Phoebe (mythology)

Phoebe, in Greek mythology, is a Titaness associated with the moon, prophecy, and intellect. She is the daughter of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaia (Earth), and one of the twelve Titans who preceded the Olympian gods.

Phoebe is often described as the Titan goddess of the "bright" intellect and prophecy, and the oracle at Delphi was originally associated with her before it passed to her grandson, Apollo. This link to Delphi emphasizes her prophetic abilities and connection to divine knowledge.

She is the wife of her brother, Coeus, and the mother of Leto and Asteria. Through Leto, she is the grandmother of Apollo and Artemis, thus connecting her lineage to some of the most important Olympian deities.

The name Phoebe (Φοίβη) itself means "bright" or "radiant," fitting her associations with light and intellect. While not as prominent in major myths as some other Titans, Phoebe plays a significant role in the genealogy of the gods and highlights the prophetic and intellectual powers attributed to the earlier generation of deities. Her influence is primarily felt through her descendants and her association with the sacred oracle at Delphi.

Her depictions in art and literature are relatively sparse, compared to her more famous grandchildren, but she remains a crucial figure in understanding the complex relationships and powers within the Titan family.