Graeae
Also called Phorcides, Phorcids, Phorcydes, Phorcynes, Phorcynis, Graiae.
In Greek mythology, the Graeae are three grey-haired sisters, daughters of Phorcys and Ceto, who share a single eye and tooth between them and guide Perseus to the tools he needs to slay Medusa.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Greek mythology
- Trait family
- The Land-Shapers
Near this figure
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Single large eye
why
Their most famous trait, appearing across the sources with little variation, is that the three sisters share a single eye and a single tooth between them, passing the eye from hand to hand so that only one of them can see at any given moment.
Utility powers
- Knowledge bestowal
why
In the story of Perseus's quest to obtain Medusa's head, the hero is directed to the Graeae as the only beings who know the location of certain nymphs who hold the equipment he needs, variously described as winged sandals, a cap of invisibility, and a wallet or pouch to carry the severed head safely.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Hero meets
2 citations
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Graeae."
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Graeae."
- Wise Old Man meets
2 citations
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Graeae."
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Graeae."