Callithyia
Encyclopedia
In Greek mythology
and legendary history, Callithyia (also Callithoe or Callithea), "the best among women as well as among men", was the daughter of Peiras or Peiranthus (himself son of Argus and brother of Criasus
) and the first priestess of Argive
Hera
in history. Her father was credited with founding the first temple of Hera in Argolis
, as well as with carving a wooden image of the goddess for the sanctuary; it was at this temple that Callithyia performed her duties as priestess.
Callithyia is perhaps identical with "Io
Callithyessa", "the first priestess of Athena
" according to Hesychius of Alexandria
. In a lesser known version of the Argive genealogy, Io was the daughter of Peiren, likely the same as Peiras.
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
and legendary history, Callithyia (also Callithoe or Callithea), "the best among women as well as among men", was the daughter of Peiras or Peiranthus (himself son of Argus and brother of Criasus
Criasus
In Greek mythology, Criasus was a king of Argos. He was the son of Argus and Evadne or Peitho. He had five brothers who were named Ecbasus, Jasus, Peiranthus or Peiras, Epidaurus and Tiryns. Criasus is said to have reigned for fifty four years. During his reign Callithyia, daughter of Peiranthus,...
) and the first priestess of Argive
Argos
Argos is a city and a former municipality in Argolis, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Argos-Mykines, of which it is a municipal unit. It is 11 kilometres from Nafplion, which was its historic harbour...
Hera
Hera
Hera was the wife and one of three sisters of Zeus in the Olympian pantheon of Greek mythology and religion. Her chief function was as the goddess of women and marriage. Her counterpart in the religion of ancient Rome was Juno. The cow and the peacock were sacred to her...
in history. Her father was credited with founding the first temple of Hera in Argolis
Argolis
Argolis is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula.-Geography:...
, as well as with carving a wooden image of the goddess for the sanctuary; it was at this temple that Callithyia performed her duties as priestess.
Callithyia is perhaps identical with "Io
Io (mythology)
Io was, in Greek mythology, a priestess of Hera in Argos, a nymph who was seduced by Zeus, who changed her into a heifer to escape detection. His wife Hera set ever-watchful Argus Panoptes to guard her, but Hermes was sent to distract the guardian and slay him...
Callithyessa", "the first priestess of Athena
Athena
In Greek mythology, Athena, Athenê, or Athene , also referred to as Pallas Athena/Athene , is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, warfare, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, justice, and skill. Minerva, Athena's Roman incarnation, embodies similar attributes. Athena is...
" according to Hesychius of Alexandria
Hesychius of Alexandria
Hesychius of Alexandria , a grammarian who flourished probably in the 5th century CE, compiled the richest lexicon of unusual and obscure Greek words that has survived...
. In a lesser known version of the Argive genealogy, Io was the daughter of Peiren, likely the same as Peiras.
Sources
- Realencyclopädie der Classischen Altertumswissenschaft, Band X, Halbband 20, Ius Liberorum-Katochos (1920), s. 1750, u. Kallithoe 2)
- Lyons, Deborah. Gender and Immortality - Appendix: A Catalogue of Heroines, under Kallithyia