Hesperides

They were the nymphs of evening and the golden light of sunsets.

Residence: Island of Erythea
Symbols: Golden Apple
Parents: Nyx or Atlas

GardenHesperides BurneJones.jpg
Garden Hesperides by Edward Burne-Jones.

They were the daughters of either Nyx or the Titan Atlas. The Hesperides were entrusted with the care of the tree of the golden apples, which was had been presented to the goddess Hera by Gaia on her wedding day. They were assisted by Dracon. Heracles was sent to fetch the apples as one of his Twelve Labours and, upon slaying the serpent, stole the precious fruit. Athena later returned them to the Hesperides.

Roman mosaic of Hercules taking the golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides, 3rd c. AD. (c) Luis Garcia
Attic red-figure hydria, c. 420-400 BC, depicting the Hesperides. British Museum. (c) theoi.com

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