Who is Theia in Greek mythology?
Theia is the goddess of sight and divine light in Greek mythology. She appears as the eldest daughter of Gaia and Uranus according to Hesiod's Theogony lines 132 through 138.
Questions about Theia
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What are the alternative names for Theia?
Euryphaessa serves as a primary epithet meaning wide light while Aethra functions as another name within specific accounts. Basileia represents an unorthodox variation found in Diodorus Siculus identifying her as queen.
When did ancient texts first describe Theia?
Early accounts list her among children born from Sky and Earth during classical antiquity periods. Stesichorus wrote that Theia lives with her son in his palace during sixth century BC times.
Where does the Giant Impact Hypothesis connect Theia to science?
The name Theia applies to a hypothetical planet colliding with Earth creating the Moon under the giant impact hypothesis. Researchers utilize this goddess identity when discussing planetary formation theories regarding lunar origins.
Why do scholars link Theia to Helios and Selene?
The Homeric Hymn to Helios describes mild-eyed Euryphaessa as far-shining one establishing her as mother of Helios the Sun and Selene the Moon. Gaius Valerius Catullus called Helios, Selene, and Eos Theia's illustrious progeny in carmina sixty-six.