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Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Themis Also Justicia Iustitia Lady Justice

Themis is a Titanid goddess of custom, assemblies, and right order, also presiding over the feasts of the gods on Olympia. She was one of Zeus' most trusted advisors, sitting by his side and whispering her prophetic words of wisdom to him. She is one of the daughters of Gaia and Uranus, also the mother or the Horae (Thallo, Auxo and Carpo- Greek goddesses of the three seasons) and the Moirae (Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos- goddesses who controlled the destiny of everyone from the time they were born to the time they died), all of whom were fathered by Zeus. She has oracular powers, and it is said that she built the oracle at Delphi.

She is often depicted as a stern looking woman, blindfolded and holding a pair of scales. Justicia, her Roman counterpart, was portrayed blindfolded, with balanced scales and holding a sword, or sometimes shown holding the fasces (a bundle of rods around an axe- symbolising judicial authority) in one hand and a flame (symbolising truth) in the other. Classical representations of Themis did not show her blindfolded- as she had the gift of prophecy, there was no need for her to be blinded. Nor did she hold a sword, because she represented consent, not coercion. In modern times, she is often referred to as Lady Justice.

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small gallery containing 8 images of one large statue.