Editing Iris (mythology) (section)

== Representation ==
Iris is represented either as a rainbow or as a beautiful young maiden with wings on her shoulders. As a goddess, Iris is associated with [[communication]], [[messages]], the rainbow, and new endeavors. This personification of a rainbow was once described as being a link to the heavens and earth.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Greek Legends and Stories |last=Seton-Williams |first=M.V. |publisher=Rubicon Press |year=2000 |pages=75–76}}</ref>

In some texts she is depicted wearing a coat of many colors. With this coat she actually creates the rainbows she rides to get from place to place. Iris' wings were said to be so beautiful that she could even light up a dark cavern, a trait observable from the story of her visit to [[Somnus]] in order to relay a message to [[Alcyone]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Bulfinch's Mythology: the Age of Fable, the Age of Chivalry, Legends of Charlemagne: Complete in One Volume |last=Bulfinch |first=Thomas |publisher=Thomas Y. Crowell Co. |year=1913}}</ref>

While Iris was principally associated with communication and messages, she was also believed to aid in the fulfillment of humans' prayers, either by fulfilling them herself or by bringing them to the attention of other deities.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Greek Legends and Stories |last=Seton-Williams |first=M.V. |publisher=Rubicon Press |year=2000 |pages=9}}</ref>