By Tinnekke Bebout
Guest Author
Guest Author
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| Mystic Crystal Gazer by Lynne French from ArtCardsWanted.com |
Who Is Themis?
Themis is a most ancient Goddess. One of the eldest children of Gaia and Ouranos, Themis is cited as one of the first prophetesses and givers of law.Her name literally means "Law of Nature", and She is considered one whose decrees could sway even the most powerful of the Olympian Gods. She is also the Goddess of Assemblies, and She was invoked at every assembly in ancient Greece and called the Gods themselves to assemble on Olympus when needed. Themis also presided over the functions of the family as part of the greater populace as well as the fair and proper function of the courts. Because of this, judges were called themistop'loi, servants of Themis. Some of Her other titles include:
Themis is a most ancient Goddess. One of the eldest children of Gaia and Ouranos, Themis is cited as one of the first prophetesses and givers of law.Her name literally means "Law of Nature", and She is considered one whose decrees could sway even the most powerful of the Olympian Gods. She is also the Goddess of Assemblies, and She was invoked at every assembly in ancient Greece and called the Gods themselves to assemble on Olympus when needed. Themis also presided over the functions of the family as part of the greater populace as well as the fair and proper function of the courts. Because of this, judges were called themistop'loi, servants of Themis. Some of Her other titles include:
Euboulos - Well-Counselled
Orthoboulos - Straight Counselled
S'teira - Saviour
Hiera - Holy
Aidoios - August
Eugen's - High-Born
Orthoboulos - Straight Counselled
S'teira - Saviour
Hiera - Holy
Aidoios - August
Eugen's - High-Born
Worship of Themis
Themis did not have one town that honored Her more than any other with a special temple that was a place of pilgrimage. Rather all cities had temples to Themis, either by Herself or in conjunction with other Goddesses such as Nemesis. Themis also had a special shrine to Her on Mount Parnassos because of Her connection to the story of Deukalion and Pyrrha where She tells the survivors or the Hellenic flood to "throw the bones of their mother (Gaia) over their shoulders as they leave Her temple" to recreate the human race.
Themis did not have one town that honored Her more than any other with a special temple that was a place of pilgrimage. Rather all cities had temples to Themis, either by Herself or in conjunction with other Goddesses such as Nemesis. Themis also had a special shrine to Her on Mount Parnassos because of Her connection to the story of Deukalion and Pyrrha where She tells the survivors or the Hellenic flood to "throw the bones of their mother (Gaia) over their shoulders as they leave Her temple" to recreate the human race.
According to several poets and playwrites or classical times,
Themis was one of the earliest brides of Zeus, with whom She is parent
to the Horae or Seasons, and the Moirae, or Fates, as
well as the Goddesses Dike (Justice), Eunomia (Good Order), and Eirene
(Peace). Thus it was said that through Themis did come all things that
made harmonious living possible. In some accounts the Hesperides, who
guarded the grove of golden apple trees which conveyed immortality to
those who ate of them, were also Her daughters with Zeus.
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Contrary to some belief in modern times, statues of the Blind
Justice are not statues of Themis. Themis was never depicted that way
in classical times. Rather She was shown as a young woman seated on a
tripod looking down at a dish holding either lots for drawing or the
sacred smoke of the Oracle, and Her face is contemplative and serene.
Themis was also depicted as a woman seated besides Zeus, advising him
on the precepts of divine law. The blindfolded Justice that we are
familiar with was the Roman Goddess Justicia, who was not to be
confused with Themis in role or function in society as She presided
over the courts only.
