Blue Hill

Iris was a Greek goddess who served as the personification and messenger of the rainbow. She was one of the minor deities in the Greek pantheon, often depicted as a beautiful young woman with golden wings who traveled at the speed of wind. Iris acted as a divine messenger, particularly for Zeus and Hera, carrying messages between the gods and from the heavens to earth.

In mythology, Iris was responsible for replenishing the clouds with water from the sea to bring rain to the earth. She was also associated with the sea and sky, and her rainbow served as a bridge connecting the mortal and divine worlds. The goddess was known for her loyalty and swiftness, and unlike some other messenger deities, she was generally portrayed as faithful and trustworthy.

The iris flower is named after her, as are the colored parts of our eyes (the iris), both reflecting the connection to her rainbow symbolism. In art, Iris was typically shown with a pitcher of water and colorful wings, emphasizing her role in the natural cycle of water and weather.