A Journey through Global Myth, Astronomical Paradox, and Greek Landscapes
The Pleiades, with their brilliant blue stars, are a stunning sight in the night sky. This small, open star cluster is visible from almost every corner of the planet, but it holds a special place in the heart of Greece. Often called the “Seven Sisters” and simply “Poulia” in Greek, this tiny brushstroke of light has inspired myths and stories remarkably similar across the globe, suggesting an ancient, shared human narrative.
But for us, the Pleiades are more than just stars; they are the backdrop to the stories and the physical landscapes of our Greek mythology tours.
The Pleiades in Greek Mythology: A Story Written in the Attic Sky
According to the ancient Greek tradition, the Pleiades were seven sisters—daughters of the Titan Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione. When the hunter Orion began to pursue the seven sisters, Zeus transformed them into stars to save them. Even today, the constellation Orion is said to still relentlessly pursue them across the sky, a cosmic drama visible above you as you walk the historic streets of Athens. The seven star-sisters were named: Alcyone, Maia, Electra, Taygete, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope.
Why Six Stars? The Merope Mystery
A detail of the myth explains why we usually see six and not seven stars: the youngest of the Pleiades, Merope, married a mortal (Sisyphus) and, ashamed of not choosing an immortal god, her light faded. Thus, Merope “hides” among the stars. The Greek people called the cluster “Exastero” (Six-star) because Merope was difficult to discern.
This is the kind of subtle, layered story that awaits you when you explore Greece with us. Imagine learning this myth while overlooking the ancient city, guided by the very stars that inspired it.
A Universal Myth: Echoes from Plaka to the Great American Plains
The most astonishing part of the Pleiades story is its universality. Similar stories of “seven stars” pursued by a male figure appear in many other cultures, separated by vast distances:
- Indigenous Australians: The Pleiades are seven sisters pursued by a persistent hunter, Niru, identified with a part of the Orion constellation.
- The Kiowa of the Great Plains: Seven girls chased by giant bears climbed a miraculously growing rock (Devil’s Tower), transforming into the Pleiades.
- Japan: Known as Subaru, meaning “unite” or “gather together,” reflecting how they are grouped.
- Africa: Called “kilimia”, meaning “the stars of the plowing,” marking the agricultural seasons.
The common pattern across all these narratives—seven individuals, where one is missing or invisible—is so specific that it has led scientists to a bold theory: this might be the oldest myth in the world, passed down orally from an ancient, common ancestor 100,000 years ago.
FAQ for Your Next Greek Adventure
Q: What are the Pleiades in Greek mythology?
A: In Greek mythology, the Pleiades are seven sisters, daughters of Atlas, transformed into stars to escape the pursuit of the hunter Orion.
Q: Why are the Pleiades called the Seven Sisters?
A: This name is universal because many ancient cultures worldwide recognized seven visible stars and built myths around them, a tradition that may trace back 100,000 years.
Q: How can I experience Greek mythology on a tour?
A: Blue Unlimited Travel+ offers specialized Greek Mythology Tours and Walk Experiences in Athens and surrounding areas, focusing on telling these stories in the very places where they were set. Check our tour schedule for Date to Date.
Q: Where can I find more information on your tours?
A: You can view our full list of Greek Mythology or Slow Travel product pages online.