Greek Mythology Notes
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Phoebe

titan
Φοίβη
Titaness of bright intellect and prophecy

Phoebe was the Titaness of radiant intellect and prophetic wisdom — the original holder of the Delphic oracle before her grandson Apollo.

The Myth

With Coeus, she bore Leto and Asteria. According to Aeschylus, Delphi passed from Gaia to Themis to Phoebe, who gave it to Apollo as a birthday gift. She is associated with the moon — her granddaughter Artemis inherited lunar associations.

Parents

Gaia and Uranus

Children

Leto, Asteria (by Coeus)

Symbols

moonoracleradianceprophecy

Fun Fact

Saturn's moon Phoebe was named after this Titaness — and the name has been popular for over 2,500 years.

Words We Inherited

English words and phrases that trace back to this myth: