Ariadnes

Ariadnes is the plural form of the given name Ariadne and is used to refer to multiple figures and uses of the name in myth, literature, and culture. The most famous bearer is Ariadne, a figure in Greek mythology known for aiding Theseus in navigating the Labyrinth with a thread, after which she is said to have been rescued or married to the god Dionysus in different versions of the myth. Over time, Ariadne appears in various works and traditions, and some traditions elevate her to cult or celestial status, depending on regional mythologies and late antique adaptations.

In classical myth, Ariadne’s story is linked to Crete and the Minotaur, but the name also surfaces in later Greek and Roman narratives in different forms and with varying fates. Because Ariadne functioned as a symbolic figure—associated with cunning, rescue, and transformation—she has been a recurring character in poetry, drama, opera, and visual arts. In many retellings, the character embodies themes of abandonment, loyalty, and eventual reconciliation with the divine or the celestial realm.

In modern usage, Ariadne has become a female given name widely used in Western cultures. The plural form Ariadnes may appear in discussions of multiple fictional characters named Ariadne or as a shorthand for groups of people bearing the name. The term is also encountered in scholarly and popular writings about myth and its adaptations. See also Ariadne for related variations and disambiguation.