Hebe.
Youth at the divine table
Hebe: Greek Goddess of Youth and Wife of Heraclesis youth personified, a daughter of and . She serves in the household and becomes the wife of after his admission to the company of the gods.
More than a myth.
Hebe in the Olympian household
names with and among the children of and . The shows her pouring for the gods. Such service is part of the poem’s depiction of a divine household, where feasting, preparation, and family relationships continue alongside quarrels about events on earth.
Heracles and the goddess of youth
At the close of ’s mortal career, divine marriage marks a changed status. describes him marrying on , with his painful labors behind him. The union also connects the hero to ’s own daughter, creating a striking ending for a life so often shaped by Hera’s hostility.
Recognizing Hebe
A cup and the act of serving drink belong to her literary role, while her name points to youth itself. Youth should not be treated as an ancient promise that worshippers could remain physically young forever. The myth dramatizes the contrast between the changing human body and the continuing vitality of the gods.
Questions about Hebe
Who is the Greek goddess of youth?
is the personification of youth. Juventas is the Roman goddess commonly paired with her.
Who does Heracles marry on Olympus?
names as the wife of the immortal . This marriage comes after his mortal life and should be distinguished from his earlier marriages.
It’s a family affair.
The stories of Hebe.
Continue with the ancient accounts.
This story collection does not yet include a full retelling centered on Hebe. Explore the cited sources below and the connected profiles for more of the surviving accounts.
Ancient voices.
Enduring stories.
Myths have many tellings. These are the ancient works behind this profile, linked to freely available English translations.
Theogony
Lines 921–923, 950–955
Iliad
Book 4.1–4 · Hebe pours nectar