In Greek mythology, the Caryadits were young women from the city of Caryae who were chosen to serve the goddess Athena. They were known for their beauty and grace, and were often depicted in artwork as supporting columns in temples and other structures. The Caryadits were also said to be excellent dancers, and their movements were believed to have been influenced by the goddess herself.
One famous story involving the Caryadits is the tale of Heracles and the temple of Hera. According to the myth, Heracles was sent on a mission to retrieve the golden apples of the Hesperides, which were located in a garden near a temple of Hera. When he tried to enter the temple, Hera sent a swarm of bees to attack him. In response, Heracles killed the priestess of the temple and attempted to steal the golden apples. However, the Caryadits intervened and stopped him by binding his arms with snakes.
Overall, the Caryadits were symbols of beauty, youth, and femininity in Greek mythology. They were also seen as protectors of sacred spaces and were often associated with the goddess Athena. Their story highlights the importance of respecting sacred places and the consequences of defying the will of the gods.