Maia
Greek mythology
Quick Summary
In Greek mythology, Maia was one of the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione, collectively known as the Pleiades. She was also the mother of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, by Zeus.1
The Pleiades were transformed into a constellation. One myth suggests they took their own lives out of grief for their sisters, the Hyades. Another story tells of Zeus turning them into stars to protect them from Orion, a giant who pursued them relentlessly. Maia is the eldest and most prominent of the Pleiades.1
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