Harmonia was the child of two illustrious Greek gods - Aphrodite and Ares. Although this dazzling pair of deities were not married to each other, this minor inconvenience did not deter them from engaging in a legendary affair. And the result of their ongoing involvement was, not surprisingly, children. In addition to the lovely and charming Harmonia, Aphrodite also gave birth to some rather unappealing offspring. Harmonia's siblings were Deimos (Fear) and Phobos (Panic), and these terrifying twins often accompanied their father, Ares, on the battlefield.

The Greek poet Hesiod is one of our best ancient sources for details about Harmonia. According to Hesiod:

"Now to shield-shattering Ares Kythereia bore the dreaded twins
Fear and Panic who with Ares, sacker of cities,
force men to flee in disorder from the thick array of battle.
Harmonia, too, the wife of bold Cadmus, was her daughter."
(Hesiod, Theogony, 934-937)

This leads to another important part of Harmonia's legend, and that is her role as wife and mother. As Hesiod states, she was the wife of the hero Cadmus. Indeed, the wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia was a much celebrated event, and the couple were showered with elaborate gifts from the gods and goddesses. Harmonia received an intricate necklace and a beautiful robe, both made by the god Hephaistos (these gifts, however, were to bring misfortune later).

Harmonia and Cadmus had several children together. They are named Semele, Ino, Agave, and Autonoë.