One day, Helios, God of the Sun, was taking his daily trip around the world and as he passed over Athens saw a beautiful baby girl being born. Although this caught the god’s eye he could not stop his trip. He kept going, and soon the thought of the baby left his mind.

The next day Helios saw the same girl again but she was twice as beautiful today as before. And again, he kept driving his chariot and soon the baby was out of his thoughts completely.

            Years passed and Helios saw the same girl everyday. Her looks became more extravagant every time he saw her and by the time she was five years old he decided she was to be his wife when she turned fifteen. At the thought of this, Helios became so full of joy he told the Twelve Olympians of his decision. They were thrilled at his plans and encouraged him to follow through.

            Two more years passed and one day Helios saw the now even more splendid girl getting abused by her parents. The outraged god started to swoop down on his chariot in attempt to rescue her but soon started a forest fire and was forced to pull away from the earth and finish his trip.

            This abuse continued until Helios decided the time to ask for help had come. He called upon the mighty Zeus with desperation. Zeus, a god who could appreciate a beautiful woman, agreed to help him. His plan was to have Hermes, his messenger, deliver a letter supposedly from King of Thebes to the girls’ parents calling them to help him with some useless task and if they declined face death. They would of course oblige and on their way, get eaten by Zeus’ mighty eagle. Hermes would then tell the girl of her parents’ tragic, accidental death, and take her to Helios with whom she could be happy again.

            Helios agreed this was a good plan and went home with the feelings of happiness and satisfaction. As Zeus prepared everything for the next day he did not know his overly jealous wife Hera was watching him closely. She asked him what he was preparing for and rushing busily around he carelessly answered, “Rescuing a most marvelous girl.” Zeus, not seeing or understanding he had done anything wrong went about his preparations. On the other hand, Hera, blinded by anger, set about to kill the girl no matter what. She even swore it on the River Styx.