The Story of Eirene
Eirene was the goddess of peace and one of the Horae, the daughters of Zeus and Themis. Her sisters were Eunomia, the goddess of good order, and Dike, the goddess of justice. Her name means peace in Greek and lives on in the name Irene.
In the Iliad, the Horae keep the cloud gates of Olympus, opening and closing them for the gods. In Aristophanes' comedy Peace, the god of war has buried Eirene in a deep pit, and a farmer named Trygaeus flies up to heaven on a giant dung beetle to rescue her. The Greek farmers then haul her out with ropes, bringing peace back to the war weary land.
The Athenians honored Eirene with sacrifices, especially after a peace treaty with Sparta in the fourth century BC. The sculptor Cephisodotus made a famous statue of her holding the infant Plutus, the god of wealth, to show that peace brings prosperity. The Romans called her Pax and built a great temple to her in Rome.
Famous Myths About Eirene
Keepers of the Gates of Olympus
The Horae, Eirene and her sisters, kept the gates of Olympus. In the Iliad, they open and close the clouds that block the entrance to the gods' home.
Eirene's Family Tree
Partners of Eirene
Children of Eirene
Frequently Asked Questions About Eirene
Who is Eirene in Greek mythology?
Eirene is the goddess of peace and prosperity, and one of the Horae.
Who are Eirene's parents?
Eirene is a daughter of Zeus and Themis, and her sisters are Eunomia and Dike.
Why is Eirene shown holding a baby?
A famous statue by the sculptor Cephisodotus showed Eirene holding the infant Plutus, the god of wealth, to show that peace brings prosperity.
What is Eirene's Roman name?
The Romans called Eirene Pax.
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