Graces (Gratiae) were the three Roman goddesses of grace, beauty and joy, the counterparts of the Greek Charity, companions of Apollo, Aphrodite, and Athens. Commonly mentioned are: Euphrosine (“Rational”), Aglaia (“Radiant”), Talia (“Blooming”).
According to various myths, they were the daughters of Zeus and Hera or Zeus and Eurynome or Helios and Aegle. Sometimes they were equated with Aphrodite, Peitho.
They liked to play, looked after especially beautiful young people. They liked the company of the wine god Dionysus. They were depicted as women dressed in draped robes, in later performances they appeared naked. They usually hold hands.
Aglaia was to symbolize social splendour, Taleia – a flourishing life, and Euphrosyne – social cheerfulness. Their attributes were: rose, myrtle, musical instruments, an apple or a bottle with fragrant oil, sometimes ears or poppies.
- Kempiński Andrzej, Encyklopedia mitologii ludów indoeuropejskich, Warszawa 2001
- Schmidt Joël, Słownik mitologii greckiej i rzymskiej, Katowice 1996
