The Story of Hemera
Hemera was the primordial goddess of the day. According to Hesiod, she was the daughter of Erebus, the darkness, and Nyx, the night, and the sister of Aether, the bright upper air. Her name is simply the Greek word for day.
Hesiod describes how Hemera and her mother Nyx share a dark house at the edge of the world, near Tartarus, but are never inside it together. As one goes out to travel over the earth, the other returns home, and they greet each other as they pass over the great bronze threshold. Hemera brings light to people on earth, while Nyx carries Sleep in her arms.
Hemera had little worship, and in later times she was often blended with Eos, the goddess of the dawn. She was seen less as a character with adventures than as the daily return of light. For the Greeks, her endless meeting with Night explained the steady rhythm of day and night.
Famous Myths About Hemera
The Bronze Threshold
Hesiod describes how Hemera and her mother Nyx share a dark house near Tartarus but never stay in it together. As one leaves to travel over the earth, the other returns, greeting each other at the great bronze threshold.
Hemera's Family Tree
Husband of Hemera
Children of Hemera
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemera
Who is Hemera in Greek mythology?
Hemera is the primordial goddess of the day and daylight.
Who are Hemera's parents?
Hemera is the daughter of Erebus and Nyx, and her brother is Aether.
How are Hemera and Nyx connected?
Hesiod describes Hemera and her mother Nyx taking turns in a bronze house at the edge of Tartarus. As one goes out into the world, the other comes home, so they are never inside together.
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