Blindfolded, with scales in one hand and a sword in the other, the figure of Justice stands outside courts all over the world. Her ancestor is Themis, the Greek Titaness of divine law and order. Here is her story.
Who is Themis?
Themis is the Greek Titaness of divine law, order, justice and custom. Daughter of Ouranos (the sky) and Gaia (the earth), she represented the natural and moral order that even the gods had to respect. Her name means "that which is laid down" – the law itself. The Romans identified her with Iustitia, the origin of the modern figure of Lady Justice.
In art Themis is a calm, dignified woman in classical robes holding a pair of scales, the symbol of fairness and the weighing of evidence. Later images add a sword, for the power of justice to enforce its decisions, and a blindfold, a Renaissance addition meaning that justice is impartial and does not see wealth, power or status.
Counsellor of Zeus
Although she was a Titaness, Themis did not fight against the Olympians in the war of the Titans. She became the second wife and trusted counsellor of Zeus, sitting beside his throne on Olympus to advise him and to call the gods to assembly. With Zeus she had the Horai – the Seasons and the goddesses of order, justice and peace (Eunomia, Dike and Eirene) – and, in some stories, the three Fates.
Prophetess of Delphi
Before Apollo, the oracle of Delphi belonged to Gaia and then to Themis, who gave prophecies there. After the great flood, when Deucalion and Pyrrha were the only survivors, it was Themis who told them how to repopulate the earth: by throwing "the bones of their mother" – the stones of Mother Earth – over their shoulders. The stones became men and women.
From Themis to Lady Justice
Themis' daughter Dike personified human justice, and the Roman Iustitia combined both figures. Through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the image of Justice with scales, sword and blindfold spread across Europe, appearing on town halls, fountains and courthouses. Today she watches over courts from London's Old Bailey to the courthouses of America and Asia – one of the most widely recognised symbols in the world.
Themis in art and in your home
A statue of Themis or Lady Justice is the classic gift for lawyers, judges, law students and graduates, and a dignified piece for a law office, study or library. She symbolises fairness, integrity and balance. Look for a standing Justice with raised scales and sword for presence, a seated Themis for calm authority, or a bust for a desk.
Related gods
Read the story of Zeus, whom she advised, and of Apollo, who later took over the oracle of Delphi. Browse all the gods in our Greek Mythology collection.
