The Story of Aglaea
Aglaea was one of the three Graces, or Charites, the goddesses of charm, beauty and joy. According to Hesiod, she was a daughter of Zeus and the Oceanid Eurynome, and her sisters were Euphrosyne and Thalia. Her name means splendor or brilliance.
Hesiod says that Aglaea, the youngest of the Graces, became the wife of Hephaestus, the craftsman god. In Homer, the wife of Hephaestus is called Charis, a Grace, which fits this tradition. When Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora, the first woman, the Graces and Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, decorated her with golden necklaces.
The Graces were worshipped together, especially at Orchomenus in Boeotia, where their oldest shrine held sacred stones said to have fallen from the sky. They attended Aphrodite and danced at the feasts of the gods. Aglaea and her sisters remained a favorite subject for artists, from ancient reliefs to the famous sculpture by Antonio Canova.
Famous Myths About Aglaea
Adorning Pandora
When Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora, the first woman, the gods each gave her a gift. Hesiod says the Graces and Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, decorated her with golden necklaces to make her irresistible.
Aglaea's Family Tree
Parents of Aglaea
Husband of Aglaea
Children of Aglaea
Frequently Asked Questions About Aglaea
Who is Aglaea in Greek mythology?
Aglaea is one of the three Graces, or Charites, the goddess of splendor, brilliance and beauty.
Who are Aglaea's parents?
According to Hesiod, Aglaea is a daughter of Zeus and the Oceanid Eurynome, and her sisters are Euphrosyne and Thalia.
Who was Aglaea's husband?
Hesiod says that Aglaea, the youngest of the Graces, became the wife of Hephaestus, the god of the forge.
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