HEBE - Greek Goddess of Youth, Cupbearer of the Gods (Roman Juventas) Hebe Translation Youth (hêbê) Wedding of Heracles and Hebe, Athenian red-figure pyxis C5th B.C., University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology HEBE was the goddess of youth and the cupbearer of the gods who served ambrosia at the heavenly feast. She was also the patron goddess of the young bride and an attendant of the goddess Aphrodite . Herakles (Heracles) received Hebe in marriage upon his ascension to Olympos, a wedding which reconciled the hero with Hebe's mother Hera. In Greek vase painting Hebe was depicted either as the bride of Herakles, or the cupbearer of the gods, pouring ambrosia from a pitcher. Sometimes she had wings like the goddesses Iris and Nike . Hebe's male counterpart was the boy Ganymedes and her opposite number was Geras (Old Age). She may have been equated with Selene's daughter Pandeia . Her Roman name was Juventas.

FAMILY OF HEBE PARENTS ZEUS & HERA (Hesiod Theogony 921, Homer Odyssey 11. 601, Pindar Isthmian Ode 4, Apollodorus 1.13, Pausanias 2.13.3, Aelian On Animals 17.46, Hyginus Preface) OFFSPRING ALEXIARES , ANIKETOS (by Herakles) (Apollodorus 2.158) ENCYCLOPEDIA HEBE (Hêbê), the personification of youth, is described as a daughter of Zeus and Hera (Apollod. i. 3. § 1.), and is, according to the Iliad (iv. 2), the minister of the gods, who fills their cups with nectar; she assists Hera in putting the horses to her chariot (v. 722); and she bathes and dresses her brother Ares (v. 905). According to the Odyssey (xi. 603; comp. Hes. Theog.

950), she was married to Heracles after his apotheosis. Later traditions, however, describe her as having become by Heracles the mother of two sons, Alexiares and Anticetus (Apollod. ii. 7. § 7), and as a divinity who had it in her power to make persons of an advanced age young again. (Ov. Met. ix. 400, &c.) She was worshipped at Athens, where she had an altar in the Cynosarges, near one of Heracles. (Paus. i. 19. § 3.) Under the name of the female Ganymedes (Ganymeda) or Dia, she was worshipped in a sacred grove at Sicyon and Phlius. (Paus. ii. 13. § 3; Strab. viii. p. 382.) At Rome the goddess was worshipped under the corresponding name of Juventas, and that at a very early time, for her chapel on the Capitol existed before the temple of Jupiter was built there; and she, as well as Terminus, is said to have opposed the consecration of the temple of Jupiter. (Liv. v.

54.) Another temple of Juventas, in the Circus Maximus, was vowed by the consul M. Livius, after the defeat of Hasdrubal, in B. C. 207, and was consecrated 16 years afterwards. (Liv. xxxvi. 36 ; comp. xxi. 62; Dionys. iv. 15, where a temple of Juventas is mentioned as early as the reign of Servius Tullius; August. de Civ. Dei, iv. 23; Plin. H. N. xxix. 4, 14, xxxv. 36, 22.) Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Hebe and the feast of the gods, Athenian red-figure kylix C5th B.C., Antikensammlung Berlin Hesiod, Theogony 921 ff (trans.

Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "Lastly, he [Zeus] made Hera his blooming wife: and she was joined in love with the king of gods and men, and brought forth Hebe and Ares and Eileithyia." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 13 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Zeus married Hera and fathered Hebe, Eileithyia." Callimachus, Iambi Fragment 202 (trans. Trypanis) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) : "Mousa (Muse), I will sing for the little maid . . ((lacuna)) once when Hera was celebrating the feast of the seventh day of her daughter's birth [Hebe], the gods sitting on Olympos (Olympus) quarrelled, who would honour the child with the most beautiful gift . .

((lacuna)) Tritonis [Athena] brought many toys of cunning workmanship shrewdly carved, and many came from the guardian of the Apian Isthmos (Isthmus) [Poseidon], toys more precious than gold. The gods in amicable rivalry vied with one another in offering gifts. But you, Delian Apollon . . you said the following ‘Phoibos (Phoebus), you must try your skilful art [music] which will surpass the masterpieces of Hephaistos (Hephaestus).’" Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 13. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "Olen [legendary Greek poet], in his hymn to Hera, says that Hera was reared by the Horai (Horae, Seasons), and that her children were Ares and Hebe." Pseudo-Hyginus, Preface (trans.

Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Again from Jove [Zeus] and Juno [Hera] [were born] : Juventus (Youth) [Hebe], Libertas (Freedom) [Eileithyia]." HEBE CUPBEARER OF THE GODS Homer, Iliad 4. 1 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) : "Now the gods at the side of Zeus were sitting in council over the golden floor, and among them the goddess Hebe (Youth) poured them nectar as wine, while they in the golden drinking-cups drank to each other, gazing down on the city of the Trojans." Euphronius, Fragment (from Scholiast on Aristophanes) (trans.

Campbell, Vol Greek Lyric IV Bacchylides, Frag 41) : "According to Euphronios (Euphronius), this is because Basileia (Princess) is a daughter of Zeus; and she seems to look after business connected with immortality, the responsibility of Athena in Bakkhylides (Bacchylides), where she intends to give immortality to Tydeus." [N.B. Basileia "the Princess" is Hebe. As youth personified and the cup-bearer of the gods she was naturally responsible for immortality.] Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 13. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "Hebe (Youth), whom Homer mentions in the duel between Menelaos (Menelaus) and Alexandros (Alexander) [Paris], saying that she was the cup-bearer of the gods." Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 2. 20 (trans. Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : "Beautiful Hebe (Youth) . . .

the youngest of the gods and the one most revered by them, since it is through her that they also are young." Cicero, De Natura Deorum 1. 40 (trans. Rackham) (Roman rhetorician C1st B.C.) : "What viands and beverages, what harmonies of music and flowers of various hue, what delights of touch and smell will you assign to the gods, so as to keep them steeped in pleasure? The poets array banquets or nectar and ambrosia, with Juventas (Youth) [Hebe] or Ganymede in attendance as cup-bearer." Statius, Silvae 3. 1. 27 (trans. Mozley) (Roman poetry C1st A.D.) : "The throne of thy father Jove [Zeus] and the stars thy valour won thee are thy abode, and Hebe with robe upgirt, more charming than the banished Phrygian lad [Ganymedes], hands thee the draught of blissful nectar." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 8. 93 ff (trans.

Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : "I see Ganymedes come here to pour the wine, that long-haired cowdrover, first in Pergamos then domiciled in Olympos (Olympus), usurping the untouched cup of heavenly Hebe." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 14. 430 ff : "Hebe come this way! Take up your pitcher, and bring your Trojan cupbearer who serves with cups the divine company--let Ganymedes draw honeyed drops from this river and fill all the mixing-bowls of Zeus! . . . that nectar of Olympos (Olympus) which they say is the drink of Zeus." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 19. 158 ff : "[The Seilen (Silen) Maron performs a mime :] He depicted with wordless art the cupbearer [Ganymedes] of Kronides (Cronides) [Zeus], or pouring the dew divine to fill up the bowl, and the other immortals in company ever enjoying cup after cup. His poet's theme was the sweet potion.

Aye, he danced also the maiden Hebe herself drawing the nectar; when he looked at the Satyroi (Satyrs), with voiceless hands he acted Ganymedes, or when he saw the Bakkhante (Bacchante) women, he showed them goldenshoe Hebe in a picture having sense without words." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 25. 430 ff : "Ganymedes walked among the stars to pour out their [the gods'] wine, the sweet nectar of Olympos (Olympus), and there he was handing the cups which were the lot of virgin Hebe." [N.B. By the "lot of virgin Hebe" he means it was her task before her marriage to Herakles (Heracles).] Nonnus, Dionysiaca 27. 241 ff : "All the inhabitants of Olympos (Olympus) were sitting with Zeus in his godwelcoming hall, gathered in full company on golden thrones. As they feasted, fairhair Ganymedes drew delicious nectar from the mixing-bowl and carried it round.

For then there was no noise of Akhaian (Achaean) war for the Trojans as once there was, that Hebe with her lovely hair might again mix the cups, and the Trojan cupbearer might be kept apart from the immortals, so as not to hear the fate of his country." [N.B. During the Trojan War, Ganymedes became distressed, and so Zeus had Hebe temporarily resume her former station as cup-bearer of the gods.] Nonnus, Dionysiaca 33. 74 ff : "[The godlings Eros and Hymenaios (Hymenaeus) were playing a game of cottabus in which wine was thrown from cups at a mark :] [Eros] on the golden top of Olympos (Olympus), shooting the nectar-drops from a cup. Beside him stood Hymenaios , his fair-haired playfellow in the dainty game . . . A large silver basin stood for their game, and the shooting mark before them was a statue of Hebe shown in the middle pouring the wine.

The umpire in the game was Ganymedes, cupbearer of Kronides (Cronides) [Zeus], holding the garland." HEBE HANDMAIDEN OF HERA Hera and Hebe, Athenian red-figure pelike C5th B.C., Private Collection, Lucerne Hebe (Youth) and Eileithyia (Birth) were handmaidens of their mother Hera, goddess of marriage. Homer describes her performing various tasks assigned to the "princess" of the house in a typical Homeric palace (cf. Nausikaa (Nausicaa) and Hermione in the Odyssey.) Homer, Iliad 5. 720 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) : "Hera, high goddess, daughter of Kronos the mighty, went away to harness the gold-bridled horses. Then Hebe in speed set about the chariot the curved wheels eight-spoked and brazen, with an axle or iron both ways.

Golden is the wheel's felly imperishable, and outside it is joined, a wonder to look upon, the brazen running-rim, and the silver naves revolve on either side of the chariot, whereas the car itself is lashed fast with plaiting of gold and silver, with double chariot rails that circle about it, and the pole of the chariot is of silver, to whose extremity Hebe made fast the golden and splendid yoke, and fastened the harness, golden and splendid, and underneath the yoke Hera, furious for hate and battle, led the swift-running horses." Homer, Iliad 5. 905 ff : "Hebe washed him [Ares returning from battle] clean and put delicate clothing upon him." Pindar, Nemean Ode 10. 17 ff : "Beside her mother [Hera], guardian of marriage, Hebe (Youth) fairest of all the goddesses." Pausanias, Description of Greece 8. 9. 2 (trans.

Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "Praxiteles made the images [in a temple of Hera at Mantinea]; Hera is sitting, while Athene and Hera's daughter Hebe are standing by her side." HEBE BRIDE OF HERACLES Hebe married Herakles (Heracles) after the hero ascended to Olympos as a god. Homer, Odyssey 11. 601 ff (trans. Murray) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) : "[Odysseus in the Underworld :] I marked the mighty Herakles (Heracles)--his phantom; for he himself among the immortal gods takes his joy in the feast, and has to wife Hebe, of the fair ankles, daughter of great Zeus and of Hera, of the golden sandals." [N.B. This passage about Hebe in the Odyssey is a later interpolation.] Hesiod, Theogony 950 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "And mighty Herakles (Heracles) . . .

made Hebe the child of great Zeus and gold-shod Hera his shy wife in snowy Olympos. Happy he! For he has finished his great works and lives amongst the dying gods, untroubled and unaging all his days." Homeric Hymn 15 to Heracles (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "He [Herakles] lives happily in the glorious home of snowy Olympos, and has neat-ankled Hebe for his wife." Pindar, Olympian 6. 57 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "And when he [Herakles] won Youth's [Hebe's] joyous fruit, fair Hebe's gleaming crown." [N.B. "Youth's joyous fruit" is immortality, and Hebe, youth personified, is his bride.] Pindar, Nemean Ode 1.

61 ff : "[After the infant Herakles strangled the serpents, his stepfather Tyndareos (Tyndareus) summoned the seer Teiresias (TIresias) who prophesied the child's future :] Teiresias who then declared to him [Tyndareos] and all the gathered host, what chance of fortunes Herakles should encounter; of monsters merciless how many on the dry land, how many of the sea he should destroy; and of mankind, whom bent upon the path of pride and treachery he should consign to an accursed death. This too he told : . . . He [Herakles] in peace for all time shall enjoy, in the home of the blessed, leisure unbroken, a recompense most choice for his great deeds of toil; and winning the lovely Hebe for his bride, and sharing his marriage feast beside Zeus, son of Kronos (Cronus), shall live to grace his august law." Pindar, Nemean Ode 10.

17 ff : "[Herakles] who now upon Olympos dwelling, has to his wedded wife, beside her mother [Hera], guardian of marriage, Hebe fairest of all the goddesses." Pindar, Isthmian Ode 4. 73 ff : "That hero [Herakles] it was, Alkmene's (Alcmena's) mighty son, who came at last to high Olympos; he who, searching out all the far lands of earth and rock-walled stretches of the foaming seas, tempered the rough straits for the seamen's sails. Now at the side of Zeus the Aigis-bearer he dwells, enjoying happiness most fair, of the immortal gods a friend held in high honour, lord of the golden halls, husband of Hebe, son-in-law of Hera." Bacchylides, Fragment 41 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (C5th B.C.) : "Unless Zeus gives you Basileia (Princess) for your wife." [I.e.

To receive Basileia "the Princess" of heaven, is a metaphor for winning immortality.] Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 158 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "[Herakles] achieved immortality, and when Hera's enmity changed to friendship, he married her daughter Hebe, who bore him sons Alexiares and Aniketos (Anicetus)." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 39. 3 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "Hera, the myths relate, after she had adopted Herakles in this fashion, joined him in marriage to Hebe, regarding whom the poet [Homer] speaks in the Nekyia (Necyia) : ‘I saw the shade of Herakles, but for himself he takes delight of feasts among the immortal gods and for his wife he hath the shapely-ankled Hebe.’" Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 19. 3 (trans.

Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "Hebe, who they think is the daughter of Zeus and wife to Herakles." Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 17. 5 - 6 : "By this side of Hera [in her main Argive temple] stands what is said to be an image of Hebe fashioned by Naukydes (Naucydes); it, too, is of ivory and gold . . . There is an altar upon which is wrought in relief the fabled marriage of Hebe and Herakles." Aelian, On Animals 17. 46 (trans. Scholfield) (Greek natural history C2nd A.D.) : "Herakles and his spouse [Hebe] whom poets celebrate as the daughter of Hera." Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 2. 20 (trans.

Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : "Before long you [Herakles] will live with them in the sky, drinking, and embracing the beautiful Hebe (Youth); for you are to marry the youngest of the gods and the one most revered by them, since it is through her that they also are young." Ovid, Metamorphoses 9. 396 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "[Iolaos (Iolaus) was rejuvenated by Hebe :] This guerdon was the gift of Hebe Junonia [daughter of Juno-Hera], to gratify her husband's [Herakles'] wish." Propertius, Elegies 1. 13 (trans. Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) : "The passion of Hercules [Herakles], all afire for divine Hebe, tasted its first raptures after he had burned on an Oetean pyre." Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 8. 230 ff (trans.

Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : "When Alcides [Herakles] has leisure at last to visit the heavenly banquet, and Hebe, child of Juno [Hera], sustains his weary form." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 35. 333 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : "[After Dionysos was reconciled with Hera in heaven :] She [Hera] wished him in heaven as Hebe's bridegroom, had not Zeus our Lord on High ordained that in days to come twelvelabour Herakles was fated to be her husband." HEBE & THE REJUVENATION OF IOLAUS Poseidon, Amphitrite and Hebe, Athenian red-figure stamnos C5th B.C., Toledo Museum of Art Ovid, Metamorphoses 9. 396 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "Alcmena [mother of Herakles (Heracles)] was arrested by a strange surprise.

In the high doorway stood a youth, almost a boy, his cheeks it seemed still downy, Iolaus, now restored in form and features to his early prime. This guerdon was the gift of Hebe Junonia [daughter of Juno, i.e. of Hera], to gratify her husband's [tHerakles'] wish. She meant to swear not to bestow such gifts on any man thereafter, but was stopped by Themis. ‘Civil war,’ she said, ‘embroils Thebae now and save by Jove's [Zeus'] might Capaneus shall not be conquered . . . the prophet [Amphiaraus] yet alive shall see his ghost as earth gapes open; and his son [Alkmaion (Alcmaeon)] parent on parent shall avenge, a deed of loving duty and a deed of crime. Distraught with troubles, driven from his mind and home, the Eumenides [Erinyes, Furies] and his mother's [Eriphyle's] ghost (umbrae) shall hound him till his consort shall demand the fatal golden necklace, and the sword of Phegeus drain the blood of kith and kin.

And then at last Callirhoe Acheloia [daughter of Akhelous], for her infant sons shall beg those years [removed from Iolaos] from Jove [Zeus] on bended knee, to speed their vengeance for the victor's death. And, at her suit, Jove [Zeus] shall foreclaim that gift of his stepdaughter [Hebe], and her sons shall be transformed from their infancy.’ As Themis, who foreknew the future, spoke these prophecies, a rumbling argument arose in heaven, the gods all grumbling why others should not be allowed to grant such gifts [rejuvenated youth]." HEBE GODDESS OF YOUTH & BRIDES Hebe was the goddess of youth and of the youthful bride. She was a companion of the wedding gods Hera, Aphrodite, the Kharites (Charites, Graces) and Harmonia (Marital Harmony). Hesiod, Theogony 5 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "[The Mousai (Muses)] utter their song with lovely voice, praising Zeus the aigis-holder, and queenly Hera .

. . Aphrodite, and Hebe with the crown of gold, and fair Dione, Leto." Homeric Hymn 3 to Pythian Apollo 186 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "[As Apollon plays the lyre and the Mousai (Muses) sing on Olympos :] Meanwhile the rich-tressed Kharites (Charites, Graces) and cheerful Horai (Horae, Seasons) dance with Harmonia (Harmony) and Hebe (Youth) and Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, holding each other by the wrist." Pindar, Nemean Ode 7. 1 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Goddess of childbirth, Eileithyia, maid to the throne of the deep-thinking Moirai (Moirae, Fates), child of all-powerful Hera, hear my song.

For without thee should we see neither the light of day, nor know the kindly dark, nor win the gift of Hebe (Youth), thy sister, the glorious limbs of youth." Pindar, Nemean Ode 8. 1 ff : "O sovereign Hebe (Youth), herald of Aphrodite and her sweet passions born of heaven." Ovid, Metamorphoses 7. 241 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "[Medea uses her magic to restore the youth of Aeson, father of Iason (Jason) :] Two turf altars she built [for the ritual], the right to Hecate, the left to Juventas (Youth) [Hebe], wreathed with the forest's mystic foliage, and dug two trenches [to the gods of the Underworld] in the ground beside and then performed her rites [applying her magic potions to the body of the man] . . . and Aeson woke and marvelled as he saw his prime restored of forty years before." Ovid, Fasti 6. 65 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C.

to C1st A.D.) : "Hercules' wife [Hebe] stood there; life's bloom shimmered in her face." For MYTHS of Hebe as the goddess of youth see : Zeus, Hera and Hebe, Athenian red-figure amphora C5th B.C., Staatliche Antikensammlungen I. ATHENS Chief City of Attica (Attika) (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 19. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "There [at Athens] are altars of Herakles and Hebe, who they think is the daughter of Zeus and wife to Herakles." II. PHLIUS (PHLIOS) Town of Sicyon (Sikyonia) (Southern Greece) Strabo, Geography 8. 6. 24 (trans. Jones) (Greek geographer C1st B.C.

to C1st A.D.) : "In Phlios (Phlius) and Sikyon (Sicyon) the temple of Dia is held in honor; and Dia is their name for Hebe." Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 12. 4 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "A second hill on which the Phliasians [of Phlios in Argolis] have their citadel and their sanctuary of Hebe." Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 13. 3 : "On the Phliasian citadel [at Phlios in Argolis] is a grove of cypress trees and a sanctuary which from ancient times has been held to be peculiarly holy. The earliest Phliasians named the goddess to whom the sanctuary belongs Ganymeda; but later authorites call her Hebe, whom Homer mentions in the duel between Menelaos (Menelaus) and Alexandros (Alexander), saying that she was the cup-bearer of the gods; and again he says, in the descent of Odysseus to Haides, that she was the wife of Herakles.

Olen [a legendary Greek poet], in his hymn to Hera, says that Hera was reared by the Horai (Horae, Seasons), and that her children were Ares and Hebe. Of the honours that the Phliasians pay to this goddess the greatest is the pardoning of suppliants. All those who seek sanctuary here receive full forgiveness, and prisoners, when set free, dedicate their fetters on the trees in the grove. The Phliasians also celebrate a yearly festival which they call Kissotomoi (Ivy-cutters). There is no image, either kept in secret of openly displayed, and the reason for this is set forth in a sacred legend of theirs though on the left as you go out is a temple of Hera with an image of Parian marble." III. MANTINEA Town in Arcadia (Arkadia) (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 8. 9. 2 : "A temple of Hera [at Mantinea in Arkadia], Praxiteles made the images; Hera is sitting, while Athene and Hera's daughter Hebe are standing by her side." IV. UNKNOWN LOCATION Aelian, On Animals 17. 46 (trans.

Scholfield) (Greek natural history C2nd A.D.) : "Mnaseas in his work On Europe [Greek writer C3rd B.C.] says that there is a temple to Herakles (Heracles) and to his spouse [Hebe] whom poets celebrate as the daughter of Hera. Now they say that in the precincts of these temples a large number of tame birds are kept, adding that these birds are cockerels and hens. They feed and consort together according to their sex, are fed at the public expense, and are consecrated to the aforesaid gods. The hens feed in the temple of Hebe while their mates feed in the temple of Herakles. And a never-failing channel of clear water flows between them. Now on the one hand not a single hen ever appears in the temple of Herakles. On the other hand at the season of mating the cockerels fly across the channel and after consorting with the hens return to their own quarters at the side of the god whom they serve, cleansed by the water that separates the sexes.

And so to begin with, as a natural result of this union eggs are laid; later on when the hens have warmed them and hatched the chicks, the cockerels carry off the male birds to rear them, while the hens make it their business to rear their daughters." JUVENTAS & THE MONTH OF JUNE Ovid, Fasti 6. 65 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "Hercules' [Herakles'] wife [Juventas-Hebe] stood there; life's bloom shimmered in her face. ‘If my mother [Juno-Hera] told me,’ she says, ‘to leave all heaven I would not stay against my mother's will. So now I will not fight her over this time's name [i.e. in a dispute over which goddess gave her name to the month of June], but coax and almost play petitioner. I'd rather keep my rights of possession by pleading, and perhaps my case might win your favour. Mother owns the golden Capitol [of Rome] with her joint shrine, and rightly holds the summit with Jove [Zeus].

But my whole glory comes from a month's origin; I am anxious for my only honour. Does it matter, Roman, that you gave Hercules' wife the month's name, and posterity remembers? This land owes me something, too, on my great husband's [Herakles'] account. He drove the captured cattle here, where Cacus found no defence in his father's [Hephaistos' (Hephaestus')] gift of flame and dyed Aventine dirt with blood. I pass to more recent times. Romulus divided the people by years into two sections: one was readier to give counsel, one to fight, one age advises war, one wages it. So he decreed and marked the months with the same token: June's for JUNiors, the seniors' month precedes.’ She spoke.

They would have hotly disputed the claim and cloaked family piety with wrath : Concordia (Harmony) [Harmonia] arrived [to settle the dispute]." TITLES & EPITHETS Hebe Statue - Greek Goddess of Youth, Spring and Bride 18ï¿½ across, 12ï¿½ base, 25" tall The glass top and the base come separately. They are attached through the top where you can screw the glass top into the stem of the table. See two other styles here , that are the same dimensionally. Hebe, Cupbearer to the Gods Hēbē is the Greek Goddess of youth and her Roman counterpart is Juventas. The daughter of Zeus and Hera, Hebe held the cup to the lips of the Gods and Goddesses at Mount Olympus, serving their nectar and ambrosia, until she was married to Heracles (Roman equivalent: Hercules). Her successor was the young Trojan prince Ganymede, and she took the name as a nickname and was also called Ganymeda. Hebe drew baths for Ares and helped Hera enter her chariot in Greek mythology. The name Hebe comes from Greek word meaning "youth" or "prime of life".

Juventas likewise means "youth", as can be seen in such derivatives as the word juvenile. Worhipped as a goddess of pardons or forgiveness; freed prisoners hung their chains in the sacred grove of her sanctuary at Phlius. The figure of Hebe was popular in the 19th century and early 20th century for garden fountains and again today. Antonio Canova also sculpted four different statues of Hebe: one of them is in the Museum of Forlï¿½, Italy. *excepts from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Hebe) Thorvaldsen Museum , Copenhagen, Denmark, 1816 A.D. The cup-bearer in Heaven, she pours the ambrosia nectar to the gods whenever they assemble. Patroness goddess of the young bride, Hebe was often portrayed as an attendant of the bridal Aphrodite. She married Heracles (Hercules) when the hero became a god at his death. The Neo-classical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen emulated ancient Greeks, believing that they were the only sculptors who attained pure formal beauty without regard to content. Probably his best work is the statue of Hebe.

Her pure beauty and everlasting youth made her portrayal a splendid choice for Neo-Classical art. The art movement, Neoclassicism, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, referred back to Classical times for inspiration. Hebe, Ancient Greek Goddess of Youth | The Role of Women in the Art of Ancient Greece The Role of Women in the Art of Ancient Greece Search for: Hebe, Ancient Greek Goddess of Youth Hebe is the cupbearer to the gods and the personification of youth. She is much more popular as an art subject than as a literary subject. Her name ‘Hebe’, ‘Ἡβη’ is derived from the Indo-European ‘yegwa’, ‘Power, youth strength’. The Norse goddess of of love and beauty Freya or Frejya seems to have a name from this root also. But in the Greek myths Hebe shares some of Freya’s powers with Aphrodite. There can be little doubt that this goddess came with the Indo-Europeans from the north.

Homer, Odyssey 9.5 explains the role of the cup-bearer as follows: (Odysseus speaks) “For myself I declare that there is no greater fulfillment of delight than when joy possesses a whole people, and banqueters in the halls listen to a minstrel as they sit in order due, and by them tables are laden with bread and meat, and the cup-bearer draws wine from the bowl and bears it round and pours it into the cups. Even though her involvement in myth is slight there are conclusions that can be drawn about Hebe. Her early placement in the Theogony suggests that her place in Greek religion was more important early on and then waned throught the classical period. Yet she is a true goddess with a realm, youth, over which she rules. With her birth the realm of youth was organized by rules which Hebe enforces. She can receive prayers and be worshiped. Strabo and Pausanius describe cults to Hebe. Hera and Hebe form a mother-daughter pair as do Demeter and Persephone but nothing ois mad of this in existing myth.

In some myths Hecate, Hera, and Artemis from a triple and Hebe is left out. Hebe had to share her cupbearer duties with Ganymede. Hebe did not seem to form a sexual relation to Zeus while Ganymede seems to have dispalced her for this very reason; “Plato, Laws 636c (trans. Bury) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : “One certainly should not fail to observe that when male unites with female for procreation the pleasure experienced is held to be due to nature, but contrary to nature when male mates with male or female with female, and that those first guilty of such enormities were impelled by their slavery to pleasure. And we all accuse the Kretans of concocting the story about Ganymedes. Because it was the belief that they derived their laws from Zeus, they added on this story about Zeus in order that they might be following his example in enjoying this pleasure as well.”. One can susbect this was a result of Minoan influence early on as the displacement is evident even in the Iliad The goddess of youth, Hebe, stands with her cup at a banquet of the gods.

(Click on image to see a larger version) Of Hebe Pausanias Description of Greece 2.13.3 says:[3] I will now add an account of the most remarkable of their famous sights. On the Phliasian citadel is a grove of cypress trees and a sanctuary which from ancient times has been held to be peculiarly holy. The earliest Phliasians named the goddess to whom the sanctuary belongs Ganymeda; but later authorities call her Hebe, whom Homer2 mentions in the duel between Menelaus and Alexander, saying that she was the cup-bearer of the gods; and again he says, in the descent of Odysseus to Hell,3 that she was the wife of Heracles. Olen,4 in his hymn to Hera, says that Hera was reared by the Seasons, and that her children were Ares and Hebe. Of the honors that the Phliasians pay to this goddess the greatest is the pardoning of suppliants.

All those who seek sanctuary here receive full forgiveness, and prisoners, when set free, dedicate their fetters on the trees in the grove.” Apollodorus, 2.7.7, says that Alexiares and Anicetus are the sons of Hebe by Hercules. There is no information on other children. In the Iliad, Book IV Homer says “Now the gods were sitting with Jove in council upon the golden floor while Hebe went round pouring out nectar for them to drink, and as they pledged one another in their cups of gold they looked down upon the town of Troy.” Later in Book V Homer says “Thereon the august goddess, daughter of great Cronus, began to harness her gold-bedizened steeds. Hebe with all speed fitted on the eight-spoked wheels of bronze that were on either side of the iron axle-tree.” Finally in Book V Homer says: “As the juice of the fig-tree curdles milk, and thickens it in a moment though it is liquid, even so instantly did Paeeon cure fierce Mars.

Then Hebe washed him, and clothed him in goodly raiment, and he took his seat by his father Jove all glorious to behold.” In the Odyssey Odysseus says: “And after him I descried the mighty Heracles, his phantom, I say; but as for himself he hath joy at the banquet among the deathless gods, and hath to wife Hebe of the fair ankles, child of great Zeus, and of Here of the golden sandals.” (Book XI) In the Theogony of Hesiod(ll 13): “and Hebe with the crown of gold” Also (ll. 950-955) “And mighty Heracles, the valiant son of neat-ankled Alemena, when he had finished his grievous toils, made Hebe the child of great Zeus and gold-shod Hera his shy wife in snowy Olympus. Happy he! For he has finished his great works and lives amongst the dying gods, untroubled and unaging all his days.” TO PYTHIAN APOLLO — (ll.

182-206) Meanwhile the rich-tressed Graces and cheerful Seasons dance with Harmonia and Hebe and Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, holding each other by the wrist. TO HERACLES THE LION-HEARTED, “and has neat-ankled Hebe for his wife.” In The Heracleidae by Euripides, Translated by E. P. Coleridge, there is this description of action by Hebe, “When lo! old Iolaus sees Hyllus starting from the ranks, whereon he lifts his hands to him with a prayer to take him up into his chariot. Thereon he seized the reins and went hard after the horses of Eurystheus. From this point onward must I speak from hearsay, though hitherto as one whose own eyes saw. For as he was crossing Pallene’s hill, sacred to the goddess Athene, he caught sight of Eurystheus’ chariot, and prayed to Hebe and to Zeus, that for one single day he might grow young again and wreak his vengeance on his foes.

Now must thou hear a wondrous tale: two stars settled on the horses’ yokes and threw the chariot into dark shadow, which-at least so say our wiser folk-were thy son and Hebe; and from that murky gloom appeared that aged man in the form of a youth with strong young arms; then by the rocks of Sciron the hero Iolaus o’ertakes Eurystheus’ chariot. And he bound his hands with gyves, and is bringing that chieftain once so prosperous as a trophy hither, whose fortune now doth preach a lesson, clear as day, to all the sons of men, that none should envy him, who seems to thrive, until they see his death; for fortune’s moods last but a day.” The Wedding of Heracles and Hebe Pretty much all information about the wedding is contained in the following quote from the Theogony of Hesiod line 950 : “And mighty Heracles, the valiant son of neat-ankled Alcmena, when he had finished his grievous toils, made Hebe the child of great Zeus and goldshod Hera his shy wife in snowy Olympus. Happy he!

For he has finished his great work [955] and lives amongst the undying gods, untroubled and unaging all his days.” There are many pictures of Heracles after his apotheothesis (transformation to a god) and some of them include pictures of Hebe. Some have been interpreted as involving the wedding: Philadelphia MS5462 (Vase) The lack of information about the wedding may be due to the fact that the myth of the wedding is quite late and even Homer may not have known of it. Another fact may be that the apotheosis of Heracles may have been much more important than the wedding and that these happened at the same time. Pictures Question: What does Hebe wear? Answer: Check the ancient pictures of Hebe above.

More recent pictures of Hebe: Hebe Francesco Bartolozzi, artist Italian, circa 1725 – 1815 [Hebe], 18th – 19th century 32.3 x 25.3 cm (image) Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts 1963.30.36974 Catalogue of Images at Click here 2111: Statue by Antonio Canova, 1757-1822. Altes Museum, Berlin. 4906: Jens Adolph JerichaÏ 1816-1883: Hercules and Hebe, 1845. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen. 4211: Charles Durand 1837-1917: HÅbÅ, 1874. Palais des Beaux-arts, Lille. Question: Was there a special meaning to any of the clothing that Hebe wore? Answer: Not really. Goddesses were dressed in the fancy clothes of ordinary people.

In neolithic times the designs on clothes did relate to specifice meanings of the wearer but in Greece this idea appears to have been lost. The designs on the gowns of the ancient images above appear to bear no relation to the function of Hebe, but rather illustrate the same designs that appear on vases. Question: How was Hebe born Answer: Hebe was the daughter of Zeus and Hera his blooming wife. Question: What is Hebe’s full name Answer: Hebe of Zeus and Hera, the Goddess of Youth Question: is there a flower by the same name Answer: Yes: Click Here Question: What other informaton can you give me about Greek Goddess Hebe? Answer: Herodotus indicates that her name was used as a watchword or battle-cry. Pausanius indicates that her sanctuary was and asylum for slaves and that released prisoners hung up fetters in her grove. Question: did Hebe ever do anything super great or extra-ordinary?? Answer: Hebe was born the goddess of youth and cup-bearer to the gods. In the myths of other cultures, such a goddess was kidnapped to threaten the gods with old age.

Since this did not happen to Hebe she must have an extra-ordinary power. After Herakles became a god Hebe married him. Question: what is Hebs sybole i dont know if you know , but if you can will you please send it to me! Answer: Since she was cup bearer to the gods a cup could be used. As the goddess of youth, toys could be used. A citrine has been referenced but I do not know why. I cannot find any of these symbols in ancient literature. Question: Is Herakles another god or just a typo of Hercules? Answer: The Greek name is Herakles. The Roman name is Hercules. Question: How was Hebe concived or delievered? Answer: As soon as Zeus conceives the need of a god or goddess he is able to will his sperm to incorporate his idea. When he has sex with Hera the idea finds its way to her uterus and the divinity is conceived. At birth the deity is imbued with the idea of Zeus and the divine material of Hera. Hera gives birth in the nomal way through her uterus. But the baby is capable of realizing the idea of Zeus almost immediately after it leaves Hera’s body.

In this way the deity is born to its role. If Zeus does not conceive the idea of a god or goddess then his sperm is sterile and Hera does not conceive. Zeus and Hera can have sex whenever they want without any fear of Hera having an unwanted pregnancy. Hera only becomes pregnant if Zeus sees the need for a new divinity. Question: why were godess important to the Greek society Answer: The ancient Greeks believed the Goddesses were in control of some of the basic forces of nature. Question: whos the goddess of nature Answer: Artemis is the goddess of wild nature but she is not equivalent to Mother Nature in contemporary society. Many of the gods and goddesses were associated with natural processes that might be associated with mother nature. Hestia was the goddess of fire and controlled this process both in nature and in the hearth. Zeus was the god of the Atmosphere and Poseidon the god of Earthquakes and the Sea. Aphrodite controlled love in nature and in human society. Artemis mainly protected living things in the wild. Question: Who is Hebe’s Roman equivalent?

Answer: Juventas was the name of Hebe’s Roman counterpart Question: Did Hercules kill Hebe, some stories said he killed his wife? Answer: No. Hebe was an immortal who could not be killed. But he did kill his wife Megara, and later was killed himself by his wife Deianeira. Question: was she happy Answer: Yes. Most goddesses live in a state of eternal bliss. They have a much better sense of the true value of life than humans. Question: Does Hebe have any brothers and sisters? If so who. Answer: She is the sister of Ares, Hephaestus, and Eileithyia. Question: What was Hebe’s symbol? Answer: Her symbol is a cup Question: Can you please give me the story of Praxithea Answer: This is the name of four different individuals: the water nymph One of the Leontides Question: Was Hebe treated fairly by history? Why or Why not? Answer: An immortal goddess such as Hebe is beyond history. A better question is whether the realm of Hebe, youth, has been treated fairly. Question: What did Hebe accomplish or fail to accomplish?

Answer: Every goddess accomplishes the rules for her realm. She then administers those rules including punishing wrongdoers and rewarding patrons. She also answers prayers and grants exceptions to those rules. If a mortal is special to her she may request a favor from another god or goddess. Hebe’s realm was youth. Question: Is hebe a vergin? Answer: No. In ancient Greece youth must have extended to adult life. Maidens were virgins and youths, but married women could be youths as well. Question: Are there any significant literatures, historical/political event or creation that she has been associated with? Answer: Hebe married the immortalized Herakles in an important ceremony. Question: Is Hebe still thout to be living Answer: The ancient Greeks thought Hebe is an immortal goddess so in their mind her status has not changed from ancient times. Question: What was Hebe’s personality like? Answer: Since Hebe is the goddess of youth she has the personality of a perfect youth. Question: where did Hebe come out of when she was born Answer: Hebe was born of the seed of Zeus in the womb of Hera.

Most of the goddesses were born of a god and goddess who performed a sexual union. The birth of a goddess looked very much like the birth of a mortal. But goddesses are full of knowledge at birth, unlike mortals. And the realm of the goddess is determined at conception while the realm of a mortal is determined by marriage. Question: what is hebe`s nature? Answer: Her nature is the same as the qualities of the realm of youth over which she rules. She has the qualities of perfect youth. Question: What are some myths about the goddess hebe? Answer: The most exciting myth about Hebe was her marriage to Herackles. Other quotes from myths are mentioned earlier. Question: what powers did hebe have? Answer: The ability to know all The power to move through the air The power to change her shape to that of any mortal and many animals She could negotiate with other deities for temporary powers from their realms but subject to their review. . She is the goddess of youth and she had most of her powers in this realm. Within her own realm she sets the natural law and provides fixes when her laws go awry.

The fates seem to weave a cord for mortals of many strands but knots to hold the strands together at points. Each strand is a better or worse path through time that the mortal can take while the knots represents events that must be endured regardless. What the goddess can do is divert the mortal to a better or worse path as relates to her realm. Though she has no control over what happens at the knots she can make the life between them miserable or maneagable. Obviously she can only do this during a mortal’s youth. Question: Has the realm of Hebe, youth been treated fairly? Answer: Perhaps not. Education is more important to youth than bearing cups. Question: Can you give me a site to go to, to read about Hercules’ and Hebe’s wedding Answer: Philadelphia MS5462 Question: Why should Hebe be remembered? Answer: A goddess does not need to be remembered in the same sense as a mortal person. Information about a goddess is information about her realm. The more you know about her realm the better able you are to accomodate yourself to your environment. Of course at any one time you may only need to attend to one or two goddesses.

But sometime you may be in a special situation that requires knowledge of one who is unfamiliar. You may be stuck if you did not bother to learn about her. Question: I was wondering if you know the weaknesses and the strenghts of Hebe? Answer: A goddess does not really have strengths or weakenesses. Each goddess has a realm that she rules and the properties of that realm are what are really important. First see the page on powers of a goddess to see how powerful goddesses are. This page is at Click here Hebe is the goddess of youth and it is in the realm of youth that she has importance. She was the perfect picture of indutrious youth meaning that these qualities were important to youth. It was not just youth that attended her, however, as it was felt that she had the ability to make the old young again. It must be assumed that it is Hebe that provides the eternal youth of the gods but this point is not important to the Greek stories as similar stories are to other pantheons. Hebe does wed Herakles, though the reason for this is not certain, except that she was young and available.

Homer does not seem to know of this wedding so the origin of the story seems to be post Homer. Question:where does Hebe come from, and I think Im supposed to look for an acutal place in Greece or something. But I dont know if that is possible since she is a Goddess. Answer: There are a number of ways to answer the question where does Hebe come from. One answer is to give her parents. Zeus and Hera. Another answer is to give the place of her birth. This is probably Mt. Olympus, the location of the palace of Zeus.. But we can also consider the idea of the goddess. The idea of Aphrodite seems to have come from Astarte in the Middle East. Athena seems to have come from a similar source. Hera seems like she was the great goddess and came from the North. But Hebe has no foreign source. She might have originated in Athens, Mycenae, Pylos, or some other Mycenaean city.Athens is a good guess because there as a temple of Hebe there. The myths state that Hebe was the daughter of Hera and Zeus.

Since Zeus is the father of the Universe and Hera its mother it stands to reason that they should produce youth. Thus Hebe is a simple pesonification of an aspect of nature that follows from all creation. Unlike Hera, Artemis, and Aphrodite, Hebe’s name means what it personifies. This means that she was a later addition to the Greek Pantheon, at least when Greek was being spoken. Hebe is also referred to as maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess, Hebe.Hera.Hecate. This tripling of deities is a peculiarity of the Mycenaean civilization where there were three classes and the deities were divided among them. Each ritual was repeated three times, once for each different class. Michael Ventris did show that the Mycenaeans spoke Greek and so one might assume that Hebe came to the Greeks from the Mycenaeans. Question: what weapons does the goddess Hebe use Answer: The only “weapon’ a goddess needs is her wand. The weapons associated with goddesses are entirely symbolic. Hebe is usually shown with a cup. In that sense her weapon is a cup. She doesn’t really need a wand.

It is just shown as a symbol of a transfomation that she is performing. She might bestow age or youth on an individual as an act. If a warrior were attacking her favorite hero she might make the warrior age quickly so the hero could safely do him in. She would be shown in an illustration of the scene touching the warrior with a wand. Question: Why was Hebe made cup bear of the gods? Answer: A cup bearer was an honorary position at a banquet that allowed a young person to be involved in a less challenging way. This would allow the participants to witness the youth’s demeanor and the youth would have access to influential people. Also the cupbearer would have to be an honorable berson so the that the contents of the cup would not be tainted or poisoned. So it is appropriate that the goddess of youth should have this position at a banquet of the gods. Question: Where was Hebe’s birthplace and habitat? Answer: Phliasia borders on Sicyonia in Greece. Pausanius said that Phliasia had a sanctuary of Hebe. Sanctuaries often claim to be birthplaces of the deities they are dedicated to. So this is a possibility for Hebe.

As to habitat a goddess is equivalent and coextensive with her realm so everywhere there is youth, there Hebe will be found. In addition a goddess can be found anywhere upon the earth. Goddesses are restricted in their ability to visit the realm of the dead since they are immortal. Finally most of the deities take up residence in the palace of Zeus on Mt. Olympus. Hebe The Goddess of Youth Hebe The Goddess Of Youth Areas of Influence: Hebe was the Goddess of youth, she personified the beautiful maiden and everlasting life. Her name means "youth" or "prime of life." She was the cup bearer who served nectar to the Olympian Gods to give them immortality. This Deity was one of Hera's handmaidens, her job was to prepare the royal chariot. As a servant she also prepared Are's bath for him after a battle. In one myth she granted a man named Iolaus his youth back for one day so he could fight his enemy Eurystheus. There is controversy over whether Ganymede took over her position as the cup bearer or whether in fact he just represented her male counterpart.

She was one of Aphrodite's Bridal attendants and is said to be one of three Greek Goddesses associated with marriage. Hebe was also the Goddess of forgiveness, granting pardons to prisoners. Origins and Genealogy: the Goddess of youth was Zeus and Hera's youngest daughter. Her siblings were Ares and Eileithyia. This Deity married the Hero Hercules who was made into a demi God, together they had two children Alexiares and Anicetus. Strengths: Youthful. Weaknesses: She has less charisma than many of the Greek Goddesses, relying on her gifts to get attention.She was also said to be clumsy. Temples: Her most famous places of worship were an altar at Cynosarges in Athens and the sacred cypess grove on the Phliasian citadel. Hebe's Symbolism Shown in art either topless or in a sleeveless dress to accentuate her youthful features. Her ankles were often mentioned , they were described as nicely shaped or neat suggesting the health and fitness of youth. She carried a pitcher of nectar and a cup to serve the Gods. Plants: Lettuce as her mother became pregnant without Zeus by eating this plant. Ivy sprigs.

Roman Equivalent: Juventas Archetype The Maiden: The Maiden Archetype represents purity and the innocence of childhood. Where the soul’s dreams, magic and make believe still prevail. It is also an aspect of the triple goddess, together with the Mother and the Crone they represents the cycles of the moon and the different stages of a woman’s life. Shadow Maiden is very self centered all, her dreams and energy is expended on achieving her own personal needs and goals. As a symbol of everlasting youth Hebe is considered to be a Maiden Goddess despite the fact that she is married and is no longer a virgin. How To Work with This Archetype The Maiden: The Maiden is one of your Archetypes if you are life still in touch with your childhood intuition and fantasies and have used these to fulfill your dreams. Hence you can still have this archetype at any time of life. The Maiden reminds you to look after the magical child that lies within us all. Shadow Maiden asks you to look at whether your dreams and aspirations are selfish and take no account of the needs of others.

Hebe *** Hebe, the goddess of Youth Picture of Hebe Hebe for kids Additional facts and information about the mythology of individual gods and goddesses can be accessed via the following links: Greek Gods and Goddesses Facts about Hebe Hebe features in the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks which are based on the idea that these supernatural beings resembled mortals but possessed great magical and mystic powers. The following information, facts and profile provides a fast overview of Hebe: Hebe Profile & Fact File Greek Name: Hebe Role & Function: The function of Hebe is described as being the cupbearer of the gods. Hebe served the gods with nectar (the drink of the gods) and ambrosia (the food of the gods) until she married Status: Occasionally included amongst the names of the Olympians Symbols: The chalice (a bowl-shaped drinking vessel) or a tall pitcher, wings Alternative Names: Dia and Ganymeda Roman Counterpart: The Roman name for this goddess was Juventas Name of Husband: Heracles (Hercules) Name of Father: Zeus Name of Mother: Hera The Symbols of Hebe Each ancient Greek god and goddess were associated with special symbols, animals and attributes.

The Symbols of Hebe helped the ancient Greeks instantly recognize the gods and goddesses that were depicted in the pictures, mosaics, statues and images. The symbols of Hebe and their meanings were as follows: The chalice (a bowl-shaped drinking vessel) or a tall pitcher These symbols reflect her role as the servant of the gods Wings Her wings symbolized her as gifted with magic and the power of flight Hebe (Roman Counterpart was Juventas) When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC, the Romans assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. Many of the Greek gods and goddesses, such as Hebe, were therefore adopted by the Romans but were given Latin names. The Roman counterpart of Hebe was Juventas. Facts about Hebe in Greek Mythology Hebe, the Greek goddess of Youth, featured in the stories, myths and legends in Greek Mythology. Discover interesting information and facts about the Greek goddess of Youth. The facts about her provides a list detailing fascinating additional info to increase your knowledge about Hebe in Greek Mythology, stories and legends.

Picture of Hebe Roman Goddess Juventas *** Juventas, the Roman goddess of Youth The Romans made the Greek goddess Hebe the equivalent to Juventas. The Romans habitually adopted the gods and goddesses of conquered nations which at times makes the study of the Roman deities confusing. This article therefore combines both elements of Juventas, and her history taken from the poetical myths surrounding the Greek goddess Hebe, and the Roman goddess Juventas and her position in the state religion of ancient Rome. In ancient Rome Hebe was therefore considered as one and the same with the Latin goddess Juventas. Juventas, the minor Roman goddess of Youth - Coming of Age ceremony The Roman goddess Juventus was the counterpart of the Greek goddess Hebe, the goddess of youth. The Romans associated Juventus with the ceremonies and rites of passage of young men as they approached manhood at the age of seventeen years old. The most famous ritual related to the assumption of the toga virilis. The first wearing of the toga virilis was part of the celebrations on reaching maturity. According to Roman Law only male Roman citizens were allowed to wear the toga virilis upon reaching the age of political majority (seventeen).

Wealthy, noble young men who were the sons of senators were allowed to wear a toga bordered with purple, called the toga praetexta from the age of fourteen until they were seventeen years of age. At the age of 17 all male Roman citizens wore the pure white toga virilis.

The early elements of a boy's coming-of-age ceremony, including the honoring of Juventus, were as follows: The young man dressed in the toga virilis His father, family and friends proceeded in an elaborate procession to the forum where the boy's name was added to the list of Roman citizens The procession went on to the Capitoline temple to make offerings to Jupiter A contribution was made to the treasury of Juventas, in the chapel to Juventus A chapel was dedicated to Juventas, as personifying the eternal youth of the Roman state, in very early times in the cella of Minerva in the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus In later years a temple to Juventas was built and the ceremony was transferred to her temple The final stage of the ceremony was a celebratory feast in honor of Juventas Conferring the toga Temple of Juventas - The Sibylline Prophecies The goddess Juventas was first honored in Rome with a chapel on the Capitoline Hill and replaced by a temple that was built in her honor. The content of the Sibylline Books motivated the construction of the Temple of Juventus, and strongly advised the building of seven other temples.

The Sibylline Books (Libri Sibyllini) were a collection of a collection of prophecies from an Oracle named the Sibyl of Cumae, bearing upon Roman religion and the welfare of Romans and the Roman state. A lectisternium was first prepared for Juventas. A lectisternium was a ritual in which a meal was offered to appease gods and goddesses whose images were laid on a couch placed in the street. During the lectisternium in honor of Juventas a public thanksgiving was made to Hercules, an association which shows the influence of the Greek goddesss Hebe, the wife of Heracles and Roman counterpart of Juventas. In 207 Marcus Livius Salinator, following his victory over Hasdrubal, a Carthaginian general in the Second Punic War, vowed another temple to Juventas in the Circus Maximus, which was dedicated in 191 by Licinius Lucullus. The temple to Juventas was destroyed by fire in 16 BC. and rebuilt by the Emperor Augustus.

Picture of the sibyl Juventas - Personification of the Emperors In imperial times, Juventas personified, not the youth of the Roman state, but became the personification of the emperor, who assumed the attributes of a Roman god. Festival of Juventas A festival was dedicated to Juventas, as the personification of the emperor, by Caligula. The Dies Juvenalis, the Juvenalia, celebrated a day for the young on December 22 which was added to the festival of Saturnalia Picture of Juventas The following information, facts and profile provides a fast overview of Juventas. Juventus Profile & Fact File Roman Name: Juventus Role & Function: The function of Juventus is described as being the cupbearer of the gods.

Juventus served the gods with nectar (the drink of the gods) and ambrosia (the food of the gods) until she married Status: Minor Goddess Symbols: The chalice (a bowl-shaped drinking vessel) or a tall pitcher, wings Alternative Names: Dia and Ganymeda Roman Counterpart: The Roman name for Juventas was Hebe Name of Husband: Heracles (Hercules) Name of Father: The father of Juventas was Jupiter Name of Mother: The mother of Juventas was Juno Major Roman Gods Family Tree and Genealogy Juventas the goddess of Youth was considered a minor, or lesser, goddess. The Roman gods family tree provides an instant overview of the genealogy and the family connections and relationships between the principle or major gods of the Romans who were worshipped at the height of the Empire of Rome.

Juventas Interesting information and Facts about the Roman goddess Juventas Juventas, the Roman goddess of Youth Stories and Legends in Roman Mythology and history Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids Juventas, the Roman goddess of Youth Hebe | Greek Mythology Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Hebe (Ancient Greek: Ἡβη) is the daughter of Zeus and Hera , as well as the Goddess of Youth. She served as the Cupbearer of the Gods, and was later married to Herakles , the protector of Olympus . Contents Reign Hebe is the Goddess of Eternal Youth as well as the Keeper of the Fountain of Youth. In some myths, she was the Cupbearer of the Gods. She was also sometimes said to be the Patron of Brides as well as the Goddess of Pardon and Forgiveness. Mythology The most prominent myth about Hebe would be Euripides' play, Heracleidae. In this play, Iolaus prayed to Hebe to make him young again for a day in order to fight Eurystheus.

While she was reluctant to do so at first, after Themis assured her that it would be just, Hebe granted Iolaus' wish, and he enjoyed one more day of youth in his old age - he charged into battle as a strong and healthy young man, and came out victorious. Another story would be when Hebe lost her job as the Cupbearer of the Gods: once, she slipped and fell while serving nectar and her dress came undone, exposing her breasts. Apollo immediately fired her for this indecency. Ganymede , the beautiful young man who charmed all the Gods, became her replacement. Family Alexiares and Aniketos (Sons with Herakles ) Depiction Because Hebe was the Goddess (and sometimes the very personification) of Youth, Hebe was always portrayed by artists as a charming young girl. In most depictions, she either wore a sleeveless dress or was semi-nude. In other portrayals, she was dressed in light garments adorned with roses, on her head was a wreath of flowers, in one hand she carried the amphora of nectar, and in the other is the cup of eternal youthfulness. She is also sometimes shown with wings.

Sacred Symbols Hebe had four symbols: Chalice: One of Hebe's symbols was a decorated cup as she was responsible for filling all the chalices of the gods with nectar. Fountain of Youth: In Greek mythology, the Fountain of Youth is a special fountain the waters of which could either preserve one's youth eternally or restore youth to one who had lost it. Due to her status as the Goddess of Youth, this fountain could only be summoned and used by Hebe. Lettuce: It was sometimes said that Hera became pregnant with Hebe only by eating lettuce. Ivy Add a photo to this gallery Trivia Apart from serving nectar to the Gods of Olympus , Hebe was also said to be the one who helped her mother, Hera , enter her chariot, and she drew baths for her brother, Ares , as well. Hebe was usually seen as a companion of Aphrodite . Her male counterpart was Ganymede . Her opposite number was Geras . She may have been equated with Pandia. Some say that she gave up her cup-bearing position to Ganymede after she married Herakles A statue of Hebe can be found on the Temperance Fountain in Tompkins Square Park.

Hebe had temples in Athens, Sicyon, and Phlius. Freed prisoners would hang their chains in the sacred grove of her Phlius sanctuary. Her Roman name was Juventas, the Latin word for "Youth". Gallery of Images of Hebe Bust of Hebe

Question: Who was the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe?
Answer: JUVENTAS