The Seven Sisters Pleiades

In the ancient days of gods and giants, the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas and the nymph Pleione—Maia, Electra, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope—roamed the wild mountains. They were devoted companions of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, living in harmony with the natural world. However, their peace was shattered when the mighty hunter Orion encountered them in the woods of Boeotia. Struck by their beauty, Orion began a relentless pursuit that lasted for seven long years. Exhausted and fearing for their safety, the sisters prayed to Zeus for deliverance from the hunter's obsession. Hearing their desperate cries, Zeus transformed the maidens into white doves that took flight toward the heavens. To ensure they remained forever out of Orion's reach, he placed them in the firmament as a shimmering cluster of stars. Even now, Orion's constellation follows them across the night sky, but he can never catch the sisters, who shine in eternal unity. One sister, Merope, glows more faintly than the rest, said to be hiding her face in shame for having married a mortal king while her sisters wed gods.

“Though the hunter follows, the heavens shall forever hold us together.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Seven Sisters Pleiades?

The story teaches that there is strength in sisterhood and unity. It also suggests that divine intervention or a change in perspective can provide an escape from earthly struggles.

Who were the seven sisters in Greek mythology?

They were the daughters of Atlas and Pleione: Maia, Electra, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope. They were companions of the goddess Artemis and later became a star cluster.

Why is the Pleiades often called the Seven Sisters when only six are bright?

Mythologically, Merope is known as the 'Lost Pleiad' who hides her light because she married a mortal. Scientifically, while there are many stars in the cluster, only six are easily visible to the naked eye under average conditions.

Who was the hunter chasing the Pleiades?

The giant hunter Orion pursued the sisters across the earth for seven years. In celestial navigation, the constellation Orion still appears to be following the Pleiades across the sky.

What cultures have myths about the Pleiades?

Beyond Greek myth, the Pleiades appear in Australian Aboriginal, Native American, and Japanese folklore. They are almost universally depicted as a group of women or children fleeing a pursuer.

How did Zeus help the sisters?

Zeus answered their prayers by first turning them into doves to fly away and then placing them in the heavens as a permanent constellation to ensure their eternal safety.