The Story of Phoebe
Phoebe was one of the twelve Titans, a daughter of Uranus and Gaia. Her name means bright or radiant, and she was linked with prophecy and the intellect. She married her brother Coeus, and their daughters were Leto and Asteria.
According to the playwright Aeschylus, the oracle at Delphi passed from Gaia to Themis and then to Phoebe. She later gave it to her grandson Apollo as a birthday gift, and in this telling he took the name Phoebus from her. Her granddaughter Artemis was also sometimes called Phoebe.
Phoebe had no major temples of her own, but she was remembered as a link in the sacred story of Delphi, the most famous oracle in Greece. Through Leto and Asteria, she was the grandmother of Apollo, Artemis and Hecate. Later poets also connected her with the moon, because of the shining brightness in her name.
Famous Myths About Phoebe
A Gift for Apollo
Phoebe held the oracle of Delphi after her sister Themis. She later gave the shrine to her grandson Apollo as a birthday gift, and he took the name Phoebus from her.
Phoebe's Family Tree
Husband of Phoebe
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoebe
Who is Phoebe in Greek mythology?
Phoebe is the Titan goddess of prophecy, intellect and brightness. In one tradition, she once held the oracle at Delphi.
How did Phoebe pass the oracle at Delphi to Apollo?
According to Aeschylus, Phoebe received the oracle at Delphi from Themis and gave it to her grandson Apollo as a birthday gift.
Who are Phoebe's husband and children?
Phoebe married her brother Coeus, and their daughters were Leto and Asteria. Her grandchildren Apollo and Artemis were sometimes called Phoebus and Phoebe after her.
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