Catasterism

concept

Καταστερισμός

Transformation into a constellation

Catasterism was the process by which a mortal or creature was placed among the stars.

The Myth

Callisto became Ursa Major, her son Arcas Ursa Minor. Orion hunts with Canis Major and Minor. The Nemean Lion became Leo. Perseus, Andromeda, and Cassiopeia form a tableau. Eratosthenes systematised these in his Catasterismoi.

Parents

N/A

Children

N/A

Symbols

starsnight skyconstellationstransformation

Fun Fact

The IAU still uses Greek mythological names for 48 of 88 official constellations — more than half the sky.

Words We Inherited

English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:

asterism