Hesperides, Garden of the
The Garden of the Hesperides is a mythological location in Greek lore, known for housing a tree that bears golden apples, a gift from Gaia to Hera. This enchanting garden is famously guarded by the Hesperides, nymphs who are tasked with protecting the precious fruit, alongside a dragon named Ladon. The apples play a significant role in the myth of Heracles (Hercules), particularly during his eleventh labor, where he is sent to retrieve them. The garden's location is subject to various interpretations, with some suggesting it lies on the western borders of the river Oceanus, in the Atlas mountains, or in western Cyrenaica near Al Kuwayfiya. This legendary place symbolizes abundance and immortality, reflecting themes prevalent in ancient mythology. The narrative surrounding the Hesperides and their garden has inspired numerous artistic representations, highlighting the intersection of myth and culture in the ancient world. For those interested in Greek mythology, the Garden of the Hesperides presents a rich tapestry of stories and symbolism.
Hesperides, Garden of the
Named after the three (or seven) Nymphs who, according to Greek mythology, guarded a tree of golden apples (given by Gaia [Earth] to Hera on the latter's marriage), with the assistance of the dragon Ladon
The eleventh Labor of Heracles was to obtain some of these apples; but they were later returned, it was believed, to the Garden of Hesperides, and subsequently employed on a number of mythical occasions. The Garden was variously located (1) on the western borders of the river Oceanus, in a far northern land of the Hyperboreans, (2) in the Atlas mountains or the region of the Pillars of Heracles (Straits of Gibraltar), (3) in western Cyrenaica at Al Kuwayfiya (seeBerenice, Euhesperides).