The origin may be Themis, a Greek mythological goddess. One
of the Titans, pre-Hellenic nature deities born to Uranus and Ge, she remained
and advised Zeus after his purge of the old pantheon. In depictions of her, she
carries the scales of justice in one hand and a sword in the other, her eyes
covered. She became an oracle at Delphi, and became known as a goddess of divine
justice.
A daughter of Themis and Zeus, Dike, known as a goddess of justice but not
divine justice, presided over the apportionment of things among mortals, the
protection of individuals and the keeping of social and political order. She
carried a sword without a scale of justice. At times Dike is said to be the same
(or is she confused with?) Astraea. Astraea is also said to be a daughter of
Themis and Zeus and is known as a goddess of justice. Also known as daughter of
Eos and Astraeus 1, her head was crowned with ears of grain and for its measure
carried a balance or scale. Astraea was the last of the immortals to leave earth
after the Golden Age. She has also been called a goddess of purity and
innocence. She became the constellation Virgo. Dike left earth when the Race of
Bronze was born.
The Egyptians honoured Maat, the daughter of the sun god, Ra. She also carried a
sword but without a scale of justice.
Justitia, a Roman goddess of justice, wore a blindfold. She had been depicted
with sword and scales, but was not always so.
Representations of the Lady of Justice in the Western tradition occur in many
places and at many times. She sometimes wears a blindfold, more so in Europe,
but more often she appears without one. She usually carries a sword and scales.
Almost always draped in flowing robes, mature but not old, no longer commonly
known as Themis, she symbolizes the fair and equal administration of the law,
without corruption, avarice, prejudice, or favour.
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Last modified:Thursday January 24, 2002