The Messed Up Origins™ of Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo
Jon Solo・21 minutes read
Hecate, a powerful and respected goddess, is associated with magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, necromancy, and crossroads, despite negative portrayals in pop culture. Hades kidnaps Persephone with Zeus' permission, leading to a compromise where Persephone splits her time between the underworld and the surface, causing Demeter to bring winter when her daughter is below.
Insights
- Hecate, once the Greek goddess of witchcraft, is now revered by modern pagans, conducting rituals and sacrifices to her, showcasing her evolution from ancient mythology to contemporary spiritual practices.
- The myth of Hades' kidnapping of Persephone, orchestrated by Zeus, highlights the intricate relationships and power dynamics within Greek mythology, emphasizing the impact of divine decisions on mortal lives and the natural world.
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Recent questions
Who is Hecate and what is her significance?
Hecate, once the Greek goddess of witchcraft, is now revered by modern pagans for her power and respect. She is associated with magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, necromancy, and crossroads. Despite negative portrayals in pop culture, Hecate is not inherently evil but a powerful and respected deity.
What are Hecate's domains and associations?
Hecate's domains include magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, necromancy, and crossroads. She is linked to guiding spirits at crossroads and honored for her role in the underworld.
How was Hecate depicted in ancient times?
Depictions of Hecate varied over time. Early portrayals showed her with torches and a black she dog, while later representations depicted her with multiple faces or bodies.
What role did Hecate play in the kidnapping of Persephone?
Hecate played a significant role in the kidnapping of Persephone. She appeared to Demeter on the 10th day of her search, offering to help. Helios later informed Demeter that Zeus and Hades orchestrated Persephone's kidnapping, leading to the eventual agreement that Persephone would spend half the year in the underworld with Hades and the other half on the surface.
How was Hecate worshipped and what were the rituals associated with her?
Individuals and groups worshipped Hecate through sacrifices, prayers for protection, and requests for luck in battles, fishing, and livestock. She was admired by the Olympians and played minor roles in myths, but her significance was notable in various aspects of ancient Greek culture and beliefs.
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The Messed Up Mythology of DEMETER, Greek Goddess of the Harvest
Summary
00:00
"Hecate: Goddess of Magic and Mystery"
- The annual spoop-athon is a time to focus on magical and mysterious themes, typically celebrated in October.
- Hecate, once the Greek goddess of witchcraft, is now revered by modern pagans, who conduct rituals and offer sacrifices to her.
- Despite negative portrayals in pop culture, Hecate is not inherently evil but a respected and powerful goddess.
- Zeus ensured Hecate's respect and gave her domains in the underworld, ocean, and heavens, emphasizing her importance.
- Hecate's domains included magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, necromancy, and crossroads.
- Depictions of Hecate varied, with early portrayals showing her with torches and a black she dog, later representations showing her with multiple faces or bodies.
- Hecate was associated with guiding spirits at crossroads and was honored for her role in the underworld.
- Hecate was linked to the Eleusinian Mysteries, a secretive cult dedicated to Demeter and Persephone, involving rituals of rebirth and possibly psychedelics.
- Individuals and groups worshipped Hecate, with sacrifices, prayers for protection, and requests for luck in battles, fishing, and livestock.
- Hecate, admired by the Olympians, played minor roles in myths but was significant in the kidnapping of Persephone.
10:59
"Persephone's abduction and the changing seasons"
- Hades seeks Zeus' permission to marry Persephone, who he fell in love with at first sight.
- Zeus knows Persephone's mother, Demeter, would not approve of the relationship.
- Zeus assigns Persephone the task of painting all the flowers on earth.
- Hades seizes Persephone while she is working, with sulfur and debris surrounding them.
- Persephone is taken to the underworld by Hades in a swift move.
- Demeter notices Persephone's disappearance and searches for her across the continent for nine days.
- Hecate appears on the 10th day, offering to help Demeter in the search.
- Helios informs Demeter that Zeus and Hades orchestrated Persephone's kidnapping.
- Demeter, distressed, plunges the planet into a harsh winter, prompting Zeus to intervene.
- Persephone is allowed to spend half the year in the underworld with Hades and the other half on the surface.
