#hellenic epithets

[loverofdoves]

some epithets i found on theoi.com surrounding the theme of justice, civil safety, and the ability to be accepted by the gods because some people think our gods are not welcoming to those who are othered by society and don’t care about our individual politics, so i just have to prove them wrong

Aphrodite:

Aphrodite Pandemos - common to all people

Aphrodite Xenia - of the foreigner 

Aphrodite Nikephoros - bringer of victory 

Apollon

Apollon Akteios - of the foreigner 

Ares

Ares Laossoos  - he who rallies men

Artemis

Artemis Philomeirax -  friend of young girls

Artemis Soteria - savior

Athena

Athena Eryma - defender

Athena Soteria - savior 

Athena Poliatis - of the city 

Athena Xenia - of hospitality, of the foreigner 

Demeter

Demeter Thesmophoros - bringer of laws

Demeter Panakhaia - of all the greeks

Demeter Praxidikê - exactor of justice

Dionysus 

Dionysus Eleuthereus - of liberation, freedom

Dionysus Saôtês - savior 

Dionysus Politês - citizen

Dionysus Agyieus - protector of the streets, the ways

Hermes

Hermes Agoraios - of the marketplace

Hermes Hermêneutês - interpreter, translator

Hermes Pompaios - the guide 

Poseidon

Poseidon Asphalios - secures safe voyage 

Poseidon Laoitês - of the people

Zeus 

Zeus Koryphaios - chief, leader

Zeus Amboulios - counsellor 

Zeus Xenios - of hospitality, strangers

Zeus Phyxios - of refuge 

Zeus Laoitês - of the people

Zeus Sôsipolis - city-savior

Zeus Eleutherios - of freedom

(all epithets found on theoi.com) 

TERFs/Radfems/Racists/Homophobes/Ableists/etc. don’t clown on this post, just take a moment to learn and move on instead of harassing like you always do. 

[dancing-with-maenads]

My favorite epithets of Dionysus

Aigobolos - the goat killer

Antheus - the blooming

Dendritês - the god of the tree

Eleuthereus - the deliverer of man from care and sorrow, the liberator 

Enualios - the warlike (this is an epithet often given to Ares as well) 

Eubouleus - god of good counsel

Isodaitês - god who distributes his gifts equally to all

Lamptêr - the torchbearer, and in some translations, the shining

Luaios - god who frees men from cares and anxiety 

Lusios - the deliverer 

Meilichios - the gracious 

Melanaigis - armored (clad with a black aegis) 

Mêthumnaios - rich in vines 

Ômadios - the flesh eater 

Phleôn - the giver of plenty

Sôtêr - the savior

[undeadwhilealive]

Hermes Epithets

Diaktoros(Διακτορος)- Guide, Messenger

Athanatos Diaktoros(Αθανατος Δαικτορος) - Immortal Guide

Angelos Athanatôn(Ανγελος Αθανατων) - Messenger of the Gods

Angelos Makarôn(Ανγελος Μακαρων) - Messenger of the Blessed

Khrysorrhapis(Χρυσορραπις) - Of the Golden Wand

Klepsiphrôn(Κλεπσιφρων) - Deceiver, Dissembler

Mêkhaniôtês(Μηχανιωτης) - Trickster, Contriver

Phêlêtês(Φηλητης) - Thief, Robber, Rustler

Arkhos Phêlêteôn(Αρχοσ Φηλητεων) - Leader of Robbers, Thieves

Poikilomêtês(Ποικιλομητης) - Full of Various Wiles

Polytropos(Πολυτροπος) - Wily, Many-Turning

Poneomenos(Πονεομενος) - Busy One

Bouphonos(Βουφονος) - Slayer of Oxen

Oiopolos(Οιοπολος) - Sheep Tending, Shepherd

Dais Hetairos(Δαις Ἑταιρος) - Comrade of the Feast

Kharidôtês(Χαριδωτης) - Giver of Joy

Kharmophrôn(Χαρμοπηρων) - Glad-hearted, Heart-Delighting

Dôtor Eaôn(Δωτορ Εαων) - Giver of Good Things

Akakêta(Ακακητα) - Guileless, Gracious

Euskopos(Ευσκοπος) - Keen Sighted, Watchful

Eriounês(Εριουνης) - Luck Bringing, Ready-Helper

Kydimos(Κυδιμος) - Glorious

Erikydês(Ερικυδης) - Famous, Glorious, Splendid

Aglaos(Αγλαος) - Splendid, Bright, Glorious

Kratus(Κρατυς) - Strong, Mighty

Krateros(Κρατερος) - Strong, Mighty

[batsflyaway]

epithets for aphrodite !

𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏

androphonos - killer of men

this epithet doesn't mean actual men i believe, just means like killer of people since men can be a general term for humans! could be wrong though <3

anadyomene - goddess rising from the sea

aphrogenia - foam born

i feel that the idea of a goddess rising from the sea is something so special, standing up from the foam, feeling the waves lap at her legs. i think these bring me close to her in the idea that it gives her a sort of human nature, and it's comforting that i can imagine and feel these things at the beach, that she felt once too.

areia - of ares; the warlike

aphrodite enoplios / hoplismena - armed

to me, these represent the times when love is not necessarily perfect, when it has its downs. it's kind of hard to explain, but she's a very comforting goddess to me, and these epithets represent when i need defence, she will be here to guard me. personally, these epithets link her to artemis as well as ares, obviously!

epistrophia - she who turns to love

erototrophus - mother of love

these two epithets are very very special to me, especially erototrophus. i call her mother aphrodite, because i feel like we have that relationship where i'm like her daughter (not literally lol, just the dynamic we have) and these loving epithets just hit that spot where she feels perfectly comforting, motherly and loving to me.

kopois - of the garden

this epithet helps me connect her to nature, especially the idea that roses bloom where she walks. i think it's gorgeous that she is surrounded by lush greenery in a pretty garden lol. i think this epithet also can connect her to artemis!

mechanitis - skilled at inventing

i can't really explain why i like this epithet, i just do. maybe it's because i like a smart woman, maybe it's because i worship athena and i feel this epithet is very athena-y, i don't know.

nikêphoros - bringer of victory

occasionally, i pray to aphrodite for stuff outside of her domains, and this epithet i love to use for prayers for school/tests, stuff i really want succession in, etc, plus i just think it's cool!

ourania - heavenly

this epithet is a beautiful epithet, and i love to use it in prayers. it's just such a nice adjective for her i think!

philomides - laughter-lover

to me this epithet really showcases the different forms of love. laughter-loving to me means loving laughter, no matter who it's with. your friends, your family, your partner, even a stranger. laughter is such a special thing that spreads love.

symmakhia - ally in love

ally in love is how she feels when times get tougher for me, especially in relationships. she's there to uplift me, to support me and comfort me when i need it.

kypria - cyprus-born

this epithet is mostly just a location one, obviously, but i do like it!!

i hope these epithets were explained enough, and possibly helped/interested you!!

𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏𓂃﹏

[dionysianfreak]

I have been seeing some posts for Dionysos Androgynos popping up lately with lovely prayers and offerings ! this is wonderful, but it makes me want to clarify something. His epithet Androgynos is not related to gender identity as we know it now nor was it used in worship denoting queerness. I have seen people talking about this epithet being worshiped but there isn't much tangible evidence for that (that I know of).

it generally means "man-woman" and it refers to the position a man takes during sex—"both taking and receiving penetration during sex". being a man who was in the woman's role during sex wasn't a flex back then, they were seen as naive and lesser than the older man on top. I've seen suggestions that this epithet (along with "chickpea Dionysos") may have been used more derogatorily.

Dionysos is a wonderfully queer deity in the modern age, but we have to remember Ancient Greece is an entirely different culture and ideas. we can't directly exchange values with a culture 2,000 years removed from us. It's totally fine to reclaim this epithet, but claiming it is historically a trans epithet is incorrect.

[adharaantheia]

🪭Deities with Epithets that can help you financially 🪭

Adhara's post introduction: Hello, lovebugs!! I'm back and with an informative post that can help those who are searching for jobs; trying to be financially wise, and who are in need of some stability! Hope you all love it!

Ares Aphneiós;

Meaning of Aphneiós: Rich, Wealth;

Lord Ares is amazing for those who need urgent money, I say this because he helped on situations that I was having panic attacks in fear of not having money at the end of the month, and he helps everyone, regardless if you work officially with him or not!

Athena Evræsítækhnos/Mítir Tǽkhni;

Meaning: Inventor of Arts; Mother of all kind of Arts;

This is an amazing Epithet for those that have art's business, Lady Athena will support your artistic skills and help you make wise decisions for your artistic business!

Zeus Ktísios;

Meaning: Giver of riches;

This epithet is not only for those that want new jobs, but also for those that want to have your own property! King Zeus will help you with anything related about wanting a new house or your own business!

Zeus Nikaios;

Meaning: Victorious;

For those who are waiting for a new job interview! He will bring victory and success for you <3;

Hermes Æriounios;

Meaning: luck-bringer;

Lord Hermes is a wonderful Deity for those who need luck in finding a new job!

Hermes Kærdǽmboros;

Meaning: Bestower of Wealth;

If you're in need of some money, you can go to Lord Hermes! He's the bestower of wealth!!

A reminder to always give these Deities offerings once you have your wish granted, and to also work hard to make it happen, the Gods won't give it to you without seeing that you're working hard, and that you're going to thank them with offerings!

[dionysianivy]

Dionysus Theatrotheos

"The God of Theatre". This epithet suggests that Dionysus sustains the art of theater. Through the devotion of his followers, theater has become inseparable from him. He does not only influence theater, but becomes theater itself and its very essence. Every part of the stage reflects his presence, embodying the spirit of theater in every play.

[the-banks-of-lethe]

Epithets of Hypnos

I'm sure many people have posted about his epithets before, but whats one more? Also, I'm going to be adding some epithets that I have made personally for Lord Hypnos. Feel free to use them! [CE = Cult Epithet. PE = Poetic Epithet]

[transliteration - meaning - greek]

Original:

Epidotes - Bountiful Επιδοτες CE

Paean - Healer Παιάνας CE

Makar - Blessed one PE

Pannikitis - All-vanquishing Παννικίτης PE

Melamkhrotos - Black-skinned Μελαμχρωτος PE

Dios apate - the deception of Zeus Διός απάτη PE

Personal:

Nychtopouli - Nighthawk Νυχτοπούλι

the nighthawk is one of Hypnos’ (sacred?) animals. I also took into consideration how this works as a metaphor for what he does each night [in myth]. Nighthawks are nocturnal birds, only awake and flying at night. And although He is awake throughout the day, every night he rises to the earth with His mother Nyx, and flies across the skies giving sleep to all. Flying at night? Nighthawk? Get it?

Dianomeas - Deliverer (of woes) Διανομέας *

Apeleftherotis kaimo - Liberator (deliverer) of woe Απελευθερωτής καημό *

Eleuthereus - Liberator (tion) Ελευθερευς *

Eirinikos - Peaceful (the peaceful one) Ειρηνικός

Oneiropolos - Dreamy Ονειροπόλος

Evgenesteri - Gentlest Ευγενέστερη

*I believe these three can be used in conjunction with each other, as they have similar meanings, although can also be seperated if the meaning needs to be specifically one or the other :))

If anyone has any epithets that they've made for Lord Hypnos (or any deity!) please feel free to share!! Hope everyone is having a lovely day/night, wherever you are. May Hypnos bless you all!

Sweet dreams 💙

[star-of-zeus]

This is my very polite and formal invitation for Apollo and Artemis followers to remember who Helios and Selene are. If you're syncretizing that's all fine and dandy but recognize that you're syncretizing! Question your view of the mythology of your religion! Greek mythology varied by region and time, there is no one "definitive" story or version... so of course the interpretation of the "sun god" or "god associated with the sun/light" or "moon goddess" or "goddess associated with the moon" can become blurry and conflated, but like... you think you just feel out of a coconut tree? you exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you. /ref /hj

Helios and Selene are Titans. As far as I'm concerned, they deserve respect. If you're making choices to view Apollo and Artemis as sun and moon gods, I just want to make sure you know that choice is deliberate and there are other (in my opinion cooler - points to Helios and Selene) options. But that's just my rant and personal opinion. Religion is personal and individual, but I will say that it does frustrate me to no end sometimes to see new worshippers babble about Apollo Sun and Artemis Moon and when you ask if they know who Helios and Selene are they stare at you blankly. Now let me say one last time before some rabid Apollo and Artemis devotees start barking - the interpretation of the Twins as solar/lunar deities is not incorrect, it was just not a part of the "original" versions of the gods. If you're reading this as a follower of either Apollo or Artemis and you don't know the Titans I'm talking about... my dear friend it's time to do some research once more. Blessings to you all on this nice summer afternoon. I'm gonna go squint at Helios in my yard now.

[ithacasintuition]

My Favorite Hekate Epithets

Phôtoplêx ‘Who smites with light’

Eidôlios ‘Fantasmal’, ‘Ghostly’

Drakaina ‘Dragoness’, ‘Serpentess’

Kunolygmatos ‘Doglike Howler’, ‘Who howls doglike'

Pyripnoos ‘Fire-breather'

Pyriphoitos ‘Fire-walker'

Êrigeneia ‘Daughter of morning’

Aimopotis ‘Blood-drinker'

Astrodia ‘Star-walker'

Opheôplokamos ‘Coiled with Snakes’

[laurusamystic]

Happy Elaphebolia ! Hail Artemis Elaphebolos 🏹🦌

[teawiththegods]

Apollo’s epithet Agyieus always cracks me up bc it means “of the streets” and I can’t think of a god less of the streets than Apollo 🤣

[dionysus-wine-cellar]

Διόνυσος Έστιως

Dionysos Hestiôs

Dionysus of the feast

[undeadwhilealive]

Aphrodite Epithets

Philommeidês(Φιλομμειδης) - Laughter-Loving

Philommêdês(Φιλομμηδης) - Genital-Loving

Aphrogeneia(Αφρογενεια) - Foam-Born

Khryseê(Χρυσεη) - Golden

Dia(Δια) - Diving, Shining

Dios Thugatêr(Διος θυγατηρ) - Daughter of Zeus

Pothôn Mêtêr(Ποθων Μητηρ) - Mother of Desire

Eustephanos(Ευστεφανος) - Richly Crowned, Well Girdled

Ourania(Ουρανια) - Heavenly, Divine(Love)

Pandêmos(Πανδημος) - Common to All People(Love)

Makhanitis(Μαχανιτις) - Deviser, Contriver

Epistrophia(Επιστροφια) - She who Turns to (Love)

Apostrophia(Αποστροφια) - Averter of (unlawful desires)

Kataskopia(Κατασκοπια) - Spying, Peeping

Psithyristês(Ψιθυριστης) - Whispering

Praxis(Πραξις) - Action(Sexual)

Melainis(Μελαινις) - Black(Of Night)

Symmakhia(Συμμαχια) - Ally(In Love)

Apatouros(Απατουρος) - Deceptive One

Nymphia(Νυμφια) - Bridal

Migôntis(Μιγωντις) - Union(Marital)

Dôritis(Δωριτις) - Bountiful

Hêrê(Ἡρη) - Of Hera(Of Marriage)

Morphô(Μορφω) - Of Shapely Form

Ambologêra(Αμβολογηερα) - Postponer of Old Age

Nikêphoros(Νικηφορος) - Bringer of Victory

Areia(Αρεια) - Of Ares, Warlike

Hôplismenê(Ὡπλισμενη) - Armed

Euploia(Ευπλοια) - Fair Voyage

Pontia(Ποντια) - Of The Sea

Limenia(Λιμενια) - Of The Harbour

Xenia(Ξενια) - Of The Foreigner

These might not be all of them, I apologize if I missed any.

Big thanks to Theoi.com for helping me out on this post.

[potnia-theron]

➶ Animal epithets of Artemis !

➸・elaphiaia - of the deer

➸・lykeie - of the wolves

➸・pheraia - of the beasts

➸・heurippa - horse finder

➸・potnia theron - queen of beasts

➸・elaphebolos - deer shooting

➸・theroskopos - hunter of wild beasts

➸・skylakitis - protectress/guardian of dogs

[whats-the-word-again]

Hekate Propylaia

"She who is before the gate"

"I call upon Hekate Propylaia, the Guardian, She who protects the gate, the unyielding Goddess who ends all hostility, to protect me and mine, to guard and keep us safe. Powerful Goddess, Gatekeeper, Foremost One, hear my plea and prayer, stand before me, hold all evil at bay with your relentless fire." - Prayer to Hekate Propylaia (modern-day)

I've found myself getting more and more into my Hekate worship, and I'm very happy about it. I had once fallen into the trap that Hekate was "scary" or "too advanced", something I think many worshippers have gotten into their heads. From the small time I have been worhsipping Her, I can certainly say this is not the case; She is wonderful.

Liminality. Something heavily associated with Hekate, and one of the many aspects I find quite interesting and comforting about Her. The grey area was always more comfortable. Hekate Propylaia, I think is an epithet that embodies that liminality - of course Lady Hekate has many epithets that embody this, but Propylaia feels right to me. It feels like standing at a gate and not knowing what's on the other side, but not willing to turn back - it feels like the entrance and exit - like the beginning and end - like the true middle ground. A liminal space, with Hekate at the centre.

Liminality is so present in every part of our lives, the "in-between stages" are everywhere. And honestly, are we ever not in an in-between phase? From day to night. From waking to resting. Child to adult. We are always meeting these milestones, these gates to pass through, and as we learn more and do more - Hekate is there.

A small portion, but one I want to still touch on is liminality in a gender sense. Hekate has many forms, and many names, and there is never one point where Hekate is just one. She is many, and She is blurred, and She has many off-shoots and directions to percieve Her in just like a crossroads. Hekate represents the "not-straight-forward" and I think that's a wonderful thing.

Anyway, that ramble over, I just wanted to let you all know the little Hekate worship rabbit hole I've been down as of late. I may have repeated things so please excuse that, it's late at the time of writing.

A poem for Hekate Propylaia - by me

I walk this earthly plane And lay awake at night, watching Asteria shine, To hear the hounds of Hekate sing Of Her glorious domain; as She watches From the gate which She tends, Ushering in the frightened and the lonely Into Her wonderful home of Liminality.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Spring / Autumn Equinox [depending on your hemisphere]! And may Hekate Propolos guide you, Hekate Dadophoros light your way, and Hekate Propylaia show you the right doors in these uncertain times.

Hail Lady Hekate!

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