HESPERIDES Meaning and
Definition
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Hesperides refers to a term rooted in Greek mythology, primarily known as the three nymphs who resided in a garden located in the far west. The word "hesperides" may also refer to the mythical garden itself, as well as the golden apples that were safeguarded within it. According to legend, these apples were a significant symbol of immortality.
In Greek mythology, the Hesperides were the daughters of the titan Atlas and Hesperis or Hesperusa. Their names were Aegle, Erytheia, and Arethusa, each representing youth and beauty. These nymphs were entrusted with the task of tending the garden and protecting the sacred golden apples from anyone who might try to steal them.
The Hesperides garden itself was described as a lush paradise, often associated with beauty, fertility, and abundance. It was said to be located on the western edge of the world and guarded by a dragon named Ladon. Greek heroes, such as Heracles (Hercules in Latin), were often tasked with retrieving these golden apples as one of their formidable challenges.
In a broader context, the term "hesperides" may be used to refer to any beautiful or heavenly gardens, especially those that evoke a sense of tranquility or a feeling of being in a serene natural paradise. It signifies a place of rare beauty, often associated with joy, peace, and abundance.
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In anc. myth., the daughters of Hesperus, possessors of the fabulous garden of golden fruit at the western extremity of the earth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HESPERIDES
Etymology of HESPERIDES
The word "Hesperides" has its etymology rooted in Greek mythology. It is derived from the Greek word "hesperis", which means "western". In Greek mythology, the Hesperides were nymphs who were the daughters of either the evening star Hesperus or Atlas, the Titan who held up the heavens.
The Hesperides were said to reside in a beautiful garden located in the far western part of the world, where they guarded a tree bearing golden apples. These golden apples were thought to provide immortality and were often sought after by heroes in various myths, including Heracles (Hercules) during his Eleventh Labor. The name "Hesperides" was given to these nymphs due to their association with the western direction, where the sun sets, signifying dusk and evening.
Similar spelling words for HESPERIDES
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