The Pleiades

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and noticed a cluster of stars known as the Seven Sisters? In Greek mythology, these stars represent the Pleiades, a group of seven nymphs who were the daughters of the Titan Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione. Renowned for their beauty and grace, the Pleiades play a significant role in various myths, symbolizing themes of pursuit, transformation, and the eternal connection between the heavens and the earth.

The Origins of the Pleiades

Parentage and Lineage

The Pleiades were born from the union of Atlas, the Titan condemned to hold up the sky, and Pleione, a sea nymph associated with sailing and navigation. Their heritage places them among the prominent figures in Greek mythology, bridging the realms of Titans and nymphs. The seven sisters are:

• Maia
• Electra
• Taygete
• Alcyone
• Celaeno
• Sterope (also known as Asterope)
• Merope

Myths and Legends

The Pursuit by Orion

One of the most enduring myths involving the Pleiades is their pursuit by the giant hunter Orion. Captivated by their beauty, Orion chased the sisters for seven years. To protect them, Zeus transformed the Pleiades into doves and then into stars, placing them in the sky to be forever safe from Orion's advances. Interestingly, the constellation of Orion appears to chase the Pleiades across the night sky, reflecting this eternal pursuit.

Transformation into Stars

The Pleiades' transformation into stars symbolizes escape and preservation. Their placement in the heavens serves as a tribute to their grace and a reminder of the gods' intervention in mortal affairs. The Pleiades constellation has been used for navigation and timekeeping by various cultures, underscoring their significance beyond mythology.

Relationships and Offspring

Consorts and Children

Several of the Pleiades had relationships with Olympian gods, leading to the birth of important figures in Greek myths:

• Maia: The eldest and perhaps most famous sister, Maia bore Hermes, the messenger god, after a liaison with Zeus.
• Electra: Also united with Zeus, Electra became the mother of Dardanus and Iasion. Dardanus is the legendary ancestor of the Trojans, linking the Pleiades to the epic narratives of the Trojan War.
• Taygete: She was pursued by Zeus and, in some accounts, transformed into a doe to escape him. Eventually, she bore Lacedaemon, the mythical founder of Sparta.
• Alcyone: United with Poseidon, she became the mother of several children, including Hyrieus, Hyperenor, and Aethusa.
• Celaeno: Also a consort of Poseidon, she bore Lycus and Nycteus.
• Sterope: Sometimes said to be the wife of Oenomaus or consort of Ares, she is associated with the lineage of heroes and kings.
• Merope: The only sister to marry a mortal, King Sisyphus of Corinth. Their union resulted in the birth of Glaucus. Merope's marriage to a mortal is often cited as the reason why her star in the Pleiades cluster appears dimmer than the others.

Symbolism of Their Offspring

The children of the Pleiades played crucial roles in various myths, linking the sisters to the foundations of cities, dynasties, and heroic lineages. Their connections to gods like Zeus, Poseidon, and Ares highlight the Pleiades' significance in the divine and mortal worlds.

Interpretations and Symbolism

Representation of Seasonal Change

The rising and setting of the Pleiades constellation were significant in ancient times for marking agricultural seasons. Their appearance in the sky signaled the time for planting and harvesting, embedding the Pleiades in the rhythms of daily life and the natural world.

Themes of Pursuit and Protection

The myth of Orion's pursuit reflects themes of desire and the lengths to which individuals will go to attain what they seek. The transformation of the sisters into stars by Zeus can be seen as an act of protection, preserving their purity and autonomy. This narrative underscores the interplay between mortal desires and divine intervention.

The Pleiades in Art and Culture

Depictions in Ancient Art

The Pleiades have been a popular subject in art and literature since antiquity. They are often depicted as a group of graceful maidens, sometimes shown fleeing from Orion or shining brightly in the night sky. Their story has inspired poets, artists, and astronomers alike.

Influence on Modern Astronomy

The Pleiades star cluster, also known as Messier 45, is one of the most recognizable formations in the night sky. Its significance transcends cultures, appearing in the folklore and mythology of societies around the world. The cluster's visibility and beauty continue to captivate stargazers and scientists.

Misconceptions and Lesser-Known Facts

The "Lost" Seventh Sister

A common question arises from the observation that only six stars are easily visible to the naked eye in the Pleiades cluster. Various myths explain this discrepancy, often attributing it to Merope's shame for marrying a mortal or the grief of Electra over the fall of Troy. These stories add depth to the mythos surrounding the sisters and their celestial counterparts.

Global Significance

While rooted in Greek mythology, the Pleiades have significance in numerous other cultures, including the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, the Maori of New Zealand, and the Japanese, who call the cluster "Subaru." This widespread recognition emphasizes the universal human connection to the stars and the shared practice of storytelling through constellations.

Unraveling the Pleiades: The Celestial Sisters

Exploring the myths of the Pleiades offers a rich tapestry of narratives that connect the heavens with human experience. Their stories encompass themes of love, pursuit, transformation, and legacy. The Pleiades serve as a bridge between the mortal and divine, the earthly and the celestial, reminding us of the enduring power of myths to inspire and explain the world around us.

The Pleiades Sources

References to the Pleiades can be found in various ancient texts, including Hesiod's "Theogony", Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey", and Pseudo-Apollodorus's "Bibliotheca". These works provide detailed accounts of their lineage, myths, and significance in Greek mythology.

See Also: Atlas, Pleione, Orion, Hermes, Zeus