Theia

In Greek mythology, Theia was one of the Titans, the children of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth). Her name means "divine" in Ancient Greek. Theia had many names, including Thea, Thia, Euryphaessa, Aethra, and Basileia.

Theia was married to her brother, Hyperion, who was a god of light. Together, they had three important children: Helios, the god of the Sun; Selene, the goddess of the Moon; and Eos, the goddess of the Dawn. In some stories, Theia is also called Aethra, the wife and mother of these same children.

Although Theia did not play a big role in most myths, she is remembered for her important children. She appears in a few old texts and traditions, but mostly she is known because of her family in the stories.

Etymology

The name Theia means "divine." It is a special name used for something holy. Another name for her is Euryphaessa, which comes from words meaning "wide" and "light."

Family

In old stories, Theia was one of the first beings. She was born to Gaia, the Earth, and Uranus, the Sky. She had many brothers and sisters, including the Titans like Oceanus, Hyperion, and Cronus.

Theia married her brother Hyperion. They had three important children: Helios, who brings the sun, Selene, who rules the moon, and Eos, who brings the dawn each morning. In some tales, she is called cow-eyed Euryphaessa. Her story is very old.

Mythology

In ancient stories, Theia was married to her brother Hyperion. They had three important children: Helios, the Sun; Selene, the Moon; and Eos, the Dawn.

Theia was known for her beauty and was called by many names. She was seen as a goddess of light and glory. One story tells how Selene asked Theia to make her a special garment, but Theia said this was impossible because Selene kept changing shape and size.

Theia in the sciences

Main article: Giant impact hypothesis

In stories from long ago, Theia is known as the mother of Selene, the goddess of the Moon. Because of this, scientists sometimes use the name Theia for a hidden planet that, according to a theory, hit the Earth a very long time ago and helped create the Moon.

Theia also has another name, Euryphaessa. This name is used for a special kind of leafhopper insect found in Australia called Dayus euryphaessa. There is also a statue or picture of Theia that was found at the Necropolis of Cyrene.

Genealogy

In Greek stories, Theia was one of the Titans, who were very old gods. She was born from Uranus (the Sky) and Gaia (the Earth). Theia was married to her brother, Hyperion, a god of light. They had three important children: Helios, the god of the Sun, Selene, the goddess of the Moon, and Eos, the goddess of the Dawn. Sometimes, Theia is also called Thea, Thia, Euryphaessa, Aethra, or Basileia.