The Story of Dike
Dike was the goddess of justice and fair judgment. She was one of the Horae, the daughters of Zeus and Themis, and a sister of Eunomia and Eirene. Her name means justice or right.
In Hesiod's Works and Days, Dike watches over human affairs. Whenever she is insulted or dragged away by corrupt judges, she sits beside her father Zeus and tells him of the wicked deeds of men, so that their whole city pays for it. In the poet Aratus's account, she lived among humans during the Golden Age but withdrew to the sky as each generation grew more wicked, becoming the constellation Virgo.
The Greeks pictured Dike as a stern young woman, and the ancient carved chest of Cypselus at Olympia showed her beating and choking Adikia, the ugly goddess of injustice. Some writers identified her with Astraea, the star maiden of justice. The Romans identified her with Iustitia, the source of the familiar figure of Lady Justice.
Famous Myths About Dike
Leaving the Earth
In the poet Aratus's account, Dike lived among humans during the Golden Age, teaching them justice. As each generation grew more wicked, she withdrew to the mountains and finally to the sky, becoming the constellation Virgo.
Dike's Family Tree
Partners of Dike
Children of Dike
Frequently Asked Questions About Dike
Who is Dike in Greek mythology?
Dike is the goddess of justice, fair judgment and moral order, and one of the Horae.
Who are Dike's parents?
Dike is a daughter of Zeus and Themis, and her sisters are Eunomia and Eirene.
Is Dike the same as Astraea?
Some ancient writers identified Dike with Astraea, the maiden of justice who left the earth when people became wicked and became the constellation Virgo.
What is Dike's Roman name?
The Romans identified Dike with Justitia, the goddess of justice.
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