The Pleiades: The Starry Nymphs of Greek Mythology
The Pleiades are among the most enchanting figures in Greek mythology — seven sisters, daughters of the Titan Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione, who were transformed into stars and placed in the sky for all eternity. Their name was given to one of the most recognizable star clusters, visible to the naked eye across the night skies of the world.
👩👩👧👧 Who Were the Pleiades?
The seven sisters were:
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Maia – mother of Hermes by Zeus
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Electra – mother of Dardanus
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Taygete – mother of Lacedaemon
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Asterope – sometimes called Sterope
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Merope – the only one who married a mortal and is said to shine dimly out of shame
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Celaeno – mother of Lycus
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Alcyone – often associated with calm seas and the myth of the Halcyon days
🌌 From Earth to the Sky
The Pleiades were nymphs who accompanied the goddess Artemis during the hunt and were seen as protectors of nature and fertility. When their father Atlas was condemned to hold up the sky, the hunter Orion began pursuing the sisters.
To protect them, Zeus transformed them into stars, placing them in the sky. Orion, too, was later turned into a constellation, and even today, in the night sky, he seems to be chasing the Pleiades across the heavens.
✨ The Pleiades Star Cluster
The Pleiades cluster is visible from October to April and is often mistaken for a "little cloud" in the sky. It belongs to the constellation Taurus and was highly important to ancient sailors and farmers, signaling the start of planting or harvest seasons.
🌿 Timeless Inspiration
From ancient poetry to modern art, the Pleiades have continued to inspire. The number seven — mystical and sacred in many cultures — is often linked to their legend.
Their name remains synonymous with feminine energy, nature, harmony, and light — values that still resonate with those drawn to myth and the stars.