Helios

In Greek mythology, Helios ( altgr. Ἥλιος helios, Sun ' ) was the sun god. Together with Selene ( goddess of the moon ) and Eos ( Dawn), he was the child of Hyperion and Theia.

Progeny

Helios had with Clymene four children: Aigle, Phaethusa, Lampetia (the three Heliopolites ) and Phaethon. With Perse he became the father of Circe, Pasiphae, and Perses, Aeetes.

Importance

The mission of Helios was to steer the chariot of the sun across the sky, which was drawn by four horses. This Eos went before him, Selene followed in the evening. It was because of his power often equated with Zeus, later with Apollo.

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of Helios radiate crown.

The god then played in late antiquity once more an important role in the attempt of the Emperor Julian to establish a influenced by Neo-Platonism pagan state cult.

Pedigree

Pedigree of the Titans

Pedigree of the Helios

Pictures

Helios in his chariot, accompanied Phosphorus ( Torch ), Hermes ( Winged Helm ) and others; Fresco by JB Zimmermann, Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, 17th century

Helios statuette, Archaeological Museum in Antalya

Ceiling mosaic detail, Christ - Helios with siebenstrahliger sun crown in his chariot; Mausoleum Pope Julius I), Vatican Grottos, St. Peter 's Basilica, Rome, 3rd century

Pediment with Helios -relief, Helios in the four-horse chariot with Phosphorus and the three Horae, Stuttgart, castle Rosenstein