Pleiades
nymphThe Pleiades were seven sisters, daughters of Atlas and Pleione, who were placed among the stars as the star cluster that has guided sailors and farmers for millennia.
The Myth
The seven sisters — Maia, Electra, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope — were companions of Artemis. When Orion pursued them, Zeus transformed them into stars. Maia bore Hermes to Zeus. Electra bore Dardanus, ancestor of Troy. One sister (usually Merope) shines faintest because she married a mortal (Sisyphus) and hides in shame. The cluster's rising and setting marked the sailing season and planting times. Nearly every ancient civilisation has myths about this star cluster.
Parents
Atlas and Pleione
Children
Various by various gods
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Subaru car logo shows six stars — it's the Japanese name for the Pleiades, and the company's name means "the Pleiades."
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Alcyone
nymphAlcyone and her husband Ceyx called themselves Zeus and Hera; as punishment, both were transformed...
Artemis
godTwin sister of Apollo and goddess of the hunt. Artemis roamed the wild forests with her band of...
Atlas
titanThe Titan who was condemned to hold the celestial sphere on his shoulders for eternity. His name...
Electra
heroDaughter of Agamemnon who plotted with her brother Orestes to avenge their father's murder by...
Hermes
godThe swift messenger of the gods and guide of souls to the underworld. Hermes was the cleverest of...
Maia
nymphMaia was the eldest and most beautiful of the seven Pleiades, a shy mountain nymph who bore Hermes...