They are the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome,
a daughter of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys. There are three Graces:
Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia. They are known for their singing and dancing
for the gods. The Graces were not major
goddesses but who symbolized beauty charm, and goodness.
The Graces were usually found as
a group and they were also linked with the Muses.
The main function of the Graces was to bestow beauty, charm, and goodness on young women and to give joy to people. They were frequent companions of Aphrodite the goddess of love and they entertained the gods by dancing to the music of Apollo's lyre. The Graces presided over banquets, dances, and all other social events, and brought joy and benevolence to the gods and mortals.
In some legends Aglaia was wed to Hephaestus,
the craftsman who created Zeus’ thunderbolts.
Their traditional association was
with the arts and like the Muses, inspired artists and poets with the ability
to create beautiful art. They are usually represented as slender young girls,
dancing in a circle.
The Graces symbolize the beauty
of emotions such as joy and beauty as in the arts. These three goddesses were to be found in
meadows and fields dancing among the flowers which enhanced their own beauty.
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