Graeae facts for kids

The Graeae, also known as the Grey Sisters, are fascinating characters from Greek mythology. They are a group of three old women named Deino, Enyo, and Pemphredo. They are called the Grey Sisters because they were born with grey skin and hair, making them look very ancient. What makes them truly unique is that they share just one tooth and one eye among the three of them. They have to take turns using the eye and the tooth!

Who Were the Grey Sisters?

The Graeae are often linked to the Gorgons, who were other mythical creatures, including the famous Medusa. In ancient stories, the Graeae were seen as guardians of the path to the Gorgons' home. They knew many secrets and could tell the future, but they were very reluctant to share their knowledge.

Their Unique Appearance

Imagine three sisters who have to pass around a single eye and a single tooth! When one sister uses the eye, the other two are completely blind. When one uses the tooth, the others cannot eat solid food. This strange shared feature makes them very memorable in Greek myths. Their grey appearance from birth also sets them apart from other mythical beings.

Graeae and the Hero Perseus

The famous hero Perseus needed the Graeae's help on his quest to defeat Medusa. He had to find Medusa's secret hiding place, and only the Grey Sisters knew where it was. To make them tell him, Perseus came up with a clever plan. While they were passing their shared eye, he snatched it! Perseus refused to give the eye back until the Graeae told him exactly where Medusa could be found. Because they couldn't see without their eye, they had no choice but to reveal the information Perseus needed. This helped him complete his dangerous mission.

Images for kids

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  Perseus Returning the Eye of the Graiai by Henry Fuseli

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  Perseus and the Graeae by Edward Burne-Jones (1892)

See also

In Spanish: Grayas para niños