Astraea facts for kids
Astraea is a goddess from Greek mythology. She is known as the goddess of justice, innocence, and accuracy. Many stories say she became the constellation Virgo. Her name means "starry night" or "star maid."
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Who is Astraea?
Astraea is a special figure in Greek myths. She represents fairness and purity. People believed she lived among humans during a time called the Golden Age. This was a peaceful time when people were good and honest.
Astraea's Role on Earth
During the Golden Age, Astraea brought justice to the world. She made sure people were treated fairly. She was a symbol of how things should be. As time passed, humans became less innocent. They started fighting and doing bad things.
Leaving the Earth
As humans became more corrupt, Astraea grew sad. She could no longer bear to live among them. She was the last immortal to leave Earth. This happened during the Iron Age, a time of war and dishonesty. She flew up to the sky, leaving humanity behind.
The Constellation Virgo
After leaving Earth, Astraea became the constellation Virgo. This means "the virgin" in Latin. You can still see her in the night sky. She holds a balance scale, which is a symbol of justice. Sometimes, the star Spica in the Virgo constellation is seen as the ear of wheat she carries. This represents the harvest and purity.
Astraea's Family
There are different stories about Astraea's parents. Some myths say she is the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Themis, the goddess of divine law and order. Other stories say her parents were Eos, the goddess of dawn, and Astraeus, the god of dusk and stars. No matter her parents, she is always seen as a pure and just goddess.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Astrea, the virgin goddess of Innocence and purity, by Salvator Rosa
See also
In Spanish: Dice para niños
