Hyades
nymphThe Hyades were nymphs who nursed the infant Dionysus and were placed among the stars as a cluster whose rising brought the autumn rains.
The Myth
The Hyades were daughters of Atlas (sisters of the Pleiades). They raised Dionysus at Nysa after Hermes brought him to escape Hera's wrath. In gratitude, Zeus placed them among the stars. Their rising in autumn coincided with the rainy season — their name may derive from hyein, "to rain." They form the V-shaped face of the constellation Taurus. Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus, sits among them though it's not a true member.
Parents
Atlas and Aethra (or Pleione)
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Hyades form the V-shaped "face" of Taurus the bull — one of the most recognisable patterns in the night sky.
Explore Further
Atlas
titanThe Titan who was condemned to hold the celestial sphere on his shoulders for eternity. His name...
Dionysus
godGod of wine, ritual madness, and theatrical performance. Dionysus was the only Olympian born of a...
Hera
godQueen of the Olympian gods and goddess of marriage. Known for her jealous rages against Zeus's...
Hermes
godThe swift messenger of the gods and guide of souls to the underworld. Hermes was the cleverest of...
Pleiades
nymphThe Pleiades were seven sisters, daughters of Atlas and Pleione, who were placed among the stars as...
Zeus
godSupreme ruler of the Olympian gods and lord of the sky. Zeus overthrew his father Kronos and...