hecate

Thân thiện

Persephone stands with Hecate in a moonlit grove.

Definition

Proper noun 1. Greek goddess of fertility, the underworld, and witchcraft: In Greek mythology, Hecate is a goddess originally associated with fertility, crossroads, and the moon. Her role evolved, and she later became linked with Persephone as a chthonic (underworld) goddess and a protector of witches, magic, and necromancy. She is often depicted as a triple-formed goddess, holding torches.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The ancient Greeks invoked Hecate at crossroads for protection.
  • In the myth, Hecate aided Demeter in her search for Persephone.
  • Many modern practitioners of witchcraft honor Hecate as a patron goddess.

Advanced Usage

• "Hecate's supper": Refers to an offering of food left at a crossroads for Hecate, intended to appease her and avert evil.
  • As part of the ritual, they prepared Hecate's supper at the junction of three paths.

Variants and Related Words

• Hekate: An alternative spelling of the goddess's name, often used in academic or transliterated contexts.
• Chthonic (adj): Relating to or inhabiting the underworld.
• Enodia (epithet): A cult title for Hecate, meaning "She on the Way" or "Goddess of the Roads."

Synonyms

• Goddess of witchcraft: A descriptive synonym highlighting one of her primary later associations.
• Triple Goddess: A term referencing her common three-formed representation, though this title is also used in broader neopagan contexts.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To call upon Hecate": To invoke or pray to this specific goddess, especially in contexts of magic, protection, or at a liminal space like a crossroads.
  • The sorceress called upon Hecate to empower her spell.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) Greek goddess of fertility who later became associated with Persephone as goddess of the underworld and protector of witches

Từ đồng nghĩa

• hecate