Hesperides

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GardenHesperides BurneJones

Hesperides refers to the nymphs of the evening and golden light of sunset in Greek mythology. They were the daughters of Atlas, the Titan who held up the sky, and Hesperis, or according to some accounts, Nyx (the night). The Hesperides are particularly famous for their garden at the western edge of the world, near the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, where they tended a beautiful garden in which grew golden apples that granted immortality when eaten. These apples were a wedding gift from Gaia (the Earth) to Hera when she married Zeus.

Mythology

The primary role of the Hesperides in Greek mythology is as the guardians of the golden apples in their beautiful garden. They are often depicted as three sisters, named Aegle, Erytheis, and Hespere, though some myths mention four or more Hesperides. The golden apples were considered a symbol of fertility and immortality, and were highly coveted.

The most famous myth involving the Hesperides is the Twelfth Labor of Hercules, in which Hercules was tasked with retrieving the golden apples. Hercules, not knowing the location of the garden, had to undertake a series of challenges to find it. Upon reaching the garden, he encountered Ladon, a hundred-headed dragon that never slept, placed by Hera to guard the garden and the golden apples. Hercules killed Ladon and took the apples, with some versions of the myth suggesting he had the help of Atlas, who retrieved the apples for him in exchange for Hercules temporarily taking on the burden of holding up the sky.

Symbolism

The Hesperides and their garden symbolize the idea of unreachable or forbidden desires, as the garden was located at the far western edge of the world, beyond the reach of mortals. The golden apples represent the pursuit of eternal life and beauty, themes that are prevalent in many myths and legends around the world.

Influence

The myth of the Hesperides has influenced various aspects of culture and literature. The golden apples have been interpreted in different ways, often representing knowledge, power, or beauty. The story has inspired numerous works of art, literature, and music over the centuries, reflecting the enduring appeal of Greek mythology in exploring human desires and the natural world.

See Also

• Atlas (mythology)
• Hercules
• Greek mythology
• Ladon (mythology)
• Garden of the Hesperides