In Greek
mythology, Hēbē (Greek: Ἥβη) is the goddess
of youth. It is known as Juventas in Roman mythology. She is the daughter of Zeus and Hera. Hebe was the cupbearer
for the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus,
serving their nectar
and ambrosia,
until she was married to Heracles, who has called Hercules
in Roman Mytohology. Her successor was the young Trojan prince Ganymede. Another title of hers, for this
reason, is Ganymeda. She also drew baths for Ares and helped Hera enter her chariot.
In Euripides'
play Heracleidae, Hebe granted Iolaus' wish to become young again in order to fight
Eurystheus. Hebe had two children with Heracles: Alexiares and Anicetus.
The name Hebe comes from Greek word meaning
"youth" or "prime of life". Juventas likewise means
"youth", as can be seen in such derivatives as juvenile. In art, Hebe
is usually depicted wearing a sleeveless dress. Hebe was also worshipped as a
goddess of pardons or forgiveness; freed prisoners would hang their chains in
the sacred grove of her sanctuary at Phlius.
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