Hesperides — Nymphs of Sunsets

The Hesperides were the goddess-nymphs of evening and the golden light of sunsets. They were the daughters of either Nyx (Night) or the heaven-bearing Titan Atlas. The Hesperides were entrusted with the care of the tree of the golden apples which was had been presented to the goddess Hera Gaia (the Earth) on her wedding day. They were assisted by a hundred-headed guardian-Drakon. Herakles was sent to fetch the apples as one of his twelve labours and, upon slaying the serpent, stole the precious fruit. Athena later returned them to the Hesperides.

The Hesperides were also the keepers of other treasures of the gods. Perseus obtained from them the artifacts he needed to slay the Gorgon Medousa (Medusa).

The three nymphs and their glowing, golden apples were regarded as the source of the golden light of sunset--a phenomena which celebrated the bridal of Zeus and Hera, the king and queen of heaven.