Charites
The Graces ( Charites Χάριτες, singular Charis ) are in Greek mythology, goddesses of charm, associated with Aphrodite. They correspond in Roman mythology, the Three Graces, gratiae.
They are daughters of Zeus and Eurynome and hot Euphrosyne ( " cheerfulness " ), Thalia (also Thaleia, " festive joy " ) and Aglaia ( " the Shining "). The three Charites or Graces were a favorite subject of visual art and were mostly unclothed, mutually shown touching or hugging. One of the most famous paintings - " Three Graces " ( Chantilly, Musée Condé ) - is by Raphael.
The name
The name derives, according Cornutus, de natura deorum, starting from gr chara " Joy" → gr charis → Latin gratia.
The descent
Most of the ancient sources agree on Zeus as a father, but as a mother call:
- Eurynome, daughter of Okeanos ( Hesiod, Pausanias),
- Eunomia,
- Eurydomene,
- Eurymedusa,
- Juno,
- Euante,
- Aglaia itself ( cornutus )
- Harmonia ( Lutatius )
- Autonoe,
- Lethe.
Other genealogies according to the Graces as daughters of Nyx and Erebus, Hecate and Hermes or that the nymph Aigle and the sun god Helios (according Antimachus ) are referred to. As moon deities (see below ) if they turn Uranus have a father.
In Roman mythology, the Graces are daughters of Bacchus or Liber and Venus ( Virgil ).
Number and special names
" Originally there were probably only a Charis. She appears as the wife of Hephaestus [ Vulcanus, the author ], which is probably to be understood as meaning that you zugesellte the maker of charming art the personalized charm ( = Charis ). "
Some ancient sources mention according to Pausanias ( Greek writer of the 2nd century AD), only two Charites:
A) How it since ancient times worshiped the Athenians:
- Auxo (the " Growing, Growing " )
- Hegemone ( " the pre- border, leading" )
B) How they worshiped the Lacedaemonians in Laconia:
- Phaenna ( " the Shining, Vibrant " )
- Kleta (the " Recalled " )
In both cases, the names refer to phases of the moon (which was "called" at new moon celebrations with noise).
Most ancient sources mention Hesiod as the Charites or Graces (from the youngest to oldest ):
- Aglaia ( " the Shining " ), in the Iliad (under the generic name Charis ) and in Hesiod wife of Hephaestus ( Vulcan ); her name is sometimes Pasithea,
- Euphrosyne ( " cheerfulness " ), according to Cornutus also called Euphrône,
- Thalia ( " festive joy " ), not to be confused with the muse for the comedy, daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne.
A grace called Peitho or Suadela comes through loud Pausanias in some sources as a fourth added or called noisy Aristophanes instead Euphrosyne.