Taygete

Taygete is a figure from Greek mythology, one of the seven Pleiades, the daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Her name is derived from Mount Taygetos near Sparta, which is likely of pre-Greek origin. In mythology, Taygete was a nymph and a companion of Artemis, often associated with her role as "Mistress of the Animals." According to the Bibliotheca (3.10.1), she was among the Pleiades, a group of star nymphs who gave their name to the Pleiades star cluster.

Mythology

Zeus pursued Taygete, seeking to master the local nymphs. To escape his advances, Taygete invoked Artemis, who transformed her into a doe with golden horns. This transformation blurred the distinction between Taygete as a nymph and the doe itself. In some accounts, the golden-horned doe that Heracles later captured was this same creature. Pindar's third Olympian Ode alludes to this myth: "the doe with the golden horns, which once Taygete had dedicated as a sacred offering to the goddess Orthosia." According to Pindar, the doe was inscribed with a dedication, though Ophiidae, son of his mother, claimed not to know the artist. This stalking deer was pursued by Taygete. Eventually, Taygete bore Zeus a son, Lacedaemon, who became the legendary founder of Sparta. The name Taygete also appears in astronomy: a small moon of Jupiter is named after her, following the convention of naming Jovian moons after mythological figures associated with Zeus.

Mythological Attributes

Taygete is also seen as a role model for hunters of deer. Her transformation gave the hunter an immortal image from an Olympic origin, playing a key role in Heracles' legends.

• Meaning: From Mount Taygetos
• Origin: Greek mythology
• Type: Nymph, Pleiad
• Usage region: Ancient Greece
• Associated with: Artemis, Zeus, Lacedaemon