In Greek mythology, Rhode was the oldest Oceanid, a daughter of Tethys and Oceanus. Later, she was thought of as a daughter of Poseidon and Halia, or Poseidon and Amphitrite. She was married to Helios.

Rhode gave her name to the island of Rhodes, of which she was a protector. It was the center of her cult. Her name stems from the pink hibiscus which was native to island and was similar to a rose, which is also etymologically related to her name.

Rhodes Coin, 4th century BC

The first inhabitants of Rhodes were the Telchines. Helios created the island and, with Rhode, had seven sons (the Heliadae -- Ochimus, Cercaphus, Macareus, Actis, Tenages, Triopas, and Candalus) and one daughter, Elektryo. Elektryo died a virgin and the sons became well-known astronomers and rulers of the island.

Rhode was worshipped on Rhodes by her own name, as well as Halia or Leucothea.

Note: In Greek mythology, Rhode or Rhodus is a different person than Rhodos.


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