By
Ellen Lorenzi-Prince © 2003
Themis was the first to introduce divinations and sacrifices and ordinances which concern the gods, and to instruct men in the ways of obedience to laws and of peace.
Diodorus Siculus, Library, ca. 90 – 20 BCE
Themis was the elder
goddess of custom, tradition and order. She was the wise counselor of the gods,
and an oracular goddess who discovered the means to utter and understand
prophetic speech. Her children were the Hours (Order, Justice and Peace) and the
Fates.
Image source: Attic
Red Figure Vase, ca. 500 BCE - 400 BCE