The Story of Astraea
Astraea was the star maiden of innocence, purity and justice. She is often called the daughter of Astraeus and Eos, though some writers name Zeus and Themis as her parents. Her name means starry one.
Long ago, during the Golden Age, gods and mortals lived side by side in peace, and Astraea walked among people, guiding them toward justice. As the ages passed, people grew greedy and violent, and through the Silver Age and Bronze Age the gods withdrew one by one. In the Roman poet Ovid's telling, when the Iron Age brought war and bloodshed, Astraea was the last of the immortals to leave the earth.
She rose to the sky and became the constellation Virgo, and later tradition placed her scales nearby as the constellation Libra. The Roman poet Virgil wrote of the return of the Virgin as the sign of a new golden age. To the Greeks and Romans, her departure explained why justice seemed so hard to find among mortals.
Famous Myths About Astraea
The Last Immortal
During the Golden Age, gods and mortals lived side by side. As people became more violent and greedy, the gods left the earth one by one, and Astraea was the last to go, becoming the constellation Virgo.
Astraea's Family Tree
Partners of Astraea
Children of Astraea
Frequently Asked Questions About Astraea
Who is Astraea in Greek mythology?
Astraea is the star maiden of innocence, purity and justice.
Who are Astraea's parents?
Astraea is often called the daughter of Astraeus and Eos, though some writers name Zeus and Themis instead.
Why did Astraea leave the earth?
Astraea lived among humans during the Golden Age. As people grew wicked and violent, she was the last of the immortals to leave, and she became the constellation Virgo.
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