Hebe (mythology)

Hebe by Antonio Canova

In Greek mythology, Hêbê (Greek: Ἥβη) was the goddess of youth (Roman equivalent: Juventas). She was the daughter of Zeus and Hera. Hêbê was the cupbearer for the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, serving their nectar and ambrosia, until she was married to Heracles; her successor was the young Trojan prince Ganymede. She also drew baths for Ares and helped Hera enter her chariot.

The name Hebe comes from Greek word meaning "youth" or "prime of life". Juventas likewise means "youth".

In art, she is usually depicted wearing a sleeveless dress. There is a statue of Hebe, by Robert Thomas; (1966), in Birmingham city centre, England. Antonio Canova also sculpted four different statues of Hebe: one of them is in the Museum of Forlì, in Italy.

In Roman mythology, Juventas received a coin offering from boys when they put on the adult men's toga for the first time.

See also

*The asteroid 6 Hebe
*Hebe (plant)

External links

*Photo of Birmingham statue (since relocated).