Aegina (/ɪˈdʒaɪnə/; Greek: Αίγινα, Aígina [ˈeʝina]; Ancient Greek: Αἴγῑνα) is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf, 27 km (17 mi) from Athens. Tradition derives the name from Aegina, the mother of the hero Aeacus, who was born on the island and became its king.