The Three Graces

As one walks the steps toward Mount Olympus’ gates, they are greeted by JOY, GLORY, and LUXURY. These youthful maidens epitomize ideal beauty, charm, and virtue while welcoming celebrants into The Pantheon’s throne room. As they join hands and begin to dance, witness the exuberance of their influence and poise. 

The Three Graces (or Charities) are known in Greek mythology as the goddesses that bestow charm, beauty, and goodness upon the youth. They oversaw the Pantheon’s feasts and dances, served as Aphrodite’s maidens, and were associated with bringing happiness and beauty to the Greeks. The trio consists of: Euphrosyne, the embodiment of merriment, positivity, and unadulterated joy; Thalia, the epitome of rich, luxuriant indulgences and festivities; And Aglaia, the personification of beauty, glory, brightness, and splendor who was the youngest of the three and the eventual wife of Hephaestus. The sisters were worshipped by the Cult of the Graces, dating back to the 6th century BCE. Ironically, there are no major epithets, narratives or mythological stories that directly pertain to the Three Graces. They were typically and quite often referenced in other tales about fun, festivity, and celebration or in antiquity with sculptural reliefs, friezes, pottery, gems, and over a dozen statuary depictions. The trio are usually depicted as triplets (or one woman repeated three times), holding hands, dancing merrily, and bringing spirit to life. These minor goddesses were so popular that they were honored with the erection of four temples for captivating the world with pleasant moments of goodwill, eventually becoming role models for the youth. The Graces led by example, modeling the ideal qualities and behaviors of standards and poise – an admirable feat.