The Charites

The Charites were Greek goddesses of grace and beauty.

Depiction
The Charites were typically seen in the retinue of Hera or Aphrodite. They were usually naked, holding hands, and dancing in a circle.

Abode
The Charites were goddesses of grace, beauty, adornment, joy, mirth, festivity, dance, and song. Some lesser known Charites presided over other abodes, such as resting, playing, and amusement.

Attributes
Occasionally, the Charites were attributed a crown of myrtle or a rose.

Mythology
In one myth, the Charites Pasithea, Euphrosyne, and Cale were arguing with Aphrodite about who was the most beautiful. They turned to Teiresias and asked him to decide who was the most beautiful goddess. After Teiresias claimed that Cale was the most beautiful, Aphrodite turned him into an old woman but Cale gave him a beautiful head of hair and transported him to Crete.

It is unconfirmed who the goddess Cale was referring to, although Aglaea was, at times, called Cale.

Names

 * Aglaea: the goddess of glory and splendor.
 * Euphrosyne: the goddess of good cheer and mirth.
 * Thalia: the goddess of festivity.
 * Anthea: the goddess of flowery wreaths worn at parties.
 * Cleta: the goddess of fame and glory.
 * Eudaemonia: the goddess of happiness.
 * Paedia: the goddess of play and amusement.
 * Pandaesia: the goddess of rich banquets.
 * Pannychis: the goddess of night festivities.
 * Pasithea: the goddess of relaxation.
 * Phaenna: a Charite worshipped by the Spartans.

Other Names

 * The Kharites
 * The Graces
 * The Gratiae (in Roman mythology)