Arke (mythology) facts for kids

Arke is a character from Greek mythology. She was the daughter of Thaumas, who was a sea god. Arke's sister was Iris, the famous rainbow goddess. Both Arke and Iris had beautiful wings. They were messengers for the Olympian gods.

Arke's Role in the Titan War

During a huge war, the gods of Mount Olympus fought against the powerful Titans. This was a very important battle for control of the world. Arke chose to betray the Olympian gods. She decided to join the Titans and fight against her former allies.

Arke's Punishment

The Olympian gods, led by Zeus, eventually won the war. They defeated the Titans. Because Arke had betrayed them, Zeus punished her severely. He took away her beautiful wings. Then, he cast her into Tartarus. Tartarus was a deep, dark part of the underworld, used as a prison for the worst enemies of the gods.

The Journey of Arke's Wings

Arke's wings did not stay lost forever. Zeus later gave them as a special gift. He presented them to Thetis on her wedding day. Thetis was a sea nymph and the mother of a famous hero.

Thetis later gave these wings to her own son, Achilles. Achilles was one of the greatest warriors in Greek myths. She tied the wings to his ankles. This is how Achilles got his nickname, Podarces. Podarces means "swift-footed," because the wings made him incredibly fast.

See also

In Spanish: Arce (mitología) para niños