Eirene

Eirene, sometimes rendered Irene, is the personification of peace in ancient Greek religion and myth. The name comes from the Greek eirēnē, meaning peace. In early Greek myth she is linked with the Horae, the goddesses of the seasons and order; in some sources she is described as a daughter of Zeus and Themis, representing the tranquil order that follows conflict. In Hesiod and later poets, she embodies the calm and prosperous state that peace brings to human affairs.

In art, Eirene is often depicted as a calm, mature woman; one notable sculpture group shows her with Ploutos, the personification of wealth, illustrating the ancient idea that peace sustains prosperity. A famous statue group, Peace and the Infant Ploutos by Kephisodotos the Elder, associates her with the abundance of wealth that comes with harmony. The Roman equivalent of Eirene is Pax.

The name survives into modern times as a given name in Greek and other languages. In English, it is often rendered Irene; in contemporary Greek it is Eiríni or Eirene.

In astronomy, 16 Eirene is a large asteroid in the main asteroid belt, named after the goddess. The name Eirene is used for other minor celestial bodies and appears in various literary and cultural contexts as a symbol of harmony and tranquility.