Editing Themis

THEMIS was the Titan goddess of divine law and order--the traditional rules of conduct first established by the gods. She was also a prophetic goddess who presided over the most ancient oracles, including Delphi. In this role, she was the divine voice (themistes) who first instructed mankind in the primal laws of justice and morality, such as the precepts of piety, the rules of hospitality, good governance, conduct of assembly, and pious offerings to the gods. In Greek, the word themis referred to divine law, those rules of conduct long established by custom. Unlike the word nomos, the term was not usually used to describe laws of human decree.

Themis was an early bride of [[Zeus]] and his first counsellor. She was often represented seated beside his throne advising him on the precepts of divine law and the rules of fate.

Themis was closely identified with [[Demeter]] Thesmophoros ("Bringer of Law"). Indeed Themis' six children, the spring-time [[Horae]] (Seasons) and death-bringing [[Moirae]] (Fates), reflect the dual-functions of Demeter's own daughter [[Persephone]]. Themis was also identified with [[Gaea]] (Earth) especially in the role of the oracular voice of earth.


[[Category:Greek]]