Iris
godἾρις
Goddess of the rainbow and divine messenger
Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and swift messenger of the gods — travelling between Olympus, earth, and the underworld.
The Myth
Iris served as Hera's personal messenger. She travelled on the rainbow, bridging heaven and earth. She could fetch water from the river Styx for divine oaths. In the Iliad, she carries messages throughout the war. Homer calls her "storm-footed."
Parents
Thaumas and Electra
Children
Pothos (in some traditions)
Symbols
rainbowgolden wingsherald's rodwater pitcher
Fun Fact
The iris of the eye, the iris flower, "iridescent" colours, and the element iridium are all named after this goddess.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth: