Aegle

Overview

Aegle is one of the Hesperides, the nymphs associated with the garden of the golden apples at the western edge of the mythical world.

Generation

Titan descendants

Symbols

Golden apples, evening light

Notes

Aegle belongs to the Hesperides, a group of nymphs associated with a divine garden containing the golden apples.

Ancient sources do not preserve one completely fixed list of the Hesperides. Their names and number vary, but Aegle is among the names that appear in important traditions.

The garden of the Hesperides is imagined in the distant west, beyond the familiar Greek world. The location helps give the Hesperides their character as figures associated with the edge of the known world, evening and the setting sun.

Their most famous role concerns the golden apples guarded within the garden. The serpent or dragon Ladon is closely associated with their protection.

The Hesperides become especially important in the mythology of Heracles. One of his Labours requires him to obtain the golden apples, bringing Heracles, Atlas, Ladon and the Hesperides into the same mythological episode.

Aegle is therefore best understood as part of a mythological group rather than as the central character of one independent surviving story. Her importance comes from the wider tradition of the Hesperides and their extraordinary garden.