Folklore and Mythology

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Further reading

Hyades

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Copyright

Hyades in Greek mythology, the daughters of Atlas and sisters of the Pleiades who nursed the infant Dionysus; as a reward, they were placed as stars in the head of the constellation Taurus. In another version of the story, they were changed into stars by Zeus out of compassion for their bitter mourning for their brother Hyas.

The name of the constellation comes from Greek Huades, by folk etymology from huein ‘to rain’ (in reference to their weeping), but perhaps from hus ‘pig’, the Latin name of the constellation being Suculae ‘little pigs’.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Hyades." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Hyades." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Hyades.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Hyades." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Hyades.html

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Hyades

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

Hyades in Greek mythology, nymphs; daughters of Atlas and Aethra. They cared for both Zeus and Dionysus as infants. In recognition of these services, they were placed among the stars of the constellation Taurus, where their rising and setting corresponded to the rainy seasons.