Greek Mythology & the Origins of the World

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TITANES IN TARTAROS
"[In the Titan War] they [Zeus and the hundred-handed Hekatonkheires] launched from their strong hands and overshadowed the Titenes with their missiles, and hurled them beneath the wide-pathed earth, and bound them in bitter chains when they had conquered them by their strength for all their great spirit, as far beneath the earth as heaven is above earth; for so far is it from earth to Tartarus. For a brazen anvil (khalkeos akmôn) falling down from heaven nine nights and days would reach the earth upon the tenth: and again, a brazen anvil falling from earth nine nights and days would reach Tartaros upon the tenth. Round it runs a fence of bronze, and night spreads in triple line all about it like a neck-circlet, while above grow the roots of the earth and unfruitful sea. There by the counsel of Zeus who drives the clouds the Titan gods are hidden under misty gloom, in a dank place where are the ends of the huge earth. And they may not go out; for Poseidon fixed gates of bronze upon it, and a wall runs all round it on every side. There [the Hekatonkheires] Gyes and Kottos and great-souled Obriareus live, trusty warders of Zeus who holds the aigis." - Hesiod, Theogony 715

"And there, all in their order, are the sources and ends of the dark earth and misty Tartaros and the unfruitful sea and starry heaven, loathsome and dank, which even the gods abhor. And there are shining gates and an immoveable threshold of bronze having unending roots and it is grown of itself.And beyond, away from all the gods, live the Titenes, beyond gloomy Khaos." - Hesiod, Theogony 807

"And through the two of them [Zeus battling Typhoios] ... through the thunder and lightning, and through the fire from the monster, and the scorching winds and blazing thunderbolt ... Haides trembled where he rules over the dead below, and the Titenes under Tartaros who live with Kronos, because of the unending clamour and the fearful strife." - Hesiod, Theogony 849

"The undermost limits of earth and sea, where Iapetos and Kronos seated have no shining of the sun god Hyperion to delight them nor winds’ delight, but Tartaros stands deeply about them." - Homer, Iliad 8.479

"The goddess Hera of the white arms swore [a promise] as he [Hypnos] commanded, and called by their names on all those gods who live in the Pit, and who are called Titenes. Then when she had sworn this, and made her oath a complete thing." - Homer, Iliad 14.277

"Hera prayed, striking the ground flatwise with her hand, and speaking thus: "Hear now, I pray, Gaia and wide Ouranos above, and you Titanes gods [Titanes theoi] who dwell beneath the earth about great Tartaros, and from whom are sprung both gods and men! Harken you now to me, one and all, and grant that I may bear a child apart from Zeus [her prayer was answered and she bore the monster Typhoeus]." - Homeric Hymn 3 to Pythian Apollo 300

It was I who gave that counsel through which ancient Kronos and his crew lie buried now in the back abyss of Tartaros ... On succeeding to his father's throne at once he [Zeus] appointed various rights to various gods, giving to each his set place and authority." - Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound 199

" The first to introduce Titanes into poetry was Homer, representing them as gods down in what is called Tartaros; the lines are in the passage about Hera’s oath." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.37.1

"Even to Haides' fathomless abyss: trembled the Titanes there in depths of gloom [to hear the Olympian gods battling amongst themselves]." - Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 12.179

"O mighty Titanes ... in Tartaros profound who dwell, deep merged beneath the solid ground ... Avert your rage, if from the infernal seats one of your tribe should wish to visit our retreats." - Orphic Hymn 37 to the Titans

"Mine [Haides'] is the prison-house, now broken, of the Gigantes, and of the Titanes, eager to force their way to the world above, and his own unhappy sire [Kronos]." - Statius, Thebaid 8.41

"Fain would she [Eris furious at being turned away from the wedding of Peleus & Thetis] unbar the bolts of the darksome hollows and rouse the Titanes from the nether pit and destroy heaven the seat of Zeus, who rules on high." - Colluthus, **** of Helen 48

"[Typhoeus to Zeus declaring his intentions when he seizes the throne of heaven:] Then with his midmost man-shaped head the Gigante yelled out threats against Zeus: ‘Smash the house of Zeus, O my hands! Shake the foundations of the universe, and the blessed ones with it! Break the bar of Olympos, self-turning, divine! Drag down to earth the heavenly pillar, let Atlas be shaken and flee away, let him throw down the starry vault of Olympos and fear no more its circling course - for I will not permit a son of Earth to be bowed down with chafed shoulders, while he underprops the revolving compulsion of the sky! No, let him leave his endless burden to the other gods, and battle against the Blessed Ones! … Okeanos my brother shall bring his water to Olympos aloft with many-fountained throat, and rising above the five parallel circles he shall inundate the stars ... I will keep the chains of Iapetos for Poseidon; and the soaring round Kaukasos, another and better eagle shall tear the bleeding liver, growing for ever anew, of Hephaistos the fiery: since fire was the for which Prometheus has been suffering the ravages of his self-growing liver ... And cannibal Kronos I will drag up once more to the light, another brother, to help me in my task, out of the underground abyss; I will break those constraining chains, and bring back the Titanes to heaven, and settle under the same roof in the sky the Kyklopes, sons of Gaia." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2.256

"Kronides [Zeus gloats over the body of the defeated Typhoeus, sent by Gaia (Earth) to champion the cause of the Titanes] laughed aloud, and taunted him like this in a flood of words from his mocking throat:
‘A fine ally has old Kronos found in you, Typhoeus! Gaia could scarcely bring forth that great son for Iapetos! A jolly champion of Titanes! The thunderbolts of Zeus soon lost their power against you, as I see! How long are you going to wait before taking up your quarters in the inaccessible heavens, you sceptred imposter? The throne of Olympos awaits you: accept the robes and sceptre of Zeus, God-defying Typhoeus! Bring back Astraios to heaven; if you wish, let Eurynome and Ophion return to the sky, and Kronos in the train of that pair! When you enter the dappleback vault of the highranging stars, let crafty Prometheus leave his chains, and come with you; the bold bird who makes hearty meals off that rejuvenescent liver shall show him the way to heaven." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2.563

For MORE info the Pit see TARTAROS

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MEN BORN OF TITAN-BLOOD
The Pelasgian tribes of Thrake were said to have been born from the blood of Titanes or Gigantes, spilled in their war against the gods.

"The Paionians [people of the highlands of Thrake] were called Pelagonians ... Since the 'paianismos' [chanting of the paian or hymn] of the Thrakians is called 'titanismos' [cry to Titan] by the Greeks, in imitation of the cry uttered in paians, the Titanes too were called Pelagonians." - Strabo, Geography Bk 7 Frag 39-40

"Them [the Pelasgians] who drew the root of their race from the blood of the Sithonian Gigantes." - Lycophron, Alexandra 1358

"O mighty Titanes ... in Tartaros profound who dwell ... from whom began the afflicted miserable race of man: who not alone in earth’s retreats abide, but in the ocean and the air reside; since every species from your nature flows, which, all-prolific, nothing barren knows." - Orphic Hymn 37 to the Titans

"Someone created men to be a race like unto the blessed gods, albeit he gave them inferior strength: whether it was the son of Iapetos, Prometheus ... or whether we are born of the blood divine that flowed from the Titanes; for there is nothing more excellent than men, apart from the gods." - Oppian, Halieutica 5.4

For the related STORY of the birth of men from giant's-blood see THE GIGANTES

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RELEASE OF THE TITANES
"And they [the Heroes in Elysium] live untouched by sorrow in the islands of the blessed along the shore of deep swirling Okeanos, happy heroes for whom the grain-giving earth bears honey-sweet fruit flourishing thrice a year, far from the deathless gods, and Kronos rules over them; for the father of men and gods released him from his bonds. And these last equally have honour and glory." - Hesiod, Works & Days 156

"Does not even now great Atlas struggle to bear up the weight of heaven, far from his fathers’ land and his possessions? But almighty Zeus set free the Titanes, for as time passes and the breeze abates, the sails are set anew." - Pindar, Odes Pythian 4 ant13

For MORE specific stories of Titans released see KRONOS & PROMETHEUS

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TITANES OF THE PELOPONESSOS
I) TITAN KRONOS IN ELIS

"When I come to Kronos’ sunlit hill [at Olympia]." - Pindar, Odes Olympian 1 ep4

"Mount Kronios, as I have already said, extends parallel to the terrace [at the sanctuary of Olympia in Elis] with the treasuries on it. On the summit of the mountain the Basilai (Kings), as they are called, sacrifice to Kronos at the spring equinox [the start of the new year], in the month called Elaphios (Of the Deer) among the Eleans." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 6.20.1

"As for the Olympic games, the most learned antiquaries of Elis say that Kronos was the first king of heaven, and that in his honor a temple was built in Olympia by the men of that age, who were named the Golden Race ... Now some say that Zeus wrestled here with Kronos himself for the throne, while others say that he held the games in honor of his victory over Kronos." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.7.6 & 10

For MORE information on this Titan see KRONOS

II) TITAN KRIOS IN AKHAIA

"Rivers come down from the mountains above Pellene [in Akhaia], the one on the side nearest Aigeira being called Krios, after, it is said, the Titanos (Titan), which rises in Mount Sipylos and is a tributary of the Hermos [NB Sipylos and Hermos were presumably named after the Lydian mountain and river]." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 7.27.11

For MORE information on this Titan see KRIOS

III) TITAN KOIOS IN MESSENIA

"One the road from Andania towards Kyparissiai is Polikhne [in Messenia], as it is called, and the streams of Elektra and Koios. The names perhaps are to be connected with Elektra the daughter of Atlas and Koios the father of Leto." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 4.33.6

For MORE information on this Titan see KOIOS

IV) TITAN IAPETOS IN ARKADIA

"The river [Bouphagos in southern Arkadia]] got its name, they say, from the hero Bouphagos, the son of Iapetos [either the Titan or a local king] and Thornax. This is what they call her in Lakonia also. ." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.27.15

For MORE information on this Titan see IAPETOS

V) TITAN TITAN IN SIKYONIA

The Titan of Sikyonia was perhaps originally identified with Hesiod's Hyperion.

"Having crossed the Asopos River again [near Titane, Sikyonia] and reached the summit of the hill, you come to the place where the natives say that Titan first dwelt. They add that he was the brother of Helios (the Sun), and that after him the place got the name Titane. My own view is that he proved clever at observing the seasons of the year and times when the sun increases and ripens seeds and fruits, and for this reason was held to be the brother of Helios (the Sun)." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 2.11.5

For MORE information on this Titan see TITAN & HYPERION

VI) TITANES HOPLODAMOS & ANYTOS IN ARKADIA

"Here also [in the sanctuary of Asklepios at Megalopolis, Arkadia] are kept bones, too big for those of a human being, about which the story ran that they were those of one of the Gigantes (Earth-Born) mustered by Hopladamos to fight for Rhea.” - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.32.5

"Mount Thaumasios (Wonderful) lies beyond the river Maloitas [in Arkadia], and the Methydrians hold that when Rhea was pregnant with Zeus, she came to this mountain and enlisted as her allies, in case Kronos should attack her, Hopladamos and his few Gigantes (Earth-Born). They allow that she gave birth to her son on some part of Mount Lykaios, but they claim that here Kronos was deceived, and here took place the substitution of a stone for the child that is spoken of in the Greek legend. On the summit of the mountain is Rhea’s Cave, into which no human beings may enter save only the women who are sacred to the goddess." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.36.2

"[In the sanctuary of Despoine, near Akakesion, Arkadia:] By the image of Despoine [daughter of Demeter] stands Anytos, represented as a man in armour. Those about the sanctuary say that Despoine was brought up by Anytos, who was one of the Titanes [or Kouretes], as they are called." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.37.1

For MORE information on these Titan-Kouretes see HOPLODAMOS & ANYTOS

VII) YOUNGER TITANES

Prometheus was particularly associated with Phokis in Central Greece, where he was first said to have crafted mankind; his brother Epimetheus was linked with Peloponnesian city of Korinthos; and the Titan Atlas had daughters scattered throughout the region, ancestresses of the kings of Lakedaimonia, Arkadia, Elis, Korinthos, and Boiotia.


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TITANES OF KRETE & THE GOLDEN AGE
"The Titanes had their dwelling in the land about Knosos, at the place where even to this day men point out foundations of a house of Rhea and a cypress grove which has been consecrated to her from ancient times. The Titanes numbered six men and five women, being born, as certain writers of myths relate, of Ouranos (Heaven) and Ge (Earth), but according to others, of one of the Kouretes and Titaia, from whom as their mother they derive the name they have. The males were Kronos, Hyperion, Koios, Iapetos, Krios and Okeanos, and their sisters were Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoibe and Tethys [he omits Theia]. Each one of them was the discover of things of benefit to mankind, and because of the benefaction they conferred upon all men they were accorded honours and everlasting fame." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.66.1

"And so these gods [the Titanes], by reason of the many benefactions which they conferred upon the life of man, were not only accorded immortal honours, but it was also believed that they were the first to make their home on Mount Olympos after they had been translated from among men." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.67.3

The story of the Titanes of the island Drepane (below) was probably also part of the Kretan tradition.

For MORE information on the Golden Age see KRONOS

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TITANES OF DREPANE & AGRIGULTURE
The island of Drepane, home of Titanes and Phaiakians was variously identified with Korkyra and Sikelia (Sicily).

"In the Keraunian Sea, fronting the Ionian Straits, there is a rich and spacious island [Drepane], under the soil of which is said to lie (bear with me, Mousai; it gives me little pleasure to recall the old tale) the sickle used by Kronos to castrate his father Ouranos (Sky). Others call it the reaping-hook of Demeter Khthonia (of the Underworld), who lived there once and taught the Titanes to reap corn for food, in her affection for Makris. From this reaping-hook the island takes its name of Drepane, the sacred Nurse of the Phaiakians, who by the same token trace their ancestry to Ouranos (Heaven)." - Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4.982


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TITANES OF THRAKE & ZAGREUS
In the story of the Thraco-Orphic godling Zagreus (who was identified by the Greeks with both Zeus and Dionysos) the Titanes were a tribe of barbarian giants who dwelt on the white-chalk or gypsum (titanos) slopes of Mount Titanos-Titarios in northern Thessalia. They were closely identified with the Gigantes of Pallene who later made war on the gods.

"The stories told of Dionysos by the people of Patrai [in Akhaia], that he was reared in Mesatis [in Akhaia] and incurred there all sorts of perils through the plots of the Titanes." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 7.19.4

"From Homer the name of the Titanes was taken by [the Orphic poet] Onomakritos, who in the orgies he composed for Dionysos made the Titanes the authors of the god’s sufferings." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.37.1

"This god [Dionysos-Zagreus] was born in Krete, men say, of Zeus and Persephone, and Orpheus has handed down the tradition in the initiatory rites that he was torn in pieces by the Titanes." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.75.4

"Sons of Jove [Zeus]. Liber [Dionysos] by Proserpina [Persephone], whom the Titanes dismembered." - Hyginus, Fabulae 155

"Liber [Dionysos], son of Jove [Zeus] and Proserpina [Persephone], was dismembered by the Titanes, and Jove gave his heart, torn to bits, to Semele in a drink. When she was made pregnant by this, Juno [Hera], changing herself to look like Semele’s nurse, Beroe, said to her: ‘Daughter, ask Jove to come to you as he comes to Juno, so you may know what pleasure it is to sleep with a god.’ At her suggestion Semele made this request of Jove, and was smitten by a thunderbolt." - Hyginus, Fabulae 167

"Zagreus the horned baby [son of Persephone & Zeus], who by himself climbed upon the heavenly throne of Zeus and brandished lightning in his little hand, and newly born, lifted and carried thunderbolts in his tender fingers [for Zeus meant him to be king of the universe].
But he did not hold the throne of Zeus for long. By the fierce resentment of implacable Hera, the Titanes cunningly smeared their round faces with disguising chalk (titanos), and while he contemplated his changeling countenance reflected in a mirror they destroyed him with an infernal knife. There where his limbs had been cut piecemeal by the Titan steel, the end of his life was the beginning of a new life as Dionysos. He appeared in another shape, and changed into many forms: now young like crafty Kronides [Zeus] shaking the aegis-cape, now as ancient Kronos heavy-kneed, pouring rain. Sometimes he was a curiously formed baby, sometimes like a mad youth with the flower of the first down marking his rounded chin with black. Again, a mimic lion he uttered a horrible roar in furious rage from a wild snarling throat, as he lifted a neck shadowed by a thick mane, marking his body on both sides with the self-striking whip of a tail which flickered about over his hairy back. Next, he left the shape of a lion’s looks and let out a ringing neigh, now like an unbroken horse that lifts his neck on high to shake out the imperious tooth of the bit, and rubbing, whitened his cheek with hoary foam. Sometimes he poured out a whistling hiss from his mouth, a curling horned serpent covered with scales, darting out his tongue from his gaping throat, and leaping upon the grim head of some Titan encircled his neck in snaky spiral coils. Then he left the shape of the restless crawler and became a tiger with gay stripes on his body; or again like a bull emitting a counterfeit roar from his mouth he butted the Titanes with sharp horn. So he fought for his life, until Hera with jealous throat bellowed harshly through the air – that heavy-resentful step-mother! And the gates of Olympos rattled in echo to her jealous throat from high heaven. Then the bold bull collapsed: the murderers each eager for his turn with the knife chopt piecemeal the bull-shaped Dionysos [Zagreus].
After the first Dionysos had been slaughtered, Father Zeus learnt the trick of the mirror with its reflected image. He attacked the mother of the Titanes [Gaia the Earth] with avenging brand, and shut up the murderers of horned Dionysos within the gate of Tartaros [after a long war]: the trees blazed, the hair of suffering Gaia (Earth) was scorched with heat ...
Now Okeanos poured rivers of tears from his watery eyes, a libation of suppliant prayer. Then Zeus clamed his wrath at the sight of the scorched earth; he pitied her, and wished to wash with water the ashes of ruin and the fiery wounds of the land.
Then Rainy Zeus covered the whole sky with clouds and flooded all the earth [in the flood of Deukalion]." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 6.155

"[Gaia to the Gigantes:] 'Wound him [Dionysos] with cutting steel and kill him for me like Zagreus, that one may say, god or mortal, that Gaia in her anger has twice armed her slayers against the breed of Kronides [Zeus] - the older Titanes against the former Dionysos [Zagreus], the younger Gigantes against Dionysos later born." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 48.41

For MORE information on this god see ZAGREUS

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TITANES OF EGYPT & EPAPHOS
The Titanes were sometimes identified by the Greeks with Set, the evil god who slew and dismembered Osiris in Egyptian mythology.

"The Aigyptians (Egyptians) in their myths about Priapos [Osiris] say that in ancient times the Titanes [Set] formed a conspiracy against Osiris and slew him, and then, taking his body and dividing it into equal parts among themselves, the slipped them secretly out of the house, but this organ alone they threw into the river, since no one of them was willing to take it with him. But Isis tracked down the murder of her husband, and after slaying the Titanes [Set] and fashioning the several pieces of his body into the shape of a human figure, she gave them to the priests with orders that they pay Osiris the honours of a god, but since the only member she was unable to recover was the organ of sex she commanded them to pay to it the honours of a god and set it up in their temples in an erect position." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4.6.1

"After Juno [Hera] saw that Epaphus, born of a concubine, ruled such a great kingdom [Egypt], she saw to it that he should be killed while hunting, and encouraged the Titanes to drive Jove [Zeus] from the kingdom and restore it to Saturn [Kronos]. When they tried to mount tot heaven, Jove with the help of Minerva [Athene], Apollo, and Diana [Artemis], cast them headlong into Tartarus. On Atlas, who had been their leader, he put the vault of the sky; even now he is said to hold up the sky on his shoulders." - Hyginus, Fabulae 150
[NB This is a fusing of various myths, including the Egyptian tale of Osiris and Set.]


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HYMNS TO THE TITANES
"To the Titanes, Fumigation from Frankincense. O mighty Titanes, who from Ouranos (Heaven) and Gaia (Earth) derive your noble and illustrious birth, our fathers’ sires, in Tartaros profound who dwell, deep merged beneath the solid ground: fountains and principles from whom began the afflicted miserable race of man: who not alone in earth’s retreats abide, but in the ocean and the air reside; since every species from your nature flows, which, all-prolific, nothing barren knows. Avert your rage, if from the infernal seats one of your tribe should wish to visit our retreats." - Orphic Hymn 37 to the Titans


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NAMING OF THE TITANES
Hesiod provides a Greek etymology for the name Titanes, deriving it from the verb titainô meaning to strain. Strabo, on the other hand, connects it with the religion of the barbarian Thrakians.
In the Orphic tradition they were said to have been named after the mineral titanos, gypsum or white chalk, with which they smeared their faces.

"These sons whom be begot himself great Ouranos (Sky) used to call Titanes (Strainers) in reproach, for he said that they strained and did presumptuously a fearful deed [the brothers strained to hold Ouranos down whilst Kronos castrated him]." - Hesiod, Theogony 207

"The Paionians [people of the highlands of Thrake] were called Pelagonians ... Since the 'paianismos' [chanting of the paian or hymn] of the Thrakians is called 'titanismos' [cry to Titan] by the Greeks, in imitation of the cry uttered in paians, the Titanes too were called Pelagonians." - Strabo, Geography Bk 7 Frag 39-40

"By the image of Despoine stands Anytos, represented as a man in armour. Those about the sanctuary say that Despoine was brought up by Anytos, who was one of the Titanes [or Kouretes], as they are called.
The first to introduce Titanes into poetry was Homer, representing them as gods down in what is called Tartaros; the lines are in the passage about Hera’s oath.
From Homer the name of the Titanes was taken by [the Orphic poet] Onomakritos, who in the orgies he composed for Dionysos made the Titanes the authors of the god’s sufferings." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.37.1


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TITLES & EPITHETS OF THE TITANES
The Titanes had a pair of epithets or alternative names.

Greek Titles:
Akmonidai
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling: Akmonidai
Acmonidae Translations: The Untiring,
Of the Anvil (akmôn),
Sons of Akmon
Greek Titles:
OuraniwdeV
OuranidhV
Ouranidai
Transliteration:
Latin Spellings: Ouraniôdes, Ouranidês
Ouranidai
Uranides, Uranidae
Translation: Heavenly Ones,
Sons of Ouranos


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Sources:

Homer, The Iliad - Greek Epic C9th-8th BC
Hesiod, Theogony - Greek Epic C8th-7th BC
The Homeric Hymns - Greek Epic C8th-4th BC
Homerica, The Titanomachia - Greek Epic BC
Pindar, Odes - Greek Lyric C5th BC
Greek Lyric II Alcman, Fragments - Greek Lyric C7th BC
Greek Lyric II Anacreon, Fragments - Greek Lyric C6th BC
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound - Greek Tragedy C6th-5th BC
Apollodorus, The Library - Greek Mythography C2nd BC
Apollonius Rhodius, The Argonautica - Greek Epic C3rd BC
The Orphic Hymns - Greek Hymns BC
Callimachus, Hymns - Greek C3rd BC
Lycophron, Alexandra - Greek C3rd BC
Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy - Greek Epic C4th AD
Strabo, Geography - Greek Geography C1st BC - C1st AD
Pausanias, Guide to Greece - Greek Geography C2nd AD
Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History - Greek History C1st BC
Ptolemy Hephaestion, New History - Greek Scholar C1st-2nd AD
Hyginus, Fabulae - Latin Mythography C2nd AD
Hyginus, Astronomica - Latin Mythography C2nd AD
Ovid, Fasti - Latin Epic C1st BC - C1st AD
Cicero, De Natura Deorum - Latin Philosophy C1st BC
Statius, Thebaid - Latin Epic C1st AD
Oppian, Halieutica - Greek Poetry C3rd AD
Colluthus, The **** of Helen - Greek Epic C5th-6th AD
Nonnos, Dionysiaca - Greek Epic C5th AD
Photius, Myriobiblon - Byzantine Greek Scholar C9th AD
Other references not currently quoted here: Stephanus of Byzantium; Clemens. Homil. 6.2; Heyne on Apollodorus 1.1.1


http://theoi.com/Titan/Titanes.html

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Socrates:
Chronos

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Member Rated:
   posted 02-08-2006 08:53 AM                       
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HORAI

Greek Name:
Wra
Wrai
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling: Hora
Horai / Horae Translation: Portion of Time,
Season (hora)

THE HORAI were goddesses of time and of the seasons of the year. They presided over the revolutions of the heavenly constellations by which the year was measured, while their three sisters spinned out the web of fate. The Horai also guarded the gates of Olympos who rallied the stars and constellations of heaven.

The Horai were particularly honoured by farmers who planted and tended their crops in time with the rising and setting of the constellations - measures of the passing seasons. The three were usually named Eunomia (Good Order, Good Pasture), Eirene (Peace, Spring), and Dike (Justice) goddesses who individually represented the conditions required for farming prosperity.

The association of agriculte with law and order can also be seen in the divinities of Zeus, Demeter and the Daimones Khryseoi.

The Horai were depicted as three beautiful maidens holding in their hands blossoms, seeds and fruit of the harvest.

Another set of Horai personfied the twelve hours of day.
.


K17.1 "Herakles entering Olympos"
Athenian Red Figure Kylix C5th BC
Berlin, Antikenmuseen F2278

Detail K17.1: The three Horai attend the feast of the gods on Olympos.
The first Hora Thallo or Eirene, representing Spring, holds a branch
of blossoms; the second Karpo or Eunomia, representing Summer /
early Autumn, holds a branch of ripening fruit; and the third Dike,
representing Late Autumn, holds a single ripe fruit or seed.


PARENTS
[1.1] ZEUS & THEMIS (Hesiod Theogony 901, Pindar Frag 30, Apollodorus 1.13, Pausanias 5.17.1, Orphic Hymn 43, Hyginus Fabulae 183)
[2.1] HELIOS & SELENE (Quintus Smyrnaeus 10.334)
[2.2] HELIOS (Nonnus Dionysiaca 12.1)
NAMES
[1.1] EUNOMIA, DIKE, EIRENE (Hesiod Theogony 901, Pindar Olympian Ode 13, Greek Lyric V Anon Frag 1018, Apollodorus 1.13, Orphic Hymn 43, Diodorus Siculus 5.72.5, Hyginus Fabulae 183)
[2.1] THALLO, KARPO, AUXO (Pausanias 9.35.1, Hyginus Fabulae 183)
[3.1] AUXESIA, DAMIA (Pausanias 9.35.1, Hyginus Fabulae 183)
[4.1] EUPORIA, ORTHOSIE, PHEROUSA (Hyginus Fabulae 183)
[5.1] EIAR, THEROS, KHEIMON, PHTHINOPORON (Nonnus Dionysiaca 38.268)

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BIRTH & NAMES OF THE HORAI
GENERAL LIST

"The names of the Horae, daughters of Jove [Zeus], son of Saturn [Kronos], and Themis, daughter Titanidis, arethese: Auxo (Growth), Eunomia (Order), Pherusa (Substance), Carpo (Fruit), Dice (Justice), Euporia (Abundance), Irene (Peace), Orthosie (Prosperity), Thallo (Green-shoots)." - Hyginus, Fabulae 183
[Hyginus apparently combines three different lists of Horai: - (1) Eunome, Dike and Eirene; (2) Auxo, Karpo, Thallo; (3) Pherousa, Euporia, Orthosie]

I) EUNOMIA, DIKE, EIRENE

"Next [second to Themis] he [Zeus] led away bright Themis (Divine Law) who bare the Horai (Seasons), and Eunomia (Good Order, Good Pasture), Dike (Justice), and blooming (thallô) Eirene (Peace, Spring), who mind the works of mortal men, and the Moirai (Fates) to whom wise Zeus gave the greatest honour, Klotho, and Lakhesis, and Atropos who give mortal men evil and good to have." - Hesiod, Theogony 901

"[Themis] the primal bride of Zeus Soter (Saviour). And she bare him the Horai with golden fillet and gleaming fruit, - the Horai that are ever true." - Pindar, Odes Frag 30

"With Themis, the daughter of Ouranos (Heaven), he [Zeus] fathered his daughters the Horai, by name Eirene (Peace), Eunomia (Lawfulness), and Dike (Justice)." - Apollodorus, The Library 1.13

"Daughters of Zeus and Themis, Horai bright, Dike (Justice), and blessed Eirene (Peace) and Eunomia (Lawfulness)." - Orphic Hymn 43 to the Horae

"The figures of Horai next to them [statues of Hera and Zeus in the Heraion at Olympia], seated upon thrones ... Beside them stands an image of Themis, as being mother of the Horai." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.17.1

"The names of the Horae, daughters of Jove [Zeus], son of Saturn [Kronos], and Themis, daughter Titanidis, are these: ... Eunomia (Order) ... Dice (Justice) ... Irene (Peace), Orthosie (Prosperity)." - Hyginus, Fabulae 183

II) KARPO, AUXO, THALLO

"Appropriate names for the Kharites (Graces) are those given by the Athenians, who from of old have worshipped two Kharites [or Horai], Auxo and Hegemone. [The third] Karpo is the name, not of a Kharis, but of a Horai but of a Hora. The other Hora is worshipped together with Pandrosos by the Athenians who call the goddess Thallo." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 9.35.1
[The Athenian goddesses Auxo, Karpo and Thallo were described as both Horai and Kharites. Pausanias is probably incorrect in his attempt to place each in one category or the other.]

"The names of the Horae ... Auxo (Growth) ... Carpo (Fruit) ... Thallo (Green-shoots)." - Hyginus, Fabulae 183
.

III) PHEROUSA, EUPORIA, ORTHOSIE

"The names of the Horae ... Pherusa (Substance) ... Euporia (Abundance) ... Orthosie (Prosperity)." - Hyginus, Fabulae 183

Greek Names
(Individuals):
Eirhnh
Dikh
Eunomia
Transliteration /
Latin Spellings: Eirênê / Irene
Dikê / Dice
Eunomia
Translations: Peace (eirênê)
Spring (eiar, eiarinos)
Justice, Rights (dikê)
Good Order, Good
Laws, Good Pasture
(eu-, nomos)
Greek Names
(Individuals):
Karpw
Qallw
Transliteration /
Latin Spellings: Karpô / Carpo
Thallô
Translations: Fruit, Produce (karpos)
Green-Shoots (thallos)
Greek Names
(Individuals):
Auxesia Auxw
Damia
Transliteration /
Latin Spellings: Auxesia, Auxô
Damia
Translations: Growth, Increase
(auxêsis)
Earth-Mother
(da-, dê, gê, maia)
Greek Names
(Individuals):
Euporia
Orqwsia
Ferousa
Transliteration /
Latin Spellings: Euporia
Orthôsia
Pherousa / Pherusa
Translations: Plenty, Abundance
(euporia)
Prosperity (orthôsis)
Bringer of Substance
(pherô, ousa)
Greek Names
(Individuals):
Eiar
QeroV
Fqinofwron
Ceimwn
Transliteration: Eiar
Theros
Phthinophôron
Kheimôn
Translations: Spring (eiar)
Summer (theros)
Autumn (phiniphôron)
Winter (kheima)


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HYMNS TO THE HORAI
"To the Horai (Seasons), Fumigation from Aromatics. Daughters of Zeus and Themis, Horai bright, Dike (Justice), and blessed Eirene (Peace) and Eunomia (Lawfulness) right, vernal and grassy, vivid, holy powers, whose balmy breath exhales in lovely flowers; all-coloured Horai (Seasons), rich increase your care, circling, for ever flourishing and fair: invested with a veil of shining dew, a flowery veil delightful to the view: attending Persephone, when back from night the Moirai (Fates) and Kharites (Graces) lead her up to light; when in a band harmonious they advance, and joyful round her form the solemn dance. With Mother [Demeter] triumphing, and Zeus divine, propitious come, and on our incense shine; give earth a store of blameless fruits to bear, and make these novel mystics’ life your care." - Orphic Hymn 43 to the Horae


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GODDESSES OF THE ORDERING OF THE YEAR (SEASONS)
"The changing Seasons (Horai) brought on the time for our labour to be paid." - Homer, Iliad 21.450

"When Seasons (Horai) passed and the fourth year came." - Homer, Odyssey 2.107

"Now hath the year in its full circle, and the Horai, the daughters of Themis, come unto Thebe’s city that driveth the steed, bringing to Apollon the banquet that loveth the garland." - Pindar, Paean 1

"Above the head of Zeus [in his temple at Megara] are the Horai (Seasons) and Moirai (Fates), and all may see that he is the only god obeyed by Moira (Destiny), and the he apportions the seasons as is due." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 1.40.4

"The Father [Zeus] spoke, the Moirai (Fates) applauded; at his words the lightfoot Horai [the Seasons & hence goddesses of the passage of time] sneezed, as a presage of things to come." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 7.7

"Kronion’s [Zeus’] attendants the Horai (Seasons) went their rounds about the sky." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 8.33

"As soon as the Horai brought the seventh year." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 38.15

See also:
(1) Horai Personifications of the Four Seasons (this page)
(2) Horai Goddesses of Fruiting and Flowering (this page)
(3) Horai Guardians of the Gates of Heaven (this page)

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HORAI GUARDIANS OF THE GATES OF HEAVEN
The Horai were the goddesses who presided over the ordered cycle of the seasons which were measured by the revolving constellations. As such they were also described as the goddess guardians of the gates of heaven.

"Hera laid the lash swiftly on the horses [leaving heaven]; and moving of themselves groaned the gates of the sky that the Horai guarded, those Horai to whose charge the huge sky and Olympos, to open up the dense darkness or again to close it." - Homer, Iliad 5.750 & 8.393

"These [the Horai] in epic poetry are included among the daughters of Zeus. Homer too in the Iliad says that the Horai have been entrusted with the sky, just like guards of a king’s court." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.11.7

"That the gates of heaven are in charge of the Horai (Seasons) we may leave to the special knowledge and prerogative of Homer, for very likely he became an intimate of the Horai when he inherited the skies." - Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 2.34

"[Description of an ancient Greek painting:] In his passion for driving this son of Helios (the Sun) [Phaethon]ventured to mount his father’s chariot, but because he did not keep a firm rein he came to grief and fell into the Eridanos ... Look [at the painting]! Nyx (Night) is driving Hemera (Day) from the noonday sky, and the Sun’s orb as it plunges toward the earth draws in its train the Astera (Stars). The Horai (Seasons or Hours) abandon their posts at the gates [of heaven] and flee toward the gloom that rises to meet them." - Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 1.11

"I [the Roman god Janus] sit at heaven’s doors with the gentle Horae (Hours or Seasons): Jupiter [Zeus] goes and comes through my office." - Ovid, Fasti 1.125

"[When the monster Typhoeus assaulted heaven] The Horai (Seasons) undaunted armed the starry battalions, and the lines of heavenly Constellations in a disciplined circle came shining to the fray." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 1.223

"It was night. Sentinels stood in line around Olympos [when Typhoeus came to lay siege] and the seven zones [of the stars], and as it were from the summit of towers came their nightly alarms; the calls of the stars in many tongues were carried all abroad, and Selene’s (the Moon's) turning-mark received the creaking echo from Kronos’ (Time's) starting-point. Now the Horai (Seasons), guardians of the upper air, handmaids of Phaethon [Helios the Sun], had fortified the sky with a long string of covering clouds like a coronal. The stars had closed the Atlantean bar of the inviolable gates lest some stealthy troop should enter the heavens while the Blessed ones were away: instead of the noise of pipes and the familiar flute, the breezes whistled a tune with their wings through the night." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2.170

"[Typhoeus threatens Zeus:] ‘Let the timid Horai (Seasons), Helios the Sun’s handmaids, flee the heavens under the shower of mountains!" - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2.270

"Zeus Kronides [returning from his victory over the monster Typhon] ... swiftly turned his golden chariot toward the round of the ethereal stars, while Nike by his side drove her father’s team with the heavenly whip. So the god came once more to the sky; and to receive him the stately Horai (Seasons) threw open the heavenly gates, and crowned the heavens. With Zeus victorious, the other gods came home to Olympos, in their own form come again, for they put off the winged shapes which they had taken on." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2.699

"[Iris relaying the message of Zeus to the young Dionysos:] ‘Come, lift the thyrsus of battle in your hands, and earnheaven by your deeds. For the immortal court of Zeus will not receive you without hard work, and the Horai will not open the gates of Olympos to you unless you have struggled for the prize [that is, the Horai admitted new gods to heaven]." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 13.22


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GODDESSES OF SEASONAL FLOWERING & FRUITING
"Thirteen pear-trees, ten apple-trees, forty fig-trees ... each of them bearing fruit in turn; there were clusters on them of every degree of ripeness as the Horai (Seasons) of Zeus shed down their influence from above." - Homer, Odyssey 24.343

"The rich-haired Horai crowned her [Pandora] head with spring flowers." - Hesiod, Works & Days 69

"[Themis] the primal bride of the Saviour Zeus. And she bare him the Horai with golden fillet and gleaming fruit, - the Horai that are ever true." - Pindar, Odes Frag 30

"Clearly seen are the bright symbols of sacred rites, whensoever, at the opening of the chamber of the purple-robed Horai, the fragrant spring bringeth the nectar-breathing plants. Then, oh then, are flung on the immortal earth the lovely tresses of violets, and roses are entwined in the hair; then ring the voices of songs to the sound of flutes; then ring the dances in honour of diadem-wreathed Semele [mother of the wine-god Dionysos]." - Pindar, Dithyrambs Frag 75

"The Horai [Seasons] are bringing us the first delightful roses." - Greek Lyric II The Anacreontea, Frag 5

"Eos (Dawn), leaving the waters of Okeanos, drew from the sky the moon's holy light, while the Horai came from immortal Zeus among spring's flowers." - Greek Lyric IV Corinna, Frag 690

"Thine [Apollon’s] altars wear flowers in spring, even all the pied flowers which the Horai (Seasons) lead forth when Zephyros (West-Wind of Spring) breathes dew." - Callimachus, Hymn II to Apollon 81

"Horai (Seasons) ... vernal and grassy, vivid, holy powers, whose balmy breath exhales in lovely flowers; all-coloured Horai (Seasons), rich increase your care, circling, for ever flourishing and fair: invested with a veil of shining dew, a flowery veil delightful to the view: attending Persephone, when back from night the Moirai (Fates) and Kharites (Graces) lead her up to light ... With Mother [Demeter] triumphing, and Zeus divine ... give earth a store of blameless fruits to bea." - Orphic Hymn 43 to the Horae

"The Horai (Seasons), as they are called, to each of them, according as her name indicates, was given [assigned by Zeus] the ordering and adornment of life." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.72.5

"That the gates of heaven are in charge of the Horai (Seasons) we may leave to the special knowledge and prerogative of Homeros, for very likely he became an intimate of the Horai when he inherited the skies; but the subject that is here treated in the painting is easy for a man to understand. For the Horai, coming to earth in their own proper forms, with clasped hands are dancing the year through its course, I think, and Gaia (the Earth) in her wisdom brings forth for them all the fruits of the year. ‘Tread not on the hyacinth or the rose’ I shall not say to the Horai of the spring-time; for when trodden on they seem sweeter and exhale a sweeter fragrance than the Horai themselves. ‘Walk not on the ploughed fields when soft’ I shall not say to the Horai of the winter-time; for if they are trodden on by the Horai they will produce ear of grain. And the golden-haired Horai yonder are walking on the spikes of the ears, but not so as to break or bend them; nay, they are so light that they do not even sway the stalks. It is charming of you, grape-vines, that ye try to lay hold of the Horai of autumn-tide; for you doubtless love the Horai because they make you fair and wine-sweet.
Now these are our harvestings , so to speak, form the painting; but as for the Horai themselves, they are very charming and of marvellous art. How they sing, and how they whirl in the dance! Note too the fact that the back of none of them is turned to us; and note the raised arm, the freedom of flying hair, the cheek warm from the running, and the eyes that join in the dance. Perhaps they permit us to weave a tale about the painter; for it seems to me that he, falling in with the Horai as they danced, were caught up by them into their dance, the goddesses perhaps thus intimating that grace (hora) must attend his painting." - Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 2.34

"[Description of an ancient Greek painting:] In his passion for driving this son of Helios (the Sun) [Phaethon] ventured to mount his father’s chariot, but because he did not keep a firm rein he came to grief and fell into the Eridanos ... Look [at the painting]! Nyx (Night) is driving Hemera (Day) from the noonday sky, and the Sun’s orb as it plunges toward the earth draws in its train the Astera (Stars). The Horai (Seasons or Hours) abandon their posts at the gates [of heaven] and flee toward the gloom that rises to meet them." - Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 1.11

"As soon as the dewy frost is cast from the leaves and sunbeams warm the dappled blossom, the Horae (Seasons) assemble, hitch up their coloured dresses and collect these gifts of mine [Khloris goddess of flowers] in light tubs. Suddenly the Charites (Graces) burst in, and weave chaplets and crowns to entwine the hair of gods." - Ovid, Fasti 5.217

"[At the wedding of Eros and Psykhe:] The Horae (Seasons) brightened the scene with roses and other flowers, the Gratiae (Graces) [Kharites] diffused balsam." - Apuleius, The Golden Ass 6.24

"They [the Horai] were appeasing the goddess [Aphrodite] by strewing wreaths and single blossoms before her, and they formed a most elegant chorus-line as they sought to please the Mistress of pleasures with the foliage of spring." - Apuleius, The Golden Ass 10.30

"She [Helene] hath gone to the meadow and sits on the dewy plain of the Horai ... and the paths of roses." - Colluthus, **** of Helen 344

"The Horai (Seasons), those daughters of the lichtgang, still joyless, plaited garlands for the gods only of meadow-grass. For Wine was lacking. Without Bakkhos [not yet born] to inspire the dance, its grace was only half complete and quite without profit; it charmed only the eyes of the company." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 7.7

"The banks free of waves [of the river Patoklos in Lydia] spirted up self-growing roses, the lily sprouted, the Horai (Seasons) crowned the shores while Bakkhos bathed." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 10.170


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T39.1 "The Four Seasons"
Roman Mosaic, Chebba C2nd AD
Bardo Museum (Tunisia)

Detail: The four Horai stand surrounded by seasonal growth: Spring with flowers, Summer with ripened grain, Autumn with ripened fruit, and Winter with late-ripening berries




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HORAI PERSONIFICATIONS OF FOUR SEASONS
The Horai were sometimes personified as goddesses of each of the four seasons - Spring (Eiar), Summer (Theros), Autumn (Phthinoporon) and Winter (Kheimon). As such they were often called daughters of the sun-god Helios, who guided their father's path across the heavens and oversaw the flowering and fruiting of the earth.

"And he [Zeus?] created three seasons, Summer and Winter, and the third, Autumn, and Spring as a fourth, when things grow but there is not enough to eat." - Greek Lyric II Alcman, Frag 20

"Hera beheld him [Paris dying from a poisoned arrow wound], with rejoicing soul throned in the Olympian palace-court of Zeus. And seated at her side were handmaids four whom radiant-faced Selene (the Moon) bare to Helios (the Sun) to be unwearying ministers in Heaven, in form and office diverse each from each; for of these Horai (Seasons) one was summer's queen, and one of winter and his stormy star, of spring the third, of autumn-tide the fourth. So in four portions parted is man's year ruled by these Queens in turn - but of all this be Zeus himself the Overseer in heaven. And of those issues now these spake with her which baleful Aisa (Fate) in her all-ruining heart was shaping [the final chapters of the Trojan War] ...
Of these things with her handmaids did the Queen of Heaven hold converse, and of many such, but Paris, while they talked, gave up the ghost on Ida: never Helen saw him more." - Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 10.334

"Enrobed in purple vestments Phoebus [Helios the Sun] sat, high on a throne of gleaming emeralds. Attending him on either side stood Dies (Day) and Mensis (Month) and Annus (Year) and Saecula (Century), and Horae (Seasons) disposed at equal intervals between. Young Ver (Spring) was there, with coronet of flowers, and naked Aestas (Summer), garlanded with grain; Autumnus (Autumn) was there with trampled vintage stained, and icy Hiems (Winter), rime upon his locks." - Ovid, Metamorphoses 2.24

"When Titan [Helios] perceived the Morning Star [Eosphoros] setting and saw the world in crimson sheen ... he bade the nimble Horae (Hours) go yoke his steeds, and they, swift goddesses, fastened the jingling harness and the reins, as from the lofty stalls the horses came, filled with ambrosial food and breathing flame." - Ovid, Metamorphoses 2.118

"The rosycheek Horai (Seasons), daughters of the restless lichtgang their stormfoot father [Helios], made a hast to the house of Helios (the Sun). One [Winter] wore a snowy veil shadowing her face, and sent forth a gleam of subtle light through the black clouds; her feet were fitted with chilly hailstone shoes. She had bound her braids about her watery head, and fastened across her brow a rain-producing veil, with an evergreen garland on her head and a white circlet of snow covering her frost-rimed breast.
Another [Spring] puffed out from her lips the swallow-wind’s breath which gives joy to mortal men, having banded the spring-time tresses of her zephyrloving head with a fresh dewy coronet, while she laughed like a flower, and fanned through her robe far abroad the fragrance of the opening rose at dawn. So she wove the merry dance for Adonis [whose festival was in spring] and Kythereia [Aphrodite] together.
Another [Summer], the harvest-home Season (Hora), came with her Sisters. In her right hand she held a head of corn with grains clustering on the top, and a sickle with sharpcutting blade, forecrier of harvest; her maiden form was wrapt in linen shining white, and as she wheeled the dance the fine texture showed the secrets of her thighs, while in a hotter sun the cheeks of her drooping face were damp with dewy sweat.
Another [Autumn] leading the dance for an easy plowing, had bound about her hairless temple shoots of olive drenches with the waters of sevenstream Nile. Scanty and withering was the hair by her temples, dry was her body; for she is fruitpining Autumn who shears off the foliage from the trees with scatter-leaf winds. For there were no vinebranches yet, trailing about the Nymphe’s neck with tangled clusters and golden curls; not yet was she drunken with purple Maronian juice beside the neatswilling winepress; not yet had the ivy run up with wild intertwining tendrils. But then the fated time had come, which had brought the Horai (Seasons) running together to the house of Helios (the Sun).
So these by the brows of western Okeanos took ship for the mansion of Helios their father. As they approached, Hesperos the Evening Star leapt up and went out of the hall to meet them. Selene (the Moon) herself also darted out newrisen, showing her light as she drove her cattle.
The Sisters at the sight of the lifegiving Charioteer stayed their fruitful step. He had just finished his course and come down from the sky. Bright Phosphoros was ready for the fire-eyed driver, near his chariot and four. He put away the hot yokestraps and starry whip, and washed in the neighbouring Okeanos stream the bodies of the firefed horses wet with sweat. The colts shook the dripping manes on their necks, and stamped with sparkling hooves the shining mangertrough. The four were greeted by the twelve circling Horai (Hours), daughters of Khronos (Time), tripling round the fiery throne of the untiring Charioteer in a ring, servants of Helios that attend on his shining car, priestesses of the lichtgang each in her turn: for they bend the servile neck to the ancient manager o the universe.
Then up and spoke the grapetending Hora (Season) [Autumn], holding out her hook of the fruitpining autumn as witness to her prayer: ‘Helios, giver of feason, plantdresser, lord of fruits! When will the soil make winemother grapes to grow? Which of the blessed will have this honour betrothed him by Aion (Time) [Khronos]? Hide it not, I adjure you, because of all the Sisters I alone have no privilege of honour! I provide no fruit, no corn, no meadowhay, no rain from Zeus.’
She spoke, and Helios cheered the nurse of the fruitage to come. He raised a finger, and pointed out to his circling daughter close to a wall opposite the separated tablets of Harmonia. In these are recorded in one group all the oracles which the prophetic hand of Phanes [Khronos] first born engraved as ordained for the world, and drew with his pencil the house proper for each [the astronomical house or zodiac sign]. And Hyperion [Helios the Sun], dispenser of fire, added these words: ‘In the third tablet, you shall know whence the fruitage of wine shall come - where is the Lion and the Virgin: in the fourth, who is the Prince of grapes - that is where Ganymedes draws the delicious nectar, and lifts cup in hand in the picture.’
When the god had spoken, the wineloving maiden turned her eyes about, and ran to the place. Beside the oracular wall she saw the first tablet, old as the infinite past, containing all things in one: upon it was all that Ophion lord paramount had done, all that ancient Kronos accomplished ...
But when the stormfoot Hora, Phaethon’s [Helios’] handmaid, had seen the fiery shining victory of Zeus at war and the hailstorm snowstorm conflict of Kronos, she looked at the next tablet in its turn. There was shown how the pine was in labour of the human race ... how Raincloud Zeus brought the waters up in mountainous seas on high and flooded all cities ...
When the priestess of lichtgang passed with nimble foot to the third tabled, the circling maiden stood gazing at the manifold oracles of the world’s fate, in letters of flowing colour engraved with the artist’s vermilion, all that elaborate story which the primeval mind had inscribed; and this was the prophecy that she read in the tablets: ‘ ... [various prophecies from Io to Atalanta]’
The Hora passed restless over all these on one tablet, until she came to the place where fiery Helios had indicated the signs of prophecy to the wind-swept maiden. There was drawn the shining Lion, there the starry Virgin was depicted in mimic shape, holding a bunch of grapes, the summergrown flower of fruitage: there the daughter of Khronos (Time) stayed her feet, and this is what she read: ‘Kissos (Ivy), the lovely youth, shall creep into a plant, and he shall by the highflying ivy that entwines about the branches. From young Kalamos will spring a reed rising straight and bending to the breeze, a delicate sprout of the fruitful soil, to support the tame vine. Ampelos (Vine) shall change form into a plant and give his name to the fruit of the vine.’
But when the harvest-home maiden had seen all these prophecies, she sought the place where hard by on the neighbouring wall was engraved the figure of Ganymedes pouring the nectar-juice into a golden cup. There was an oracle engraved in four lines of verse. There the grape-loving goddess revelled, for she found this prophecy, kept for Lyaios Ivybearer [Dionysos], ‘Zeus gave to Phoibos [Apollon] the prophetic laurel, red roses to the rosy Aphrodite, the grayleaf olive to Athena Greyeyes, corn to Demeter, vine to Dionysos.’
That is what the Euian maiden saw on the tablets. She departed joyful, and with her Sisters was away to the stream of the eastern Okeanos, moving along with Phaethon’s [Helios the Sun's] team." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 11.486 - 12.116

"I [Helios] carry the measures of time (khronos), surrounded by the four Horai (Seasons), about the same centre, until I have passed through a whole house [of the Zodiac] and fulfilled one complete month as usual ... Against Mene the moon I move my rolling ball, the sparkling nourisher of sheafproducing growth, and pass on my endless circuit about the turning-point of the Zodiakos, creating the measures of time (khronos)." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 38.235

"When I [Helios the Sun] reach the Ram, the centre of the universe, the navel-star of Olympos, I [Helios] in my exaltation let the Spring (Eiar) increase; and crossing the herald of the West-Wind (Zephyros), the turning-line which balances night equal with day, I guide the dewy course of that Season (Hora Eiar) when the swallow comes. Passing into the lower house, opposite the Ram, I cast the light equal day on the two hooves; and again I make day balanced equally with dark on my homeward course when I bring in the leafshaking course of the autumn Season (Hora Phthinoporon), and drive with lesser light to the lower turning-point in the leafshedding month. Then I bring Winter (Kheimon) for mankind with its rains, over the back of fish-tailed Aigokereos (Capricorn), that earth may bring forth her gifts full of life for the farmers, when she receives the bridal showers and the creative dew. I deck out also corn-tending Summer (Theros) the messenger of harvest, flogging the wheatbearing earth with hotter beams." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 38.268

"The Horai, handmaids of Helios, to do grace to Lyaios, painted with flowers the fountain’s margin, and fragrant whiffs from the new-growing meadow beat on the balmy air. There were the clustering blooms which have the name Narkissos the fair youth … there was the living plant of Amyclain iris; there sang the nightingales over the spring blossoms, flying in troops above the clustering flowers." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 48.577


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GODDESSES OF PEACE, JUSTICE & ORDER
As an extension of their function as the goddesses of the ordering of the seasons of the year, the Horai also became goddesses of the ordering of human affairs as the personified forces of Good Order, Justice and Peace.

"Here [in this city] dwells Eunomia and that unsullied fountain Dike (Justice), her sister, sure support of cities; and Eirene (Peace) of the same kin, who are the stewards of wealth for mankind - three glorious daughters of wise-counselled Themis.
Far from their path they hold proud Hybris (Insolence), fierce-hearted mother of full-fed Koros (Disdain) ... But to you sons of Aletes, how often the Horai, decked in their wreaths, have given the glory of the victor’s triumph for supreme valour in the sacred games." - Pindar, Odes Olympian 13 str1-ant1

"Listen, Moirai (Fates) ... hear our prayers ...send us rose-bloomed Eunomia (Good Order ) and her bright-throned sisters Dike (Justice) and garland-wearing Eirana (Peace), and make this city forget its heavy-hearted misfortunes." - Greek Lyric V Anonymous, Fragments 1018 (from Stobaeus, Anthology)

"To Zeus also were born, they say, the goddesses ... Horai, as they are called, Eunomia (Good Order) and Dike (Justice ) and Eirene (Peace) ... The Horai, as they are called, to each of them, according as her name indicates, was given [assigned by Zeus] the ordering and adornment of life, so as to serve to the greatest advantage of mankind; for there is nothing which is better to build a life of felicity than obedience to law (eunomia) and justice (dike) and peace (eirene)." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.72.5

For MORE information on the Horai as abstractions see DIKE, EIRENE, EUNOMIA

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HORAI NURSES, MIDWIVES & COMPANIONS OF THE GODS
The Horai were close companions of the gods of spring, such as Hera queen of the heavens, Aphrodite the goddess of procreation (including animals in spring), Hermes god of the herds and flocks, and Persephone goddess of the spring growth.

They were often depicted as nature's midwives, like their sister Moirai (the Fates).

I) NURSES & HANDMAIDENS OF HERA

"Hera ... throned in the Olympian palace-court of Zeus. And seated at her side were handmaids four whom radiant-faced Selene (the Moon) bare to Helios (the Sun) to be unwearying ministers in Heaven, in form and office diverse each from each; for of these Horai (Seasons) one was summer's queen, and one of winter and his stormy star, of spring the third, of autumn-tide the fourth." - Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 10.334

"Olen, in his hymn to Hera, says that Hera was reared by the Horai (Seasons)." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 2.13.3

"[The statue of Hera in her temple near Mykenai, Argos] is wearing a crown with Kharites (Graces) and Horai (Seasons) worked upon it." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 2.17.3

"The figures of Horai next to them [the images of Zeus and Hera in the temple of Hera at Olympia], seated upon thrones." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.17.1

For MORE information on this goddess see HERA

II) ATTENDANTS OF ZEUS

"So in four portions parted is man's year ruled by these Queens [the Horai] in turn - but of all this be Zeus himself the Overseer in heaven." - Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 10.334

"Above the head of Zeus [in his temple at Megara] are the Horai (Seasons) and Moirai (Fates), and all may see that he is the only god obeyed by Moira (Destiny), and the he apportions the seasons as is due." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 1.40.4

"[Images on the throne in the temple of Zeus at Olympia] On the uppermost parts of the throne Pheidias has made, above the head of the image [of Zeus], three Kharites (Graces) on one side and three Horai (Seasons) on the other." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.11.7

III) NURSES & HANDMAIDENS OF APHRODITE

"Sea-set Kypros ... and there the gold-filleted Horai [here barely distinguishable from the Kharites] welcomed her [the new-born Aphrodite] joyously. They clothed her with heavenly garments: on her head they put a fine, well-wrought rorwn of gold, and in her pierced ears they hung ornaments of orichale and precious gold, and adorned her with golden necklaces over her soft neck and snow-white breats, jewels the gold-filleted Horai wear themselves whenever they go to their father's house to join the lovely dances of the gods. And when they had fully decked her, they brought her to the gods, who welcomed her when they saw her." - Homeric Hymn 6 to Aphrodite 2

"Meanwhile [as Apollon plays the lyre & the Mousai sing at the feast of the gods on Olympos] the rich-tressed Kharites (Graces) and cheerful Horai dance with Harmonia (Harmony) and Hebe (Youth) and Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, holding each other by the wrist." - Homeric Hymn 3 to Pythian Apollo 186

"Alcaeus... deals with the mid-wifery of the Kharites (Graces) and the nursing of the Horai." - Greek Lyric I Alcaeus, Frag 308 (from Menander the rhetorician, Declamations)

"Euryalos, offshoot of the blue-eyed Kharites (Graces), darling of the lovely-haired Horai, Kypris [Aphrodite] and soft-lidded Peitho (Persuasion) nursed you among rose-blossoms." - Greek Lyric III Ibycus, Frag 288

"[Description of an ancient Greek play portraying the Judgement of Paris:] Each maiden representing a goddess was accompanied by her own escort ... Next floated in charming children [attending Aphrodite], unmarried girls, representing on one side the Gratiae [Kharites] at their most graceful, and on the other the Horae [Horai] in all their beauty. They were appeasing the goddess by strewing wreaths and single blossoms before her, and they formed a most elegant chorus-line as they sought to please the Mistress of pleasures with the foliage of spring." - Apuleius, The Golden Ass 10.30

"The childbed Horai (Seasons) had just delivered her [Aphrodite’s] baby [Harmonia] still wet, when her breasts were tight and swollen with the gushing white sap." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 3.380

"The four Horai (Seasons) struck up a tune together, when Aphrodite brought forth her wonderful daughter [Beroe]." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 41.155

For MORE information on this goddess see APHRODITE

IV) COMPANIONS OF PERSEPHONE

"[The Horai] attending Persephone, when back from night the Moirai (Fates) and Kharites (Graces) lead her up to light [out of the Underworld in spring]; when in a band harmonious they advance, and joyful found her form the solemn dance." - Orphic Hymn 43 to the Horae

"[Persephone] associate of the Horai (Seasons), essence bright, all-ruling virgin, bearing heavenly light. With fruits abounding, of a bounteous mind, horned, and alone desired by those of mortal kind. O vernal queen, whom grassy plains delight, sweet to the smell, and pleasing to the sight: whose holy form in budding fruits we view, earth’s vigorous offspring of a various hue." - Orphic Hymn 29 to Persephone

For MORE information on this goddess see PERSEPHONE

V) NURSES OF HERMES

"[Hermes] remembered the Horai, by whom he himself had been nurtured on the peaks of Olympos, and bethought how once, when he was still in swaddling clothes, they had told him a story about the cow, which had a conversation with the man about herself and about the earth, and so set him aflame after the cows of Apollon." - Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana 5.15

For MORE information on this god see HERMES

VI) NURSES OF ARISTAIOS

Aristaios was a rustic god of shepherds and beekeeping.

"There shall she [the Nymphe Kyrene] bear a son [the godAristaios], whom glorious Hermes will take from his fond mother’s breast, and carry to the enthroned Horai (Seasons) and Mother Gaia (Earth); and they will gently nurse the babe upon their knees, and on his lips distil ambrosia and nectar, and shall ordain him an immortal being, a Zeus or holy Apollon, a joy to men who love him." - Pindar, Odes Pythian 9 ant3

For MORE information on this god see ARISTAIOS

VII) COMPANIONS OF PAN

"Throned with the Horai (Seasons), Bakkhanalian Pan, goat-footed, horned, from whom the world began; in endless dance and melody divine." - Orphic Hymn 11 to Pan

For MORE information on this god see PAN

VIII) MIDWIVES OF DIONYSOS

"For to Kronides [Zeus] Semele’s house was lovely heaven, and the quickfoot Horai (Seasons) of Zeus became the attendants in the palace of Kadmos." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 8.3

"Round about the boy, [Dionysos in the womb of Semele], Kronion’s [Zeus’] attendants the Horai (Seasons) went their rounds about the sky." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 8.33

"No sooner had he [Dionysos] peeped out by this divine delivery [born from the thigh of Zeus], than the childbed Horai (Seasons) crowned him with an ivy-garland in presage of things to come; they wreathed the horned head of a bullshaped Dionysos with twining horned snakes under the flowers." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 9.12

"When the time came for her [Nikaia's] delivery, the lifewarming Horai (Seasons) played the midwives to a female child [Telete], and confirmed the nine-circled course of Selene." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 16.392

"O midwife Horai (Seasons), be witness of her delivery." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 48.794

For MORE information on the Horai & the birth of Dionysos see:
Horai Personifications of the Four Seasons (this page)
For MORE information on this god see DIONYSOS

IX) HANDMAIDENS OF HELIOS

The Horai (Seasons) were often described as handmaidens of Helios the Sun, who guided him in his seasonal paths across the heavens.

For INFO on the Horai as handmaidens of Helios the sun see:
Horai Personifications of the Four Seasons (this page)
For MORE information on this god see HELIOS

X) NURSES OF DARDANOS

"Dardanos, Emathion’s brother, was one whom the bed of Zeus had begotten, whom Dike (Justice) nursed and cared for a the time when the Horai ran to the mansion of Queen Elektra, bearing the sceptre of Zeus, and the robe of Time, and the staff of Olympos, to prophecy the indissoluble dominion of the Ausonian race [the Trojans]. The Horai brought up the baby; and by an irrevocable oracle of Zeus, the lad just sprouting the flower of recrescent youth left Elektra’s house, when for the third time a deluge of rain had flooded the world’s foundations with towering billows." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 3.195


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GODDESSES OF IMMORTALITY
The Horai were regarded as goddesses of immortality: they guarded the gates of heaven, admitting only gods; were present as midwives and nurses of the gods; and delivered ambrosia, the food of the gods.

I) AMBROSIA FOOD OF THE GODS

"Singing of Peleus' Bridal of Delight [the wedding of Peleus & Thetis], which all the blest Immortals brought to pass by Pelion's crests; sang of the ambrosial feast when the swift Horai (Hours) brought in immortal hands meats not of earth, and heaped in golden maunds; sang how the silver tables were set forth in haste by Themis [mother of the Horai] blithely laughing ... sang how the Nymphai in golden chalices mingled ambrosia." - Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 4.128

II) GUARDIANS OF OLYMPOS

"[Depicted on the throne of Apollon at Amyklai:] The Moirai (Fates) and Horai (Seasons), and with them Aphrodite, Athena and Artemis. They are carrying to heaven Hyakinthos and Polyboia, the sister, they say, of Hyakinthos [who were granted immortality in heaven]." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 3.19.3-5

"[Iris relaying the message of Zeus to the young Dionysos:] ‘Come, lift the thyrsus of battle in your hands, and earnheaven by your deeds. For the immortal court of Zeus will not receive you without hard work, and the Horai will not open the gates of Olympos to you unless you have struggled for the prize [that is, the Horai admitted new gods to heaven]." - Nonnus, Dionysiaca 13.22

For INFO on the Horai as the gatekeepers of heaven see:
Horai Guardians of the Gates of Heaven (this page)

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CULT & CULT-ART OF THE HORAI
I) MEGARA Chief City of Megaris (Southern Greece)

"Above the head of Zeus [in his temple at Megara] are the Horai (Seasons) and Moirai (Fates), and all may see that he is the only god obeyed by Moira (Destiny), and the he apportions the seasons as is due." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 1.40.4

II) Near MYKENAI Town in Argolis (Southern Greece)

"[The statue of Hera in her temple near Mykenai, Argos] is wearing a crown with Kharites (Graces) and Horai (Seasons) worked upon it." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 2.17.3

III) ARGOS Chief City of Argolis (Southern Greece)

"A little further on [from the Khorea in Argos city] is a sanctuary of the Horai." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 2.20.5

IV) SPARTA Chief City of Lakedaimonia (Southern Greece)

"[The throne of the statue of Apollon at Amyklai, Lakedaimon] is supported by two Kharites (Graces) and two Horai." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 3.18.10-16

V) OLYMPIA Sanctuary in Elis (Southern Greece)

"[Images on the throne in the temple of Zeus at Olympia] On the uppermost parts of the throne Pheidias has made, above the head of the image [of Zeus], three Kharites (Graces) on one side and three Horai (Seasons) on the other. These in epic poetry are included among the daughters of Zeus. Homer too in the Iliad says that the Horai have been entrusted with the sky, just like guards of a king’s court." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.11.7

"Well, there is in the Altis [at the shrine of Olympia], when you are about to pass to the left of the Leonidaion, an altar of Aphrodite, and after it one of the Horai (Seasons)." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.15.2

"The figures of Horai next to them [the images of Zeus and Hera in the temple of Hera at Olympia], seated upon thrones, were made by the Aiginetan Smilis. Beside them stands an image of Themis, as being mother of the Horai." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 5.17.1

VI) MEGALOPOLIS Chief City of Arkadia (Southern Greece)

"[At Megalopolis, Arkadia] is an enclosure sacred to the Great Goddesses (Megalai Theai) [Demeter and Persephone] ... Before it stands a table, on which are carved two Horai, Pan with pipes, and Apollon playing the harp. There is also an inscription saying they are among the first gods." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.31.1

VII) ERYTHRAI Town in Ionia / Lydia (Anatolia)

"The white marble images of Kharites and Horai that stand in the open before the entrance [of Athena in Erythrai, Asia Minor]." - Pausanias, Guide to Greece 7.5.9


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Sources:

Homer, The Iliad - Greek Epic C9th-8th BC
Homer, The Odyssey - Greek Epic C9th-8th BC
Hesiod, Theogony - Greek Epic C8th-7th BC
The Homeric Hymns - Greek Epic C8th-4th BC
Pindar, Odes - Greek Lyric C5th BC
Pindar, Fragments - Greek Lyric C5th BC
Greek Lyric I Alcaeus, Fragments - Greek Lyric C6th BC
Greek Lyric II Anancreontea, Fragments - Greek Lyric BC
Greek Lyric III Ibycus, Fragments - Greek Lyric C6th BC
Greek Lyric III Simonides, Fragments - Greek Lyric C6th-5th BC
Greek Lyric IV Corinna, Fragments - Greek Lyric C5th BC
Greek Lyric V Anonymous, Fragments - Greek Lyric C5th BC
Apollodorus, The Library - Greek Mythography C2nd BC
The Orphic Hymns - Greek Hymns BC
Theocritus Idylls - Greek Idyllic C3rd BC
Callimachus, Hymns - Greek C3rd BC
Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy - Greek Epic C4th AD
Pausanias, Guide to Greece - Greek Geography C2nd AD
Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History - Greek History C1st BC
Philostratus the Elder, Imagines - Greek Art History C3rd AD
Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana - Greek Biography C2nd AD
Hyginus, Fabulae - Latin Mythography C2nd AD
Ovid, Metamorphoses - Latin Epic C1st BC - C1st AD
Ovid, Fasti - Latin Epic C1st BC - C1st AD
Apuleius, The Golden Ass - Latin Epic C2nd AD
Colluthus, The **** of Helen - Greek Epic C5th-6th AD
Nonnos, Dionysiaca - Greek Epic C5th AD
Other references not currently quoted here: Statius Thebaid 3.410; Horace Odes 4.7.8; Lucian Dialogues of the Gods 10; Theocritus Idylls 15.104; Athenaeus 2.38; Pollux 8.106; Ovid Fasti 5.195

http://theoi.com/Ouranios/Horai.html

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Posts: 1008 | From: various | Registered: Jul 2004   

Socrates:
Chronos

Member
Member # 2051

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   posted 02-08-2006 12:24 PM                       
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HYPERION

Greek Name:
`Uperiwn Transliteration: Hyperiôn Translation: Is-Above, Goes-Above,
Watching-from-Above
(hyper, iôn)

HYPERION was the TITAN god of light, the father of the three shining gods of heaven - Eos the Light of Dawn and Day, Helios the Sun, and Selene the Moon.

Hyperion was probably also the god of watching and observation. (See the bottom of this page for explanatory notes.)

He was imprisoned in Tartaros along with his brothers Koios, Krios, Iapetos and Kronos, after the Titanes were defeated by the Olympian gods in the Titan-War.

PARENTS
[1.1] OURANOS & GAIA (Theogony 132, Homeric Hymn 31, Apollodorus 1.8, Diodorus Siculus 5.66.1, Hyginus Pref)
[1.2] AITHER (or OURANOS) & GAIA (Hyginus Pref)
OFFSPRING
[1.1] HELIOS, SELENE, EOS (by Theia) (Theogony 371, Apollodorus 1.9, Hyginus Pref)
[1.2] HELIOS, SELENE, EOS (by Euryphaessa) (Homeric Hymn 31)
[1.3] HELIOS (Odyssey 12.168, Homeric Hymn to Demeter 19, Homeric Hymn to Athena 12, Pindar Olympian 7 str3, Metamorphoses 4.170)
[1.4] TITAN, HELIOS ? (Pausanias 2.11.5)

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"She [Gaia the Earth] lay with Ouranos (Sky) and bare deep-swirling Okeanos, Koios and Krios and Hyperion and Iapetos, Theia and Rhea, Themis and Mnemosyne and gold-crowned Phoibe and lovely Tethys. After them was born Kronos the wily, youngest and most terrible of her children, and he hated his lusty sire ...
And he [Ouranos] used to hide them all [Hekatonkheires and Kyklopes, brothers of the Titanes] away in a secret place of Earth (Gaia) so soon as each was born, and would not suffer them to come up into the light: and Ouranos (Sky) rejoiced in his evil doing. But vast Gaia (Earth) groaned within, being straitened, and she made the element of grey flint and shaped a great sickle, and told her plan to her dear sons [the six Titanes]. And she spoke, cheering them, while she was vexed in her dear heart: 'My children, gotten of a sinful father, if you will obey me, we should punish the vile outrage of your father; for he first thought of doing shameful things.'
So she said; but fear seized them all, and none of them uttered a word. But great Kronos the wily took courage and answered his dear mother: 'Mother, I will undertake to do this deed.'
So he said: and vast Gaia (Earth) rejoiced greatly in spirit, and set and hid him in an ambush, and put in his hands a jagged sickle, and revealed to him the whole plot.
And Ouranos (Sky) came, bringing on night and longing for love, and he lay about Gaia (Earth) spreading himself full upon her. Then the son from his ambush stretched forth his left hand and in his right took the great long sickle with jagged teeth, and swiftly lopped off his own father's members and cast them away to fall behind him ...
These sons whom be begot himself great Ouranos (Sky) used to call Titenes (Strainers) in reproach, for he said that they strained and did presumptuously a fearful deed, and that vengeance for it would come afterwards." - Hesiod, Theogony 133 & 207
[NB Hesiod in the last few lines suggests that all six brothers were involved in the ambush and castration of Ouranos: five straining to hold him fast, whilst the sixth, Kronos, cut off his genitals.]

"And Theia was subject in love to Hyperion and bare great Helios (Sun) and clear Selene (Moon) and Eos (Dawn)." - Hesiod, Theogony 371

"Helios whom mild-eyed Euryphaessa, the far-shining one (phaithonta), bare to the Son of Gaia (Earth) and starry Ouranos (Heaven). For Hyperion wedded glorious Euryphaessa, his own sister, who bare him lovely children, rosy-armed Eos (Dawn) and rich-tressed Selene (Moon) and tireless Helios (Sun)." - Homeric Hymn 31 To Helios

"Ouranos (Sky) ... fathered other sons on Ge (Earth), namely the Titanes: Okeanos, Koios, Hyperion, Kreios, Iapetos, and Kronos the youngest; also daughters called Titanides: Tethys, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoibe, Dione, and Theia ...
Now Ge (Earth), distressed by the loss of her children into Tartaros [the Kyklopes and Hekatonkheires], persuaded the Titanes [Koios, Hyperion, Kreios, Iapetos and Kronos] to attack their father, and she gave Kronos a sickle made of adamant. So all of them except Okeanos set upon Ouranos (Heaven), and Kronos cut off his genitals, tossing them into the sea ... Thus having overthrown Ouranos’ rule the Titanes retrieved their brothers from Tartaros and gave the power to Kronos." - Apollodorus, The Library 1.2-3
.

"The Titanes had children ... Hyperion and Theia had Eos (Dawn) , Helios (Sun), and Selene (Moon)." - Apollodorus, The Library 1.8-9

"The Titanes numbered six men and five women, being born, as certain writers of myths relate, of Ouranos (Heaven) and Ge (Earth), but according to others, of one of the Kouretes and Titaia, from whom as their mother they derive the name they have. The males were Kronos, Hyperion, Koios, Iapetos, Krios and Okeanos, and their sisters were Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoibe and Tethys [he omits Theia]. Each one of them was the discover of things of benefit to mankind, and because of the benefaction they conferred upon all men they were accorded honours and everlasting fame." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.66.1

"Of Hyperion we are told that he was the first to understand, by diligent attention and observation, the movement of both the sun and the moon and the other stars, and the seasons as well, in that they are caused by these bodies, and to make these facts known to others; and that for this reason he was called the father of these bodies, since he had begotten, so to speak, the speculation about them and their nature." - Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.67.1

"From Aether and Terra (Earth) [were born various abstractions] ... [From Ouranos and Gaia were born?] the Titanes ... Hyperion, and Polus [Koios], Saturnus [Kronos], Ops [Rhea], Moneta [Mnemosyne], Dione." - Hyginus, Preface
NB Hyginus' Preface survives only in summary. The Titanes should be listed as children of Ouranos (Caelum) not Aither, but this notation may have been lost in the transcription.

"From Hyperion and Aethra [were born]: Sol [Helios], Luna [Selene], Aurora [Eos]." - Hyginus, Preface


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NOTES:

Hyperion was probably also the god of watching and observation, and his wife, Theia, the goddess of sight. The Greeks believed that the eyes emitted a ray of light, like a sun or moon beam, which allowed one to see whatever it touched. Hence the sun, moon and their parents were also connected with the gift of sight.

Hyperion, as a Titan son of the Heavens, was no doubt held responsible for the ordering of the cycles of sun, moon and dawn, a primordial god who first established regular days and months. His brother Krios, on the other hand, presided over the ordering of the heavenly constellations which measured out the year in a cycle of seasons.

At the end of the Titan-War he may have been cast into Tartaros with the rest of his Titan brothers, or perhaps left in some form of bondage to maintain heavenly order.

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Sources:

Hesiod, Theogony - Greek Epic C8th-7th BC
The Homeric Hymns - Greek Epic C8th-4th BC
Apollodorus, The Library - Greek Mythography C2nd BC
Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History - Greek History C1st BC
Hyginus, Fabulae - Latin Mythography C2nd AD

http://theoi.com/Titan/TitanHyperion.html

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The one true academic search for Atlantis begins at Atlantis Online:

http://atlantisonline.smfforfree2.com/index.php

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