Helios: The Greek Sun God

Helios is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known as the god who personifies the sun.
His daily journey across the sky, his radiant attributes, and his family ties make him a
significant deity in the ancient Greek pantheon.

Role as the Sun God

Helios is primarily known for his role as the sun god. Each day, he drives his golden chariot,
drawn by four fiery horses—Aethon, Pyrois, Phlegon, and Eos—across the sky from east to
west, bringing daylight to the earth. At night, he sails back to the east in a golden cup or
boat, ready to start his journey anew at dawn. This daily cycle symbolizes the passage of
time and the vital role of the sun in maintaining life and order in the cosmos.

Myths and Stories

Phaethon:
One of the most famous myths involving Helios is the tragic story of his son Phaethon.
Desiring to prove his divine parentage, Phaethon persuaded Helios to let him drive the sun
chariot for a day. Unable to control the powerful horses, Phaethon veered too close to the
earth, scorching it, and too far away, freezing it. To prevent further disaster, Zeus struck
Phaethon down with a thunderbolt, causing him to fall to his death. This myth highlights
themes of hubris, the limits of human ambition, and the power of the divine.

Odyssey:
In Homer's "Odyssey," Helios plays a crucial role when Odysseus's men, despite warnings,
slaughter and eat his sacred cattle on the island of Thrinacia. Helios demands retribution
from Zeus, who punishes the men by destroying their ship with a thunderbolt, leading to their
deaths. This story underscores the sanctity of Helios’s possessions and the dire
consequences of divine disobedience.

Witness to Affairs:
Helios, known for his all-seeing nature, was often invoked as a witness to various events.
For instance, he revealed the adulterous affair between Aphrodite and Ares to Hephaestus,
leading to their public humiliation. This aspect of Helios as an all-seeing god emphasizes his
role as a moral overseer and enforcer of divine justice.
The Colossus of Rhodes:

While not a myth per se, the Colossus of Rhodes was a giant statue built in Helios's honor
on the island of Rhodes. Standing approximately 33 meters (108 feet) high, it was
considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and symbolized the sun god’s
protective and omnipresent nature.
Helios played a relatively minor but significant role in the mythological narratives surrounding
the War of the Gods, particularly the Titanomachy and the Gigantomachy.

Titanomachy: The Titanomachy was the epic battle between the Titans, led by Cronus, and
the Olympian gods, led by Zeus. Helios, being a Titan and the son of the Titans Hyperion
and Theia, was part of the older generation of gods. However, his specific actions during the
Titanomachy are not detailed extensively in most myths. Unlike many of the Titans who were
cast into Tartarus after their defeat, Helios seems to have remained neutral or less
antagonistic towards the Olympians. This neutrality, along with his essential role as the sun
god, allowed him to retain his position even after the Olympians emerged victorious.

Gigantomachy: The Gigantomachy was the battle between the Olympian gods and the
Giants, born from Gaia. In this war, Helios played a more defined role by supporting the
Olympians. According to some accounts, Helios used his sun chariot to provide light to the
battlefield, allowing the Olympians to fight more effectively against the Giants. His role as the
provider of light was crucial in the battle's outcome, aiding Zeus and his allies in their victory.

Helios's contributions in these mythological wars, though not as prominently featured as

those of Zeus, Poseidon, or Athena, highlight his importance in maintaining cosmic order.
His continued presence as a deity after these conflicts underscores his essential role in
Greek mythology and his acceptance by the new Olympian regime.

Family

Parents:
Helios is the son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia. Hyperion represents observation and
light, while Theia symbolizes divine sight and radiance. This parentage links Helios to the
primal forces of light and vision.

Siblings:
Helios's siblings include Selene, the goddess of the moon, and Eos, the goddess of the
dawn. Together, they represent the celestial cycle of day, night, and dawn, with Selene
driving her moon chariot across the night sky and Eos opening the gates of heaven for
Helios each morning.

Children:
Phaethon: His tragic son who attempted to drive the sun chariot.
Circe: A powerful sorceress who appears in the "Odyssey" and transforms Odysseus's men
into animals. Circe lived on the island of Aeaea and was known for her knowledge of potions
and herbs.
Aeetes: The king of Colchis, known for his role in the myth of Jason and the Argonauts.
Aeetes was the keeper of the Golden Fleece, which Jason sought.
Pasiphae: The queen of Crete and mother of the Minotaur through her union with the Cretan
bull. Pasiphae was married to King Minos and was also skilled in magic, like her sister Circe.
Lampetia and Phaethusa: Guardians of Helios's sacred cattle on Thrinacia. These
daughters were tasked with protecting the divine herd, emphasizing the sacred nature of
Helios’s possessions.
Symbolism and Attributes
Radiant Crown: Helios is often depicted with a radiant crown or halo, symbolizing the sun's
light.
Chariot and Horses: His golden chariot and fiery horses are central symbols, representing
his daily journey across the sky.
All-Seeing Eye: Helios's ability to witness everything during the day associates him with
truth and the sanctity of oaths.
Golden Cup or Boat: At night, Helios is sometimes depicted traveling back to the east in a
golden cup or boat, which symbolizes the sun’s nightly return to its starting point.

Worship
Temples and Sacred Sites:
Helios was worshipped primarily on the island of Rhodes, where the Colossus of Rhodes, a
massive statue in his honor, stood as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other
sites included Corinth and Thebes, where temples and altars were dedicated to him.

Festivals:
Heliaca: An annual festival in Rhodes that included athletic competitions, chariot races, and
musical contests. These events celebrated Helios's power and importance.
Daily Offerings: Worshippers performed daily rituals, offering prayers and sacrifices at dawn
and dusk to honor Helios’s journey across the sky.

Priesthood:
Temples had dedicated priests who conducted rituals, maintained the temples, and
performed sacrifices. These priests also acted as oracles in some regions, providing divine
guidance through Helios's revelations.

Artistic Depictions:
Helios was frequently depicted in Greek art, often shown driving his chariot across the sky or
standing with a radiant crown. These depictions served both as objects of worship and as
symbols of his divine power.

Conclusion
Helios, the sun god, played a vital role in Greek mythology and religion. His daily journey
symbolized the passage of time and the life-giving power of the sun. His myths, family ties,
and attributes highlight his importance in the ancient Greek world. Worship practices,
including temples, festivals, and artistic depictions, underscored his significance, ensuring
that Helios remained a central figure in Greek cultural and religious life. His legacy endures
in various forms, from scientific terms like "heliocentric" to his influence in art and literature,
illustrating the lasting impact of this radiant deity.