Hebe

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Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses for Kids - Hebe
The myths and legends surrounding Hebe, the Greek goddess of Youth

Hebe for kids
Discover the myths surrounding Hebe, the Greek goddess of Youth. She had the gift of restoring youth and beauty to those who had lost them. Hebe was the wife of Heracles (Hercules) and the daughter of Zeus and Hera, the king and queen of the gods on Mount Olympus. Her role was the cupbearer to the Olympian gods. She is often depicted pouring out nectar from a cup, or holding a shallow dish containing ambrosia, the ever youth-renewing food of the immortals.

Who was Hebe?
Hebe was the Greek goddess of Youth and one of the extraordinary number of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. The legend and myth about Hebe has been passed down through the ages and plays an important role in the history of the Ancient World and the study of the Greek classics. Although Hebe was a distinguished member of the Olympian family of gods she was happy to serve them. Her role reflected the ancient Greek custom, in which the daughters of the house personally assisted in serving the guests. She also helped her mother Hera into her chariot and prepared the bath for Ares, the god of war. The name Hebe comes from Greek word meaning "youth" or "prime of life" and means 'Flower of Youth'. She was the opposite to Geras, the Greek god of old age.

Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses

 

 

Hebe, the goddess of Youth

Picture of Hebe

Picture of Hebe

Hebe for kids
Additional facts and information about the mythology of individual gods and goddesses can be accessed via the following links:

Gods and Deities

Greek Gods and Goddesses

Facts about Hebe
Hebe features in the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks which are based on the idea that these supernatural beings resembled mortals but possessed great magical and mystic powers. The following information, facts and profile provides a fast overview of Hebe:

Hebe Profile & Fact File
Greek Name: Hebe
Role & Function: The function of Hebe is described as being the cupbearer of the gods. Hebe served the gods with nectar (the drink of the gods) and ambrosia (the food of the gods) until she married
Status: Occasionally included amongst the names of the Olympians
Symbols: The chalice (a bowl-shaped drinking vessel) or a tall pitcher, wings
Alternative Names: Dia and Ganymeda
Roman Counterpart: The Roman name for this goddess was Juventas
Name of Husband: Heracles (Hercules)
Name of Father: Zeus
Name of Mother: Hera

Picture of Hebe

The Symbols of Hebe
Each ancient Greek god and goddess were associated with special symbols, animals and attributes. The Symbols of Hebe helped the ancient Greeks instantly recognize the gods and goddesses that were depicted in the pictures, mosaics, statues and images. The symbols of Hebe and their meanings were as follows:

  • The chalice (a bowl-shaped drinking vessel) or a tall pitcher
    • These symbols reflect her role as the servant of the gods
  • Wings
    • Her wings symbolized her as gifted with magic and the power of flight

Hebe (Roman Counterpart was Juventas)
When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC, the Romans assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. Many of the Greek gods and goddesses, such as Hebe, were therefore adopted by the Romans but were given Latin names. The Roman counterpart of Hebe was Juventas.

Facts about Hebe in Greek Mythology
Hebe, the Greek goddess of Youth, featured in the stories, myths and legends in Greek Mythology. Discover interesting information and facts about the Greek goddess of Youth. The facts about her provides a list detailing fascinating additional info to increase your knowledge about Hebe in Greek Mythology, stories and legends.

Statue of Hebe

Picture of Hebe

 
 
Poem to Hebe
 
 
 
HEBE, to high OLYMPUS borne,
Undoomed to death, by age uncurst,
Handmaiden to gods, night and morn,
Let flow, to appease celestial thirst:
Ev'n so, untouched by years that envious pass
YOUTH greets the guests to-night and fills the glass.

The Family of Hebe - Greek Gods Family Tree and Genealogy
According to Greek legends and myths the immediate family of Hebe were as follows:

  • Father: Zeus
  • Mother: Hera
  • Brothers: Ares and Hephaestus
  • Husband: Heracles (Hercules)
  • The names of the children of Hebe were: Alexiares and Anicetus

The family members and genealogy of the ancient deities can be established via the Greek gods family tree, providing an overview of the relationships between the major Greek gods and goddesses.

Greek Gods Family Tree & Genealogy

Hebe - The Greek Gods Family Tree

Hebe

  • Hebe
  • Interesting information and Facts about the Greek goddess Hebe
  • Hebe, the Greek goddess of Youth
  • Stories and Legends in Greek Mythology associated with Hebe
  • Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids
  • Hebe, the Greek goddess of Youth
 

 
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