TAYGETE IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Taygete was one of the more famous of the nymphs of Greek mythology. Taygete was a daughter of the Titan Atlas, and a lover of the supreme god Zeus.
The Pleiad Nymph Taygete
Taygete was one of the seven nymph daughters of the Titan god, Atlas, and the nymph Pleione; collective the seven sisters were known as the Pleiades, after their mother. The place of birth of Taygete and her sisters is often said to have been Mount Cyllene.
Taygete was thus sister to Maia, Electra, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope and Merope. Taygete’s parentage, also means, that in some sources, she was sister to Hyas, the god of seasonal rains, and the Hyades, rain nymphs.
Taygete was thus sister to Maia, Electra, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope and Merope. Taygete’s parentage, also means, that in some sources, she was sister to Hyas, the god of seasonal rains, and the Hyades, rain nymphs.
Taygete and ZeusThe Pleiades were known for their beauty, and Taygete was no exception. Many of the male gods sought the company of the Pleiades, and in the case of Taygete, it was Zeus himself who became infatuated with her.
Taygete was closely associated with the goddess Artemis, and often found in the Olympian goddess’ entourage, and when Zeus first came seeking out Taygete, Artemis hid the Pleiad nymph, transforming her into an animal. For this assistance, Taygete would later dedicate the Ceryneian Hind to the goddess. Zeus though was not to be put off, and eventually he caught up with Taygete. From their union was born Lacedaemon, the first of the Kings of Sparta. Some also tell of Eurotas being a son of Taygete; the father of Eurotas being Lelex. Afterwards, Taygete would be closely associated with Sparta, for she was said by some to reside upon Mount Taygetus in Laconia, a mountain named after the nymph. |
|
The Pleiades - Elihu Vedder (1836–1923) - PD-art-100
|
|
Colin Quartermain - Taygete - 3rd February 2024