The Myths and Origins of the 88 Constellations

Introduction

Constellations are ancient celestial maps created by combining human imagination and mythology as people gazed up at the night sky. Each constellation is rooted in Greek mythology, Roman mythology, and various other cultural legends. In this post, we will explore the myths and origins of a few of the 88 constellations.

Lyra

In Greek mythology, the Lyra constellation represents the lyre of Orpheus, the greatest poet and musician, who received it as a gift from his father, Apollo. When Orpheus lost his beloved wife Eurydice and wandered in grief until his death, Zeus was so moved by his music that he placed the lyre in the sky as a constellation. Though small, Lyra holds Vega, a bright star beloved by many throughout history.

Cancer

In Greek mythology, the crab (Cancer) was sent by the goddess Hera to assist the serpent monster Hydra in its battle against Heracles. The crab was crushed under Heracles' foot, but Hera, moved by its devotion, placed it in the sky as a constellation. It can be found midway along the line connecting Regulus in Leo and Pollux in Gemini.

Cetus

Cetus, the whale, is a sea monster sent by Poseidon to punish Queen Cassiopeia of Ethiopia in Greek mythology. Just before it could harm Princess Andromeda, Perseus turned it to stone. Cetus is a large constellation near the celestial equator, visible in the southeastern sky during the fall when the Pegasus Square is overhead.

Puppis

Puppis represents the stern of the ship Argo, used by Jason and the Argonauts to seek the Golden Fleece. The French astronomer Lacaille divided the ancient Argo Navis constellation into four parts in the mid-18th century: Carina (the keel), Puppis (the stern), Vela (the sails), and Pyxis (the compass). Puppis is visible in the southern hemisphere, though only part of it can be seen from Korea.

Antlia

The Antlia constellation, representing an air pump, contains no particularly bright stars. It can be observed from Korea, but only in places with an unobstructed southern horizon. Even if found, it does not easily evoke the image of an air pump.

Pavo

Pavo, the peacock, is said to be the transformed form of Argos, who had a hundred eyes and was changed into a peacock by the goddess Hera. Alternatively, Hera decorated the peacock's tail with Argos' eyes after Hermes killed him. This constellation was added by German astronomer Bayer in the early 17th century.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius, the archer, represents a centaur drawing a bow. In Greek mythology, this centaur is Chiron, who became a constellation to guide his disciples on the Argo in their quest for the Golden Fleece. Sagittarius is located east of Scorpius and south of Aquila, and it is shaped like a teapot.

Reticulum

The Reticulum constellation, located in the southern hemisphere, represents the reticle, a grid used by astronomers to measure star positions. Due to its low altitude, it cannot be seen from Korea.

Apus

The Apus constellation, near the south celestial pole, can be identified using binoculars to find a bird-of-paradise shape. It is not visible from Korea and consists of faint stars.

Camelopardalis

Camelopardalis, the giraffe, was created by German astronomer Jakob Bartsch in 1614 and originally named the Camel constellation. However, due to the similarity between the Latin word for camel and the Greek word for giraffe, it was renamed in the late 19th century.

Corvus

According to Greek mythology, Corvus, the crow, was once a beautiful bird with silver wings and could understand and speak human language. It was a pet of Apollo, but for falsely reporting the infidelity of his lover Coronis, Apollo burned its wings black and threw it into the sky as a constellation.

Pyxis

Pyxis is the smallest and faintest of the four constellations that were once part of the ancient Argo Navis. It is challenging to find but can be located using the head of Hydra as a guide.

Volans

The Volans constellation, near the south celestial pole, originally represented a flying fish. It was created by German astronomer Bayer in the early 17th century. Due to its low declination, it is not visible from Korea.

Crux

The Crux constellation, though the smallest, is one of the most well-known. Located in the southern sky, its four bright stars are commonly referred to as the Southern Cross. Unfortunately, it is not visible from Korea due to its low altitude.

Piscis Austrinus

Piscis Austrinus represents the fish into which the goddess Aphrodite transformed to escape the monster Typhon. It is a constellation seen in the southern sky during autumn, with Fomalhaut as its most notable star.

Triangulum Australe

Triangulum Australe is a small constellation in the Milky Way in the southern hemisphere. It was created by Dutch navigator Pieter Theodor in the early 16th century and introduced widely by Bayer in 1603. It cannot be seen from Korea.

Corona Australis

The Corona Australis constellation is visible low in the southern sky from summer to fall. Though it lacks bright stars, several 4th and 5th magnitude stars form a semicircle resembling a crown. Only part of it is visible from Korea.

Lacerta

The Lacerta constellation was created by Polish astronomer Hevelius to fill the space between Cygnus and Andromeda. It lies south of Cepheus, between Cygnus and Andromeda.

Aquila

Aquila represents the eagle that either transformed into or served as the errand-runner for Zeus, who abducted the young boy Ganymede from Mount Troy. The constellation's alpha star, Altair, makes it easy to locate.

Delphinus

Delphinus is the dolphin sent by the sea god Poseidon to persuade the sea queen Amphitrite to marry him. As a reward, Poseidon placed the dolphin among the stars. It is a small but distinct constellation east of Aquila.

Vela

Vela represents the sails of the ship Argo, one of the four parts into which Lacaille divided the ancient Argo Navis constellation. Since it is separated from the original constellation, it lacks alpha and beta stars. Only a portion of it can be seen from Korea.

Grus

Grus is a southern constellation representing a crane with its neck stretched, flying through the sky. In ancient Egypt, cranes symbolized astronomers. It is located south of Piscis Austrinus and can be seen below Fomalhaut in autumn. It is difficult to observe in its entirety from Korea due to its low altitude.

Ophiuchus

The Ophiuchus constellation represents Asclepius, the god of medicine, who was struck down by Zeus for reviving the dead. In recognition of his contributions, Zeus placed him in the sky as a constellation.

Auriga

Auriga, the charioteer, is a large constellation in the northern hemisphere with Capella as its alpha star. It is near the handle of the Big Dipper and represents Ericthonius, son of the goddess Athena.

Telescopium

The Telescopium constellation was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the mid-18th century. It is a faint constellation consisting of dim stars and is located below Corona Australis, visible only partially from Korea.

Coma Berenices

Coma Berenices represents the hair of Queen Berenice of Egypt, who dedicated her locks to the temple in gratitude for her husband's safe return from war. The constellation is located among Boötes, Leo, and Canes Venatici, but its stars are faint and hard to distinguish.

Pisces

The Pisces constellation depicts Aphrodite and her son Eros transforming into fish to escape the monster Typhon. Athena commemorated their escape by placing them in the sky. It can be found south and east of the Pegasus constellation in autumn.

Hydrus

Hydrus, the little water snake, is located between Eridanus and the south celestial pole. It was created by the German astronomer Johann Bayer in 1603. It should not be confused with Hydra, the larger water snake in the northern sky.

Aquarius

Aquarius, the water-bearer, is associated with Ganymede, a beautiful youth taken by Zeus to serve as the cupbearer of the gods. Aquarius is a large constellation but has no particularly bright stars. It is located west of the Pegasus constellation.

Hydra

Hydra, the water snake, represents the Lernaean Hydra, a serpent-like monster slain by Hercules as one of his twelve labors. It is the largest constellation, stretching across the sky and passing through multiple constellations.

Capricornus

Capricornus, the sea-goat, is associated with the god Pan, who transformed into a creature with the upper body of a goat and the lower body of a fish to escape the monster Typhon. Pan later assisted Zeus, and in gratitude, Zeus placed him in the sky.

Scutum

Scutum, the shield, is a small constellation located just below the celestial equator. It was created by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century to honor the Polish King John III Sobieski. Scutum lies between Aquila and Serpens.

Cygnus

Cygnus, the swan, represents Zeus, who transformed into a swan to seduce Leda, the queen of Sparta. The constellation is also known as the Northern Cross and is easily visible in the summer sky.

Serpens

Serpens, the serpent, is associated with Asclepius, the god of medicine, and is divided into two parts: Serpens Caput (the head) and Serpens Cauda (the tail). It is unique among constellations for being split into two sections, with Ophiuchus in between.

Phoenix

Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from its ashes, was added by German astronomer Johann Bayer in 1603. It is located south of Sculptor and east of Eridanus.

Corona Borealis

Corona Borealis, the northern crown, is a semicircle of stars representing the crown given by Dionysus to Ariadne. The bright star Gemma makes it easy to identify.

Columba

Columba, the dove, was introduced by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the 16th century. It represents the dove released by Noah to find dry land after the flood. It is located south of Canis Major.

Canes Venatici

Canes Venatici, the hunting dogs, was created by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century. It consists of two stars representing the dogs of Boötes, the herdsman. It lies below the handle of the Big Dipper.

Leo

Leo, the lion, represents the Nemean Lion slain by Hercules as the first of his twelve labors. Leo is a prominent constellation in the zodiac, with the bright star Regulus marking the lion's heart.

Lynx

Lynx, the lynx, was created by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the late 17th century. He named it Lynx because it required the keen eyesight of a lynx to see its faint stars. It is located north of Gemini.

Triangulum

Triangulum, the triangle, was known as Deltoton in Greek antiquity due to its resemblance to the Greek letter delta (Δ). It is located south of Andromeda and consists of three stars forming an isosceles triangle.

Horologium

Horologium, the clock, was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the mid-18th century. It represents the invention of the pendulum clock. Horologium is located in the southern sky.

Gemini

Gemini, the twins, represents Castor and Pollux, who were immortalized by Zeus in the sky for their brotherly love. The constellation is located northeast of Orion and is easy to find due to its bright stars, Castor and Pollux.

Andromeda

Andromeda is located northeast of the Great Square of Pegasus. In Greek mythology, Andromeda was the daughter of Cassiopeia and Cepheus. She was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster but was rescued by Perseus.

Aries

Aries, the ram, represents the golden ram that carried Phrixus and Helle to safety. Aries is a small constellation located south of Triangulum. Its bright star, Hamal, forms an isosceles triangle with two stars of Pegasus.

Boötes

Boötes, the herdsman, is associated with the bright star Arcturus. It is easily found by following the arc of the Big Dipper's handle southward. Boötes is often depicted as a herdsman with two hunting dogs.

Eridanus

Eridanus, the river, represents the mythological river where Phaethon, the son of Apollo, fell to his death. It is a long constellation that winds its way from Orion to the south celestial pole.

Orion

Orion, the hunter, is one of the most recognizable constellations, located on the celestial equator. It is associated with the myth of Orion, who was slain by Artemis and placed in the sky. Orion is best known for its three bright stars forming Orion's Belt.

Monoceros

Monoceros, the unicorn, was introduced by the German astronomer Jakob Bartsch in 1624. It is a faint constellation located near Orion and Canis Major, forming the Winter Triangle with Betelgeuse, Sirius, and Procyon.

Draco

Draco, the dragon, represents Ladon, the dragon who guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides. It winds around the Little Dipper and is best seen in the northern sky. Draco's head is diamond-shaped and is located near the north celestial pole.

Carina

Carina, the keel, is part of the ancient Argo Navis constellation. It is located in the southern sky and contains the famous star Eta Carinae. Carina is visible from the southern hemisphere.

Sextans

Sextans, the sextant, was created by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1690. It represents the instrument used to measure the positions of stars. Sextans is located below Leo.

Lupus

Lupus, the wolf, represents the mythological figure Lycaon, who was turned into a wolf by Zeus. It is associated with the nearby constellation Centaurus. Lupus is located in the southern sky and is not visible from most northern latitudes.

Indus

Indus, the Indian, was created by German astronomer Johann Bayer in the early 17th century. It represents a native American Indian holding arrows. Indus is located in the southern sky and is not visible from the northern hemisphere.

Canis Minor

Canis Minor, the little dog, is a small constellation with two main stars. Its alpha star, Procyon, forms the Winter Triangle with Betelgeuse and Sirius. Canis Minor is located south of Gemini.

Ursa Minor

Ursa Minor, the little bear, contains the north celestial pole star, Polaris. In mythology, it represents Arcas, the son of Zeus and Callisto, who was turned into a bear to prevent him from accidentally killing his mother.

Leo Minor

Leo Minor, the little lion, was created by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1690. It is located between the constellations Ursa Major and Leo and consists of faint stars.

Vulpecula

Vulpecula, the little fox, was introduced by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the late 17th century. Originally named "Vulpecula et Anser" (the little fox and the goose), it was later shortened to just the little fox.

Scorpius

Scorpius, the scorpion, was sent by the goddess Hera to kill Orion. The scorpion succeeded, and both were placed in the sky. Orion is seen in the sky opposite Scorpius, as if still fleeing from the scorpion.

Ara

Ara, the altar, is located south of Scorpius and represents the altar used by the gods to celebrate their victory over the Titans. It consists of faint stars and is best seen from the southern hemisphere.

Sculptor

Sculptor, the sculptor, was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the mid-18th century. Originally named "Apparatus Sculptoris" (the sculptor's studio), it was later shortened. Sculptor is located near the south celestial pole.

Caelum

Caelum, the chisel, represents a sculptor's chisel. It is a small and faint constellation located between Columba and Eridanus.

Equuleus

Equuleus, the little horse or foal, represents either the horse Celeris given to Castor by Hermes or Cyllarus given to Pollux by Hera. It is the second smallest constellation and can be seen near Pegasus.

Norma

Norma, the level, was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the mid-18th century. Originally called "Norma et Regula" (the square and level), it was later shortened to just the level. Norma is located in the southern sky.

Virgo

Virgo, the maiden, represents Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who was abducted by Hades to become the queen of the underworld. The bright star Spica is easily identifiable in the southern sky during spring.

Libra

Libra, the scales, symbolizes the scales of justice held by the goddess Astraea. It is a small constellation located between Virgo and Scorpius.

Chamaeleon

Chamaeleon, the chameleon, is located between Carina and Octans. It is a small constellation in the southern sky, not visible from northern latitudes.

Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia, the queen, is a well-known constellation visible year-round in the northern hemisphere. It forms a distinctive W or M shape and represents Queen Cassiopeia of Ethiopia.

Circinus

Circinus, the compass, was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the mid-18th century. It is a small constellation located near Centaurus and Lupus.

Crater

Crater, the cup, represents the cup given to the crow by Apollo. It is located south of Virgo and is often depicted with Corvus, the crow.

Cepheus

Cepheus, the king, is located near Cassiopeia and represents King Cepheus of Ethiopia, husband of Cassiopeia and father of Andromeda. It is visible year-round in the northern hemisphere.

Centaurus

Centaurus, the centaur, is one of the largest constellations, located in the southern sky. It is home to many notable celestial objects, including Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to the solar system.

Canis Major

Canis Major, the great dog, contains the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. It is associated with Orion as his hunting dog and is easily found south of Orion.

Ursa Major

Ursa Major, the great bear, is one of the most recognizable constellations and contains the Big Dipper. In mythology, it represents Callisto, who was transformed into a bear by Hera.

Tucana

Tucana, the toucan, was introduced by the Dutch navigators in the late 16th century. It is located in the southern sky and contains the Small Magellanic Cloud.

Mensa

Mensa, the table mountain, represents Table Mountain in South Africa. It was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the 18th century and is located near the south celestial pole.

Lepus

Lepus, the hare, is located below Orion and represents a hare being hunted by Orion. It is a small constellation with no particularly bright stars.

Musca

Musca, the fly, was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the mid-18th century. It is located south of the Southern Cross and contains part of the Coal Sack Nebula.

Octans

Octans, the octant, was created by French astronomer Lacaille to honor the instrument used to measure star positions. It includes the south celestial pole.

Pegasus

Pegasus, the winged horse, is associated with the hero Perseus. According to mythology, Pegasus was born from the blood of Medusa after she was slain by Perseus. The Great Square of Pegasus is a prominent asterism in the autumn sky.

Perseus

Perseus, the hero, is depicted holding the head of Medusa. It is located near Andromeda and Cassiopeia. Perseus is known for the Perseid meteor shower, which occurs every August.

Hercules

Hercules, the strongman, represents the Roman hero who completed twelve labors. It is a large constellation but has no particularly bright stars. Hercules is best seen in the summer sky.

Microscopium

Microscopium, the microscope, was created by French astronomer Lacaille in the 18th century. It is a faint constellation located near Sagittarius and Capricornus.

Pictor

Pictor, the painter, was created by French astronomer Lacaille and represents an artist's easel. It is a small constellation in the southern sky.

Fornax

Fornax, the furnace, is located near Eridanus and Cetus. It is a faint constellation created by Lacaille in the 18th century.

Sagitta

Sagitta, the arrow, is one of the smallest constellations and represents the arrow of Eros, the god of love. It is located between Aquila and Cygnus.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius, the archer, is easily found in the summer sky and is rich in star clusters and nebulae. It is often depicted as a centaur holding a bow and arrow.

Dorado

Dorado, the swordfish, is located in the southern sky and includes the Large Magellanic Cloud. It was created by the Dutch navigators in the 16th century.

Taurus

Taurus, the bull, represents Zeus in the form of a bull. The bright star Aldebaran marks the bull's eye. Taurus is located near Orion and is best seen in winter.

Conclusion

The 88 constellations each hold unique myths and legends that offer a glimpse into the imagination and culture of ancient civilizations. These stories continue to inspire stargazers and enrich our understanding of the night sky.

Keywords: constellations, mythology, Greek mythology, constellation origins, astronomy, night sky, Orion, Taurus, Pegasus, star clusters.