Chthonic Gods and Their Epithets - Hekate
Continuing our series on the epithets of the Chthonic Gods, today we bring you the mighty Goddess of witchcraft, crossroads, protector of homes and guide of souls to the beyond - Hecate.
Usually portrayed as a young maiden wearing a himation or chiton, the Goddess is often identifiable by her pair of torches, the company of dogs or the representation with three bodies facing a different direction each. Her sacred animals are the dog, the snake and the weasel.
The iconic figure of Hecate is one of the most recognizable in pagan circles thanks to her association in late antiquity with witchcraft. Described as a Goddess of wide domains by Hesiod, Hecate is a Goddess of chthonic, ouranic and maritime aspects, known for having a portion of dominion in each of these realms, in addition to being considered a psychopomp (a guide of souls, just as Hermes).
In Hellenistic and Roman times Hecate became known for having her name associated with mystery cults, the crafting of katadesmoi (curse tablets) and for being the favourite Goddess of magic users. Here we will give preference to her aspect in the classical period, mainly.
The cult of Hecate had few shrines in the ancient world, being mostly worshiped on small altars present in houses that supposedly offered protection to the dwellers from harmful magic and ghosts. Her major historical cult centers were at Eleusis, where she was worshiped alongside Demeter and Kore, in addition to the region of Samothrace.
Perseis (Περσεις) - "Daughter of Perses", relating to the fact that Hecate is portrayed in mythology as the daughter of the destroyer titan, Perses, along with Asteria, the titan of the stars.
Brimo (Βριμω) - "The Terrible One", aspect of Hecate described as monstrous and chthonic. Medea calls her that during her nefarious rituals and refers to her dominion over the haunting monsters of the Underworld. It is also a title of other deities such as Demeter and Kore.
Aidonea (Αιδωναια) - Feminine form of the epithet Aidoneus, of Pluto, the King of the Underworld.
Trimorphis/Trioditis (Τριμορφις/Τριοδιτις) - "Three forms/Three ways", the epithet here portrays Hecate's dominion over the crossroads and her triple aspect.
Enodia (Ενοδια) - "Of the roads / of the ways", the epithet Enodia originally refers to a separate Goddess and represents her dominion over the crossroads, spirits and sorcery. She was syncretized and identified with Hecate over the centuries, eventually becoming one of her epithets.
Niktipolos (Νυκτιπολος) - "Night Wanderer", describes the nocturnal character of the Goddess. In Her passages through the mortal world, Hecate guides souls foward. The dogs bark sensing her passage.
Atalos (Αταλος) - "Gentle"/"Soft"
Skilakagetis (Σκυλακαγετις) - "Leader of the Dogs", dogs are closely associated with Hecate and considered sacred to Her. In her cult in Thrace some were sacrificed in Her honor.
Kourotrophos (Κουροτροφος) - "Nurturer of Young People"/"Caretaker", describes the Goddess aspect as caretaker of the youngest.
Chthonie (Χθονιη)/Anassa Eneiroi (Ανασσα ενεροι) - "Chthonic"/"Queen of those below", both describe Her chthonic character and dominion.
Ourania (Ουρανια)/Einalia (Εἰναλία) - "Celestial"/"Maritime", both epithets describe Hecate's other qualities as a Goddess with dominion over the skies and seas.
Phosphoros (Φωσφορος) - "Light Bearer", indicates Her quality as a guide and torchbearer, Her most recurrent symbol.
A Goddess with a breadth of domains, Hecate has numerous epithets that only increase as we describe more of her cult after the Classical period, being quite worshiped in the Hellenistic and Roman periods while being quite syncretized with a myriad of Goddesses: Selene, Artemis et cetera.
Her most ancient myths narrate the honors and dominions she received from the Titan Gods and the respect Zeus has for her, securing Her portions in the heavens, underworld and at sea. She also accompanies and assists Demeter in the search for Koré.
Inspired by the passage in Aristophanes that describes the monthly feast that is offered to Hecate, the hellenic polytheists offer Deipnon to Her and the wandering spirits in the Dark Moon.
Powerful, of vast domains and being an undeniable presence, Hecate guides souls to the beyond and offers us protection against all kinds of evil. May the Goddess of crossroads and sorcery always be propitious, protecting and guiding us!
We end the post here with Her orphic hymn:
Orphic Hymn 1 to Hecate (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) :
"Hekate Einodia, Trioditis [Trivia], lovely dame, of earthly, watery, and celestial frame, sepulchral, in a saffron veil arrayed, pleased with dark ghosts that wander through the shade; Perseis (daughter of Perses), solitary goddess, hail! The world's key-bearer, never doomed to fail; in stags rejoicing, huntress, nightly seen, and drawn by bulls, unconquerable queen; Leader, Nymphe, nurse, on mountains wandering, hear the suppliants who with holy rites thy power revere, and to the herdsman with a favouring mind draw near."