Hyades (mythology)

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Hyades

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Â© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information) 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. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 30 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Hyades." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (November 30, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Hyades.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Hyades." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Retrieved November 30, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Hyades.html

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Hyades

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.

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"Hyades." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 30 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Hyades." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (November 30, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Hyad-myt.html

"Hyades." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Hyad-myt.html

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