Charites
The Charites, also known as the Graces, weren’t simply beautiful goddesses; they were the embodiment of charm, joy, and the very essence of the arts. These three divine sisters personified beauty in all its forms, from physical grace to artistic expression and the merriment of festivity.
Residence: Mount Olympus
Parents: Zeus and Eurynome
Beyond the core three, a wider circle of younger Charites graced life’s lighter moments. They presided over playful amusement, the joys of the banquet, the artistry of floral decoration, and the blissful havens of rest and relaxation.
Beyond their Olympian duties, the Charites also graced the lives of other deities. They served as companions to both Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Hera, the queen of Olympus.
Aglaea: she became Hephaestus’ wife following his split from Aphrodite. Together, they were said to have four daughters: Eucleia (Good Repute), Eupheme (Acclaim), Euthenia (Prosperity), and Philophrosyne (Welcome). These younger Graces personified virtues that complemented their mother’s domain of beauty and charm.
Euphrosyne: the very embodiment of merriment, was the goddess of good cheer, joy, and mirth. Her name itself reflects this joyous essence, derived from the ancient Greek word “euphrosynos” which means “merriment.”
Thalia: the embodiment of joyous gatherings, was the goddess of festivity and rich banquets. Her very name resonated with the essence of abundance, for “Thalia” translates to “the blooming” – a reference to springtime’s flourishing beauty. This connection extended to celebrations, where “Thalia” also described lavish feasts overflowing with merriment.
Art
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 