The names of many of the constellations are strongly tied to Greek and Roman legends, but the indigenous people living in the Southern Hemisphere did not visualize star groups in the same manner as the ancient Greeks.

The astronomical mythology, except for cosmological myths, of the various Southern Hemisphere people seemed to be primarily concerned with the appearance or disappearance of certain prominent stars, as it may signify the time for a religious ritual or agricultural act. Relatively few elaborate legends have been recorded that relate to a star group, except for myths about the Pleiades, which seemed to have piqued the imagination of many diverse ethnic groups.

Legend of Andromeda

See the legends of Cassiopeia and Perseus.

Legend of Aquarius

Ganymede was a very kind and gentle shepherd boy. One day, while tending his sheep and playing with his dog Argos, the god Zeus sent Aquila, his giant eagle, to swoop down to the plains of Troy to take Ganymede to the temple of the Gods to become Jupiter's favorite water carrier. He was then given ambrosia, the food of the gods, to make him immortal.

Wherever Jupiter went Ganymede would accompany him by riding on the back of Aquila the eagle.

Ganymede's kindness was made evident to the gods when he asked Jupiter if he could help the Earth people who were in need of water.