In Greek mythology, the personification of day is Hemera.
Hemera: The Goddess of Day
Hemera (Ancient Greek: Ἡμέρα, meaning "Day") was the Greek goddess representing the day. She is often depicted as emerging from Tartarus at dawn and returning there at dusk, following the path of the sun.
Origins and Family
According to the poet Hesiod in his Theogony, Hemera was the daughter of Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx (Night). She was also the sister of Aether (Upper Air). This lineage emphasizes the cyclical relationship between day and night, light and darkness.
Role and Representation
Hemera's primary role was to bring forth the daylight each day. She is often depicted as a beautiful goddess, sometimes wearing a shining veil or crown. Her presence dispelled the darkness of Nyx and allowed mortals to see and live by the light of the sun. While Helios is the Titan god of the Sun (the physical sun itself), Hemera is the personification of the day, the period of daylight.
Key Aspects Summarized:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Hemera (Ἡμέρα) |
| Meaning | Day |
| Role | Personification of day |
| Parents | Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx (Night) |
| Sibling | Aether (Upper Air) |
| Association | Bringing forth daylight, dispelling darkness |
In summary, while various deities are associated with the sun and light, Hemera is specifically identified as the goddess and personification of Day itself in Greek mythology.
