Definition: Iris was the messenger goddess in the Iliad, although in the Odyssey, Hermes serves this function. Iris is the rainbow goddess of Greek mythology. She is the daughter of Thaumas and Electra. A winged goddess, Iris is depicted carrying a jar filled with water from the Underworld.
Ancient sources for Iris include Cicero, Euripides, Hesiod, Homer, Ovid, and Vergil (Virgil).
For more on Iris, see the Iris Profile.
