Αστραια

The daughter of Zeus and Themis (Justice) and sister of Modesty (Pudicitia). She spread the feelings of justice and virtue among mankind in the Golden Age, but after mankind lost its high ideals, and wickedness took possession of the world, Astraea returned to heaven, where she became the constellation Virgo. It is sometimes said that before she left the earth she lingered for a time among peasants in the country. (See also Iustitia.)

{E2 DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY}

Table of Sources:
- Hyg. Astron. 2, 25
- Ovid, Met. 1, 149
- Juv. 6, 19ff.

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