Hebe

EE vee

‘Ηβη

Goddess of Youth

Daughter of Zeus and Hera

Hebe is the daughter of Zeus and Hera and the sister of Ares (god of War) and Eileithyia (goddess of Childbirth). Her name literally means Youth and for that reason she is sometimes thought of as the goddess of Youth and Spring.

Hebe, the Graces, the Seasons, Harmonia and Aphrodite join hands and dance when Apollon leaves his shrine in Pytho and travels to Mount Olympos (Olympus). He sings, with the Muses and his sister Artemis, of the unending gifts the Immortals enjoy and the plight of the mere mortals who must endure the pains of illness and the failings of old age.

Hebe’s role in The Iliad seems to be one of gentle cooperation and selfless affection towards her mother, Hera, and her brother Ares. When Hera prepared to leave Mount Olympos, Hebe attended her mother’s chariot and when Ares was wounded on the battlefield of Troy, Hebe comforted him.

After his tragic mortal life had ended, Herakles (Heracles) ascended to Mount Olympos where he wedded Hebe “of the golden crown.” Hebe’s marriage to Herakles can only be seen as a reward for the long suffering hero and a blessing for the kindhearted young goddess. Herakles and Hebe had one son, Alexiares.

Hebe is often confused with the Roman goddess, Juventas.

Hebe in The Iliad

(listed by book and line)

The line numbers listed here correspond fairly well with the Lattimore and Murray/Wyatt translations of The Iliad. Other translations (Fitzgerald, Fagles et al) do not correspond as well but, with a small amount of effort, you should be able to find the reference you need regardless of the translation you use. Lattimore (ISBN 0226469409); A.T. Murray/William F. Wyatt Vol. I & II (ISBN 0674995791 and 0674995805); Robert Fitzgerald (ISBN 0374529051); Robert Fagles (ISBN 0140275363)

• 04.002 - As the Immortals look down on Troy, Hebe pours nektar (nectar) into golden cups
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• 05.722 - On Mount Olympos (Olympos), Hebe made Hera’s chariot ready
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• 05.730 - On Mount Olympos (Olympos), Hebe attaches the yoke of Hera’s chariot
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• 05.905 - Hebe washes Ares and dresses him after he had been healed of the wounds inflicted by Athene (Athena)

Hebe in The Odyssey

(listed by book and line)

The line numbers listed here correspond fairly well with the Lattimore and Murray/Dimock translations of The Odyssey. Other translations (Fitzgerald, Fagles et al) do not correspond as well but, with a small amount of effort, you should be able to find the reference you need regardless of the translation you use. Richmond Lattimore (ISBN 0060931957); A.T. Murray/George E. Dimock Vol. I & II (ISBN 0674995619 and 0674995627); Robert Fitzgerald (ISBN 0374525749); Robert Fagles (ISBN 0140268863)

• 11.604 - While at the entrance to the Underworld, Odysseus saw the ghost of Herakles (Heracles), the husband of the child of Zeus and Hera, Hebe

Hebe in Theogony

• lines 17, 923 and 953