Helios: Greek God

Helios is the personification of the sun, and each day he drives his chariot pulled by four horses across the sky.

Helios

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Helios was the personification of the sun, not the sun god Apollo as some people think. Each day, he drove his chariot with four horses across the sky. He is the brother of Selene (the moon) and Eos (dawn). He took part in the search for Persephone after her abduction by Hades. Hecate came to him and asked him if he had seen what happened; Helios was the one to reveal to Demeter that Zeus had allowed Hades to have Persephone.

Helios had a primary role in the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer. Odysseus was warned by the blind prophet Tiresias not to eat the cattle of the sun god, Helios. However, Odysseus and his men were trapped during a month-long storm on an island, and their stores of food began to run low. When Odysseus went to pray to the gods, he was overcome with drowsiness. While he slept, his men killed and ate the cattle on the island, while promising to make amends with sacrifices of other cattle once they returned home. Helios was so upset he went to Zeus and threatened never to rise from the Underworld again, leaving the earth in eternal darkness. Zeus agreed to avenge Helios’ cattle by destroying all of Odysseus’ ships and killing all of his men.

Helios was also known for allowing his inexperienced son Phaethon to drive the chariot across the sky one day. Phaethon quickly lost control of the reins and began to set the entire earth alight in fire. Zeus had to stop him somehow, so he hit the chariot with a lightning bolt, killing Phaethon and devastating Helios.

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Helios Quick Reference

Parents

Hyperion and Theia

Domain / Power

Sun and Sky

Notable Myths

• Search for Persephone
• The Odyssey
• Phaethon

Symbol / Attributes

Sun and sunflower

Frequently Asked Questions about Helios: Greek God

Who is Helios in Greek mythology?

Helios is the ancient Greek god of the sun, often depicted driving a chariot across the sky each day. He played a key role in Greek myths and was seen as the personification of the sun itself.

What are the main symbols associated with Helios?

Helios is commonly represented with a radiant crown, a fiery chariot drawn by horses, and the sun itself. These symbols highlight his role as the sun god in Greek mythology.

How is Helios different from Apollo?

While Helios is the original sun god in Greek mythology, Apollo later became associated with the sun, especially in Roman times. Helios personifies the sun, while Apollo has broader roles including music and prophecy.

What myths feature Helios?

Helios appears in many Greek stories, such as the tale of his son Phaethon, who tried to drive the sun chariot, and in the Odyssey, where his sacred cattle were eaten by Odysseus's crew.

Why was Helios important to the ancient Greeks?

Helios was vital as the source of light and life. Ancient Greeks honored him for bringing day, watching over oaths, and providing energy for crops and people.