Mythology ![]() The Hesperides play a relatively minor role in Greek mythology compared to some other figures, but their association with the Golden Apples and their garden has made them an enduring symbol of the mythical and magical aspects of the ancient Greek world. Their name is derived from the Greek word “hesperos,” which means “evening” or “western.” They were sometimes considered to be the daughters of Night ( Nyx) and Darkness ( Erebus), adding to their connection with twilight and the fading light. The Hesperides themselves were often depicted as ethereal and beautiful nymphs, associated with the evening and the golden light of the setting sun. They were often depicted as tending to a beautiful garden, known as the Garden of the Hesperides, which was located at the western edge of the world, near the realm of the setting sun and the most famous story involving the Hesperides revolves around their role as guardians of the Golden Apples. In Greek mythology, the Hesperides were nymphs who were the daughters of Titan Atlas and the sea nymph Hesperis. The Garden of the Hesperides and the Golden Apples.Confusion about the Hesperides in Greek Mythology.No one knew what to do with the golden apples at this point so Athena returned them to the garden where it is said they still remain. Upon his return with the apples, Atlas refused to take back his duty, but Hercules tricked him by asking him to hold it for a moment while he adjusted his clothing for a more comfortable position. Atlas had no problem agreeing with this task and set out to retrieve three apples of the the Hesperides. Hercules had asked Atlas to get the apples for him and he would hold the world up for him in the meantime. Once he reached the Garden of the Hesperides, he met Atlas who was holding up the world as punishment for waging war against the Gods. One version of the story states that Heracles wasn't actually the one who stole the golden apples. This was a fascinating article and I thank you for sharing it with us. I do remember though that he had to slay a dragon, but I thought it was a three headed serpent from the sea. I remember studying Greek mythology back in high school but I have to admit that I couldn't remember all twelve of Hercules' labors. Spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors. ![]() Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and The apples in the garden of the Hesperides are said to grant immortality, another common theme in mythology many people enjoy the idea that a magical fruit with the gift of life exists somewhere, even if they cannot access it.Įver since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced theĮxciting challenge of being a LanguageHumanities researcher and writer. Tales like that of the Hesperides are found in many cultures, suggesting that many human societies have a vision of a paradise guarded by attractive and talented women. ![]() ![]() Athena returned the golden apples of the Hesperides to the garden.
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