For the plants of the mallow family, see Althaea (genus).

In Greek mythology, Althaea was the daughter of Thestius, wife of Oeneus and mother of Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), and Deianeira.

When Meleager was born, the Moirae predicted he would only live until a brand, burning in the family hearth, was consumed by fire. Althaea immediately hid the brand. Later, Meleager killed her two brothers in an argument and she placed the brand back upon the fire, killing him.

Ovid VIII, 455

119 Althaea is an polaroid named after Althaea.