Eirene The Greek Peace Goddess

Areas of Influence: Eirene was the Greek peace Goddess. She is also the patroness of wealth and prosperity. This is because in times of peace people have the opportunity to plough the fields and make and sell, goods and services. War only breeds famine and destruction. 

Her name can also be spelt Irene and Irini. Hesiod uses the epithet Hora Thallo which means "green shoot" to describe her. This links her to the springtime, when military campaigns were often planned and her calming nature was most needed.

She was one of the three Horae who are the maintainers of law and order that a stable society depends upon. They were also the Goddesses of the seasons and the natural divisions of time. In the lliad the Horae are also described as the guardians of the gates to Olympus. For this reason she is also considered a Goddess of entrance ways.

Origins and Genealogy The Greek Goddess of peace was the daughter of Zeus and Themis. She had two sisters Eunomia (order) and Dike (Justice) who were other two members of the Horae.

Strengths: A peacemaker and an excellent balance to the other Greek Gods and Goddesses whose infidelities and jealousy often caused war and disagreements.

Weaknesses: As a personification of peace and wealth she has no other distinctive personality traits.

Symbolism: Often shown as a young woman holding an olive branch or Hermes’s staff. She wore ears of corn that represented wealth and prosperity. In one statue by Kephisodotos she is shown holding the infant Ploutus (Wealth).

Sacred Animal/Bird/Plant: Corn and the olive tree. 

Roman Equivalent: Pax.

Eirene's Archetype

The Diplomat/Peacemaker

The Diplomat Archetype is able to mediate between different groups, as they are able to quickly assess the situation, understanding both sides point of view. Helping them to find a middle ground upon which they can both agree.

The Shadow Diplomat manipulates both sides to achieve their own personal agenda.

This is the most fitting Archetype for the Greek Peace Goddess as it is through successful diplomacy that conflicts can be resolved and wars averted.

Please follow this link to the Archetypes page to discover which other Goddess Archetypes resonate with you.

How To Work With This Archetype

The Diplomat/Peacemaker

To have the Diplomat as one of you main archetypes you do not have to be a diplomat by profession. However you must have a life-long commitment to resolving disputes and bringing people together. This can often occur within families where one member of the family is constantly trying to keep the peace and the family together.

Check you are not stepping into this Archetype's shadow by asking yourself if it is you who will benefit most from the outcome you are steering the different sides towards?