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Iris 1, delivering a message to Priam 1. 0814: Iris e Priamo. Felice Giani 1758-1823. Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna.
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Iris 1 is the Rainbow, a messenger of the gods. When delivering messages to mortals, Iris 1 usually assumes the shape of a mortal known to those receiving the message.
Brings sacred water
When quarrel arises among the gods, and when
anyone among the OLYMPIANS lies, then Zeus sends Iris 1 to the river Styx in the Underworld, and bring in a golden jug the oath of the gods (about the oath of the gods, see Underworld).
Some interventions
She was the one who told Menelaus of what had
happened at his home between Paris and Helen during his absence. She was also sent by Hera to help Queen Dido of Carthage to die by cutting the golden hair which kept her sould attached to her body. Iris 1 also came to Hypnos, sent by Hera, to
ask him fashion a shape resembling Ceyx, which appearing
before Ceyx's wife Alcyone 2, would let her learn about her husband's death. Zeus sent Iris 1 with a message for King Priam 1 of Troy, instructing him to
come to the ships, and with the help of gifts,
persuade Achilles to
give the body of Hector 1 up.
Namesake
Iris 2 is one of the horses of King Admetus 1 of Pherae in the chariot-race at Opheltes 1's funeral games (see also SEVEN
AGAINS THEBES).
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