Hegemone (Greek: Ἡγεμόνη, meaning "mastery," and from the word for "ruler, queen") was the eldest of the elder Charites and was the goddess of blooming plants, specifically in Autumn.
She is generally said to be the daughter of Zeus and Eurynome (potentially Hera, Themis, Eunomia or another goddess), though this does not seem to be made clear. In other variations she is the daughter of "the sun" (either Helios or Apollo) and Aegle.
Myths & Legends[]
Hegemone was specifically known for making plants bloom, especially plants that would bear fruit later in the year. She is generally associated with Autumn along with Carpho who would bring such plants to their state of fruition and harvest. These two charities, being in the same season, share many similarities.
In Athens she was worshipped alongside Auxo (Growth, generally spring growth) and Carpho, and according to the historian Pausanias it is where she obtained her name.
Modern Depictions[]
Not too much else is known about her, but her name is still used in the word "Hegemony" referring to rulership, and in 2003 one of Jupiter's moons was named after her.
| Charites | |
|---|---|
| Elder Graces | Hegemone • Pasithea • Phaenna |
| Younger Graces | Aglaea • Euphrosyne • Thaleia |