In Greek mythology, the Pleiades were nymphs, the daughters of Atlas & Pleione. Together with the Hyades they served as nursemaids to Bacchus. The mythology is confusing but it is apparent that they had the usual troubles that nymphs seem to have, being pursued by Zeus and various other Gods. One day the great hunter Orion saw the Pleiades - or maybe it was just Merope - liked what he saw and started a pursuit that lasted 7 years. Zeus finally answered their prayers, turned them into doves and placed them among the stars. When Orion was later killed he was also placed in the heavens behind the Pleiades where he could continue the chase.

The Pleiades are one of the nearest galactic open clusters in the night skies. The arrangement shown approximates the Pleiades positions in the sky.