What is the mother of Mercury known as in mythology?

In mythology, Mercury's mother is Maia, who is one of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas. Maia is noted for her beauty and is often associated with the fertility of the earth and the growth of spring. According to Roman mythology, she is the embodiment of the nurturing aspect of nature, and her relationship with Jupiter (the Roman counterpart of Zeus) led to the birth of Mercury, the messenger god known for his speed and cunning. This connection emphasizes Maia's significance as a nurturing figure in the mythology surrounding Mercury.

The other figures mentioned in the options represent different themes and gods within mythology. Hebe is the goddess of youth, Thetis is a sea goddess associated with the Greek hero Achilles, and Athena is the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Each of these figures plays important roles in their respective stories but does not have a maternal connection to Mercury.