#gratiae

The Charites (Roman Gratiae-Graces) are a trio of goddesses of beauty, fun, happiness, and festivities. The elder Charites are daughters of Zeus and the Oceanid Eurynome, and are part of Aphrodite's retinue. The leader, Aglaia (glory, radiance), is also known as Charis (grace) and Cale/Calleis (beauty) and is the second wife of Hephaestus. She sometimes acts as Aphrodite's messenger. Her sisters are Thalia (abundance, banquets) and Euphrosyne (joy, cheer).

The Charites' demigod children have spread beauty and joy in the world throughout history, either through their own actions or by serving as inspiration for others. They are attractive and tend to have great artistic qualities. These qualities make them frequent companions of demigod children of the Muses, as well as Apollo and Aphrodite.

Historical Demigods/Legacies

Aglaia: Edith Tolkien, Queen Elisabeth I, Gloria Swanson

Euphrosyne: Beethoven, George W. Joy, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Where we are beautiful, charming, charismatic, and graceful

627, 424, 47, 31, 23, 118

Charis 627, Gratia 424

Charis is the singular form of Charites in Greek mythology

Gratia is named after Gratiae or Graces in Roman mythology

Means "grace, beauty, life"

Was also another name for Cale (no asteroid) or Aglaea (below)

The Charites/Gratiae were goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, creativity, and fertility

Charis is also the root word for charisma

If prominent, you act and are seen as graceful, charismatic, charming, and beautiful; you are like a living, breathing charis/grace

Graces or Charites were usually grouped in threes. The 3 Elder Charites are Aglaea, Thalia, and Euphrosyne.

Aglaja 47

Named after Aglaea, the youngest Charis who is associated with beauty, splendor, glory, and adornment

She became the wife of Hephaestus after his divorce from Aphrodite

Can show beauty and grace; elegant, refined, sophisticated demeanor

Great social skills and an accepting character; not a snob; polite to everyone

Euphrosyne 31

Named after Euphrosyne, the Charis of good cheer and mirth

Means "merriment"

Can show where we exercise good etiquette and social skills; trying to make situations pleasing and cheerful

A cheerful demeanor or outlook on life; a good sense of humor; makes others feel happy and comfortable

Thalia 23*

*There is an asteroid named Thalia, but it is named after Thalia, the Muse of comedy. However, here's still some information about Thalia, the Charis

Thalia is associated with rich banquets, festivities

Fruitful, abundant, generous, kind

Generous with time and resources

There are many Younger Charites, but I only found one asteroid named after them:

Peitho 118

Named after Peitho, the goddess of persuasion and seduction

Means "persuasion, winning eloquence"

Sexual and political persuasion; the art of rhetoric

Can show where we are most persuasive, seductive, and eloquent

Having charming speech; convincing others

Penchant for makeup, jewelry, and other accessories

Knowing how to make yourself more appealing to others

The Graces with Cupid’s Arrow, and Cupid with the Lyre

1864

Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844)

Marble

Thorvaldsens Museum

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Hephaestus and Charis receiving Thetis.

Hegemone was the name given to one of the two Charites at Athens.

The Graces Listening to Cupid’s Song

1836

Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844)

Executed by Johann Scholl in Thorvaldsen’s studio in Rome

Marble

Thorvaldsens Museum

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Cupid and the Graces

1831

Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844)

Marble

Thorvaldsens Museum