Navigation under construction. We thank you for your patienceKhaire! Hello!Welcome to the Greek God Epithet Database. Here we have collected every epithet we could find for the gods along with their meanings.This was a collective effort from the members of the Empyrean Village Discord Server. We all love the gods and wanted to help other HelPols by creating this database!All sources are included in each page. Credits are also included for those who helped create this database.★ This site is best viewed on a desktop.
Notes :
Cult location epithets are not included in this database as they are specific to that location and are no longer really useful in modern day practice. There are some exceptions to this such as : cult location as well as birth place of a god or epithets that also tie into the god's domain.
Gods will be added based on request as we focus on gathering epithets outside of theoi for the gods already added! Please contact Ace, Nell, or join the server (if over 18) to request and/or share any epithets.
You may notice another gods' page referenced on a page (ex. Apollon on Hermes's page) this is because theoi seems to like hiding information or epithets on another god's page.
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2026
April 10
- Dike page addedApril 8
- Nemesis page added
- Artemis page updatedApril 7
- More epithets added for Hephaestus, Hestia, Hades, Persephone, & ErosMarch 31
- Zagreus Page addedMerch 19
- Epithets for Zeus, Hera, & Poseidon added from Ancient Greek CultsMarch 18
- Epithets for Ares & Hekate added from Ancient Greek Cults
- Greek spelling added to some of Dionysos's epithetsMarch 17
- Eros page added (requested)
- Poll posted on whether we should switch headers to modern art on Ace's Tumblr
- Epithets for Demeter & Persephone added from Ancient Greek CultsMarch 16
- Dionysos page added
- Aphrodite page updated ➜ non-theoi epithets and sources added
- Hekate page added ➜ only theoi mentioned at the momentMarch 12
- Cult location epithets removed as they can no longer really apply to modern day worship.
- Formatting edits for more consistancy across all pages.March 11
- Poseidon page added ➜ only theoi mentions at the moment.
- Hades page added ➜ only theoi mentions at the moment.
- Persephone page added ➜ only theoi mentions at the moment.March 5
- More epithets added to Hermes from Hermes by Arlene Allen
- Explainations are also being added to some epithets from the same source as aboveMarch 2
- Received permission to add epithets found by Royal Wren
- Hermes epithets updates and more sources have been addedFebruary 26
- Hephaestus page added ➜ only theoi mentions at the moment.February 24
- Hera page addedFebruary 18
- Zeus page added ➜ Epithets from 2 sources added.
- Demeter page added ➜ only theoi mentions at the moment.February 17
- Switched navigation to a side bar (viewed best on desktop)
- Embeded epithet submission form directly on siteFebruary 16
- Apollon page finished
- Artemis page started ➜ only theoi mentions at the moment.February 13
- Ares page started ➜ only theoi mentions at the moment.February 12
- Aphrodite page started ➜ compiling more epithets & adding more sources
- Greek spelling add to deity page headingsFebruary 11
- Athena page completed
- Apollon page started ➜ compiling Greek version of the epithets
- Hermes page started ➜ compiling more epithets & adding more sources
- Edited home pageFebruary 10
- Website created
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ἀκραία | Akraia | ⮞ "Of the Heights" (1) ⮞“She of the Peak/High Point”(2 p. 118, 151) ⮞“Of the promontory”(7 p.251) ⮞May refer to the fact that her famous cult statue was placed high upon a bluff or promontory overlooking the sea(2 p. 118) |
| Αμβολογηερα | Ambologêra | "Postponer of Old Age"(1) |
| Ἀναδυομένη | Anadyomenê ⮞Anaduomenê | "Risen from the Sea"(1) ⮞“Rising from the Sea”(2 p. 67,77,151)(7 p.330) ⮞“Rising”(7 p.24) |
| Απατουρος | Apatouros | "Deceptive One"(1) |
| Αφρογενεια ★ Αφρογενης | Aphrogeneia ⮞ Aphrogenês | "Foam-Born"(1)(2 p.3,26, 151) |
| Αποστροφια | Apostrophia | ⮞ "Averter of (Unlawful Desires)"(1) ⮞“Averter of Evils”(4 p.119) |
| Αρεια | Areia | "Of Ares, Warlike"(1) ⮞May not have indicated a martial aspect, but a joint cult with Ares as “conflicting yet connected forces”(2 p.51-2) ⮞ ‘We have no way of knowing if Areia herself was armed, was thought to go into combat, or was simply a companion to her more martial consort.’(7 p.96) |
| Βασιλίς | Basilis | "Queen”(4 p.119) |
| Δια | Dia | ⮞ "Divine, Shining"(1) ⮞ "Heavenly, god-like"(3)(Il.3.389)(Il.3.413) |
| Διωναια | Diôniaia | "Daughter of Dione", "Daughter of Zeus"(1) |
| Δωριτις | Dôritis | "Bountiful"(1) |
| Διος θυγατηρ | Dios thugatêr | "Daughter of Zeus"(1)(2 p.3, 14-7, 151)(Il.3.374)(Il.5.131) |
| ἐν κήποις | en Kepois | “In the gardens”(7 p.25, 216, 221) |
| Ἔγχειος | Enkheios ⮞Encheios | “Spear-bearing”(7 p.83) |
| Ἐνόπλιος | Enoplios ⮞Enoplion ⮞Enoplon | ⮞“Armed”(4 p.119)(7 p.88) ⮞Statue type(4 p.119) |
| Ἐπήκοος | Epekoos | “Who hears (the prayers)”(6 p.66) |
| Ἐπιλιμενία | Epilimenia | “She of/at the Harbor”(2 p.108, 151)(4 p. 123)(7 p.127) |
| Επιστροφια | Epistrophia | "She who Turns to (Love)"(1) |
| Ευπλοια | Euploia | ⮞ "Fair Voyage"(1) ⮞ “She of the Smooth Sailing”(2 p.3, 76, 108, 151) ⮞“Of Good Sailing”(4 p. 123)(7 p.127, 218, 233) ⮞“Good navigation”(6 p.84, 86)(7 p.251) |
| Ευστεφανος | Eustephanos | "Richly-Crowned, Well-Girdled"(1)(2 p.64)(Od.8.267) |
| Γαλήνη | Galênaiê | “She of the Calm Sea”(2 p.108, 151) |
| Ἡγεμόνη | Hegemonê | “Leader”(7 p.80, 92) |
| Ἡρη | Hêrê | "Of Hera (of Marriage)"(1) |
| Ὡπλισμενη | Hôplismenê | "Armed"(1)(7 p.80) |
| ἰοστέφανος | Iostephanos | “Violet garlanded”(2 p.64)(HH. 6.18) |
| Καλλίπυγος | Kallipugos ⮞Kallipygos ⮞Callipugos ⮞Callipygos | ⮞“Beautiful Buttocks”(2 p.77, 151) ⮞Statue type(2 p.77) |
| Κατασκοπια | Kataskopia | ⮞ "Spying, Peeping"(1) ⮞ “She Who Observes”(4 p.124) |
| Ακραια | Kêpois | "Of the Gardens"(1) |
| Χρυσεη ★ χρυσέης | Khruseê ⮞Khryseê ⮞Chruseê ⮞ Chryseê | "Golden"(1)(2 p.56, 67, 69-71, 151)(6 p.219)(Od. 4.14, 8.337, 8.342) *Interesting dive into this epithet - 2 p. 67-71 |
| Χρυσοστέφανος | Khrusostephanos ⮞Khrysostephanos ⮞Chrusostephanos ⮞Chrysostephanos | “Gold-crowned”(2 p.70) |
| Κυπρια ★ Κυπρις | Kupria/Kupris ⮞ Kypria/Kypris ⮞ Cupria/Cupris ⮞Cypria/Cypris | "Of Cyprus"(1)(7 p.167)(Il. 5.330, 5.422, 5.760) |
| Κυπριγένεια ★Κυπρογενής | Kuprogenea/Kuprogenês ⮞ Cuprogenea/Cuprogenês ⮞ Kyprogenea/Kyprogenês ⮞ Cyprogenea/Cyprogenês | "Cyprus-Born"(1)(2 p.27) |
| Κύπρου βασιλίς | Kuprou basilís ⮞ Kyprou basilís | “Queen of Cyprus”(7 p.167) |
| Κύπρου δέσποινα | Kuprou despoína ⮞ Kyprou despoína | “Princess of Cyprus”(7 p.167) |
| Κυθέρεια | Kuthereia ⮞ Kythereia ⮞ Cythereia ⮞ Cuthereia | “Of Cytheria”(2 p.27)(Od. 8.288) |
| Λιμεναρχίς | Limenarkhidos ⮞Limenarchidos | “Ruler of the shores”(7 p.244) |
| Λιμενια | Limenia | "She of/at the Harbor"(1)(2 p.3, 108, 151)(7 p.15, 20, 127) |
| Μαχανιτις | Makhanitis | "Deviser, Contriver"(1) |
| Μελαινις | Melainis | "Black (of Night)"(1) |
| Μιγωντις | Migôntis | "Union (Marital)"(1) |
| Μορφω | Morphô | ⮞ "Of Shapely Form"(1) ⮞ “The Beautiful One”(4 p.119) ⮞ Statue(4 p.119) |
| Ναύαρχις | Nauarkhis ⮞ Nauarchis | “Commander of the ships”(7 p.127) |
| Νικηφορος | Nikêphoros | ⮞ "Bringer of Victory"(1) ⮞ “Victory bearer”(7 p.89) ⮞ ‘Aphrodite Nikephoros is associated with marriage and law, not battle’(7 p.101) |
| Νυμφια | Numphia/Nymphia ⮞ Numphe/Nymphe | ⮞ "Bridal"(1)(4 p.125)(7 p.214) ⮞ “Protectress of the nymphê”, which denotes both the young woman of marriageable age and the young wife prior to the birth of her first child(3 p.315) |
| Ουρανια | Ourania | "Heavenly, Divine (Love)"(1)(2 p.114, 151)(4 p.116)(7 p.20, 22,216,219, 221) |
| Πανδημος | Pandêmos | ⮞ "Common to All People (Love)"(1) ⮞ “She who Belongs to all the People”(2 p.3, 35, 38, 151) ⮞“Of All the People”(3 p.79)(4 p.117)(7 p.22) ⮞ “Common”(7 p.22) ⮞ As patroness of marriage(7 p.214) |
| Πελαγία | Pelagia | “She of the Open Sea”(2 p. 3, 108, 151)(7 p.127) |
| Φιλομμειδης ★ Φιλομειδης | Philommeidês ⮞ Philomeidês | ⮞ "Laughter-Loving"(1) ⮞ “Smile loving”(2 p. 3, 39-40, 151)(Il. 3.424, 4.10, 5.375) |
| Φιλομμηδης | Philommêdês | "Genital-Loving" (1) |
| Φιλοστέφανος | Philostephanos | “Loving garlands”(2 p.64)(HH. 2.102) |
| πολύχρυσος | Polukhrusos ⮞ Polykhrysos ⮞ Poluchrusos ⮞ Polychrysos | “Very, intensely golden”(2 p. 70-1, 151) |
| Ποντια | Pontia | ⮞ "Of the Sea"(1)(4 p. 123)(5 p239)(7 p.14, 127) ⮞ “of the Deep Sea”(2 p. 108, 151) |
| Ποθων Μητηρ | Pothôn Mêtêr | "Mother of Desire"(1) |
| Πότνια Κύπρου | Potnia Kuprou ⮞ Potnia Kyprou | “Lady of Cyprus”(7 p.167) |
| Πραξις | Praxis | "Action (Sexual)"(1) |
| Ψιθυριστης | Psithyristês | "Whispering"(1) |
| ... | Pudica | ⮞ “Modest”(7 p.330) ⮞Latin epithet for an iconographical type(7 p.330) |
| Στρατεία | Strateia | ⮞“Of the Army”(5 p239)(7 p.125) ⮞ “Capmaigner”(7 p.80) |
| Στρατηγίς | Stratêgis | “Of the Commanders”(7 p.125) |
| Συμμαχια | Symmakhia | "Ally (in Love)"(1) |
| Θαλασσία | Thalassia ⮞Thalassaie | “She of the Sea”(2 p. 108, 151) |
| ... | Wanassa | ⮞ “The Lady”(4 p.115) ⮞ Mycenean title(4 p.115) which is related to the greek ‘Anassa’ |
| Ξενια | Xenia | "Of the Foreigner"(1) |
CREDITS
SOURCES
Cyrino, Monica - Aphrodite
Ogden, Daniel - A Companion to Greek Religion
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
Mikalson, Jon D. - Ancient Greek Religion
Corinne Bonnet - The Names of the Gods
Amy C. Smith and Sadie Pickup - Brill’s Companion to Aphrodite
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ἀγωνίας | Agônios | Used in the sense of “helper in struggles and contests”(1) |
| Αγραιος | Agraios | ⮞“The Hunter/Of the Hunt” ⮞He had a temple under this name in Megara, built after he killed the lion of Cithaeron.(1) |
| Ἀγυιεύς | Agyieus ⮞Agyieus | ⮞“Protector of the streets and public places,”(1)(2 p.269-70) worshipped at Acharnae(1), Mycenae(1), Tegea(1)(2 p.269-70) ⮞“Guardian of the House Door”(3 p.103) ⮞“Of the street”(4 p. 87)(5 p.59) who protected travelers(4 p. 87) |
| Αιγλητος | Aiglêtos ⮞ Aiglêtês | “Radiant/Shining”(1)(3 p.112) |
| Ἀκερσεκόμης | Akersekomês | “With the uncut hair” (1)(3 p.85)(Il. 20.39) |
| Ακεσιος | Akesios | “The averter of evil / Of Healing”(1) In Elis(1) |
| Ἀκέστωρ | Akestôr | “A surname of Apollo which characterises him as the god of the healing art, or in general as the averter of evil, like akesios.”(1) |
| Ἀκταῖος | Aktaios ⮞Epaktaios ⮞Epaktios | “Of the Coast/Foreshore”(1) |
| Ἀλήιος | Aleios | “the Wanderer” at Krimissa(6 p.488) |
| Αλεξικακος | Alexikakos | “The averter of evil” in Athens(1)(3 p.36,76) |
| Ἄναξ | Anax | “Lord,” “Master,” or “King”(Il. 7.23, 7.37, 15.253, etc.)(Od. 8.323, 8.334, 8.339,etc.)(LSJ) |
| Αργυιευς | Argyieus ⮞Argyieus | “Of the streets”(1) |
| ἀργυρότοξʼ | Argurotoxos ⮞Argyrotoxos | “Of the Silver Bow”(HH 3.140, 3.178)(Il. 1.37, 1.451, 2.766, etc.)(Od. 7.64, 15.410) |
| Ἀρχηγέτης.. | Arkhêgetês ⮞Archêgetês | ⮞“Founder”(1)(4 p.95) or “First Leader”(4 p.95)(7 p.286) ⮞ Refers to his role as a divine founder, patron and protector of colonies(7 p.286) ⮞ Either the leader and protector of colonies, or as the founder of towns in general (1) |
| Ἀφήτωρ | Aphêtôr | “Archer”(Il. 9.404) |
| Ἀποτρόπαιος | Apotropaios | “The averter of evil”(4 p.88)(5 p.155)(7 p.157)(8 p.254) |
| Βοηδρομιος | Boêdromios | “The helper in distress” at Athens(1) |
| Δαφναῖος | Daphnaios | “Of the Laurel”(1) |
| Δαφνηφόρος | Daphnephoros | “(Bay)Laurel Bearer”(4 p.97)(8 p.137) |
| Δήλιος | Delios | “Of Delos”(1) A common epithet and thus included here |
| Δελφινιος ★ Δελφιος | Delphinios | ⮞“Of the Dolphin”(3 p.26,88)(4 p.88) ⮞The Greeks believed that his name came from their word for dolphin (delphis), but the real etymology is unknown, and is most likely non-Greek(4 p.88) ⮞“Of Delphi”(5 p.155) ⮞ Derived either from his slaying the dragon Delphine/Delphyne (usually called Python) who guarded the oracle at Pytho, or from his having shewn the Cretan colonists the way to Delphi, while riding on a dolphin or metamorphosing himself into a dolphin.(1) |
| Διονυσοδότης | Dionysodotês | ⮞“Bestower of Dionysus”(1) ⮞ “Given by Dionysos”(8 p.386) |
| Επιβατηεριος | Embaterios | “of the Embarkation” - who protects those who set out to the sea(3 p.12) |
| Ἐπιβατήριος | Epibatêrios | “the god who conducts men on board a ship”(1) |
| Επικουριος | Epikourios | ⮞ “The Helper”(1)(2 p.268)(8 p.254) ⮞“Of Allies”(4 p.99) ⮞ He had received this surname in Bassae in Arcadia because he had at one time delivered the country from a pestilence(1) |
| Ερυθιβιος | Erythibios ⮞ Erysibios ⮞Erysibios | “Of Mildew”(1) or “Of Corn Rust”(8 p.368) |
| Γαλάξιος | Galaxios | ⮞“Milk” According to Plutarch, because “abundance of milk indicated his helpful presence.(3 p.99) ⮞ From the stream Galaxius(1) |
| ἑκάεργον | Hekaergos | “Worker from afar”(1)(Il. 1.147, 1.474, 1.479, etc.) |
| Ἑκατηβόλος | Hekêbolos ⮞ Hekabolos | “Far-Shooting”(Il. 1.14, 1.21, 1.96, 1.110, etc.) |
| Ἑκατος | Hekatos | “Shooter from Afar”(1)(9a,9f)(Il. 1.385, 7.83) |
| Ἑκηβόλος | Hekêbolos ⮞Hekatebolos | “Far-Shooting”(9b,9c,9e)(Il. 5.444) |
| Ὁριος | Horios | “Boundaries, Of Borders”(1) |
| Ὑλάτης | Hulatês ⮞Hylatês | “Of the Grove”(4 p.97) |
| Ἰατρός | Iatros | “Doctor”(3 p.68) |
| ... | Intonsus | ⮞“Unshorn” refers to the long uncut hair of young Greek men (1) ⮞ *Latin version of akersekomes |
| Καρνειος | Karneios | ⮞ “Of the Ram”(1)(2 p.193)(3 p.94)(4 p.90)(7 p.194) ⮞“Of the Cornel-Tree”(1)(2 p.49)(7 p194.) ⮞ Possible syncretism with a previous god(2 p.49)(7 p.194) |
| Καταιβάτης | Kataibatês | Apollo was invoked by this name to grant a happy return home (katabasis) to those who were travelling abroad(1) |
| Καθάρσιος | Katharsios | “Purifier” |
| Κερεάτας ★Κεραιΐτας | Keraïtas ⮞Kereatas | “Horned”(2 p.271)(3 p.112)(7 p.333) As a protector of flocks(2 p.271) |
| Χρυσάωρ | Khrusaôr ⮞Chrysaôr | "With the golden sword or arms”(1)(HH 3.123, 3.395)(Il. 5.509, 15.256)(Hes. WD 771) |
| Χρυσοκόμης | Khrusokomês ⮞Chrysokomês | “Golden-haired”(Eur. Sup. 975) |
| Κιθαρῳδός | Kitharoedus ⮞Citharoedus | Relates to him as a god of music(3 p.41) |
| Κληδωνες | Klêdônes | “Omen in Words and Sounds” (1) |
| Κληριος | Klêrios | “Distributing by lot”(1) |
| Κλυτότοξος | Klutotóxos | “Famous archer”(Il. 4.101, 15.55)(Od. 17.494, 21.267) |
| Κτίστης | Ktistes | “Establisher (of colonies)”(4 p.95) |
| Κυπάρισσος | Kyparissius ⮞Cyparissius | “Of the Cypress Grove”(3 p.79) |
| Λατωιος | Latôios | “Son of Leto”(1) |
| Λαοσσόος | Laossoos | “Rousing or stirring the nations”(Il. 20.79) |
| Λοίμιος | Loimios | “The deliverer from plague”(1)(3 p.68) |
| Λοξίας | Loxias | derived by some from his intricate and ambiguous oracles (loxa), but it is unquestionably connected with the verb Legein, and describes the god as the prophet or interpreter of Zeus(1) |
| Λυκηγενής | Lukêgenês ⮞Lycêgenês | ⮞ Uncertain(3 p.11) ⮞“Born in Lycia”(1)(3 p.11)(6 p.143) ⮞“Born of or in light”(1) |
| Λυκιος | Lukeios ⮞ Lukios ⮞Lyceius | ⮞ Uncertain(1)(3 p.99)(6 p.143) ⮞ Possibly wolf-related, “Of the wolf” or “Wolf-like” or “wolf-slayer” (from lukos, “wolf”)(1)(3 p.98-9)(4 p,88)(5 p.155)(6 p.143)(8 p.198) ⮞or “light-giver” (from lukê, “light”)(1) ⮞or “The Lycian” (from Lycia)(1)(3 p.39)(6 p.143) ⮞(Source 3 contradicts itself, initially saying that ancient and modern scholars understood it as ‘From Lycia’(3 p.39) and then later claiming they understood it as ‘Wolf Apollo'(3 p.98-9)) |
| Λυκοκτόνος | Lukoktonos ⮞Lykoktonos | “Wolf-killer”(1)(3 p.99) as the protector of the Argive sheep against wolves(3 p.99) |
| ... | Marmarinos | ⮞“God of marble” - a surname of Apollo, who had a sanctuary in the marble quarries at Carystus(1) ⮞ May be a latin term |
| Μελίαι | Meliai | “Of the Ash-Trees”(1) |
| Μοιραγέτης | Moiragetês | “Guide or leader of fate/Leader of the Moirae”(1)(5 p.118) |
| Μουσηγετης | Mousêgetês ⮞ Musegetes | “Leader of the Muses”(1)(3 p.95)(5 p.56) |
| Νουμήνιος | Noumenios | “Of the New Moon”(3 p.111) |
| Νόμιος | Noumios | ⮞ a surname of divinities protecting the pastures and shepherds(1) ⮞ “Herdsman” - a protector of sheep and cattle(3 p.99) |
| Νυμφαγέτης | Numphagetês ⮞Nymphagetês | “Leader of the Nymphs”(3 p.85)(5 p.59) |
| Ουλιος | Oulios | ⮞“Provider of Health”(3 p.68) ⮞“Of sound health”(1) |
| Παιαν ★ Παιων | Paian ⮞ Paiêôn ⮞ Paiôn ⮞ Paean | “The Healer”(1)(3 p.14)(5 p.155) The physician of the Olympians, perhaps an older deity syncretised with Apollon(1) |
| Παρνοπιος ★Πορνοπιων | Parnopios ⮞ Pornopiôn | “The expeller of locusts”(1) |
| Πatrῷos | Patrôos ⮞Patrôios | “Of the Fathers, Ancestral”(1)(3 p.88)(4 p.93)(5 p.198) |
| Φιλήσιος | Philesios | “Loving” relates to a story about Apollon bestowing prophetic ability on a mortal he fell in love with(4 p.96) |
| Φοῖβος | Phoibos ⮞Phoebus | “The Shining/Bright”(1)(6 p.142)(Il. 1.43, 1.64, 1.73)(Od. 13.279) |
| Φύξιος | Phuzios | “The god who protects fugitives”(1) |
| Προόψιος | Proopsios | “Foreseeing”(1) |
| προπύλαιος | Propýlaios | ⮞“Guardian of the Gates” - to keep out evil from the city(3 p.76) ⮞“Before the gate”(4 p.87) |
| Προστατηριος | Prostatêrios | ⮞“Protector”(4 p.87) ⮞“Standing Before (the Entrance)”(1) |
| Πύθιος | Puthios ⮞ Pythios | “The Pythian/Of the Python”(1) As a god of answers to questions (pyth-, to question)(2 p.50) |
| Σμινθεύς | Smintheus | Of the mouse/Of mice”(1)(2 p.50)(3 p.126)(4 p.87)(6 p.521)(8 p.368)(Il. 1.39) ⮞In this case, Apollo is an averter of a very specific “evil”(4 p.87) ⮞In the temple of Apollo at Chryse there was a statue of the god by Scopas, with a mouse under its foot, and on coins Apollo is represented carrying a mouse in his hands. Temples of Apollo Sminthens and festivals (Smintheia) existed in several parts of Greece(1) |
| Σπόδιος | Spodios | “Of Ashes” derived from spodos, ashes, because his altar consisted of the ashes of the victims which had been sacrificed to him(1) |
| Στεφανηφόρος | Stephanêphoros ⮞Stephanophoros | “Crown Wearer”(5 p.248) |
| Θεαριος | Thearios | “Of the Oracle”(1) |
| Θερμιος | Thermios | ⮞“Of Law”(5 p133.) ⮞“Of Lupine Flowers"(1) |
| Θεοξενιος | Theoxenios | “God of Foreigners”(1) |
| Θυραῖος | Thuraios ⮞ Thyraios | “Of the Door”(4 p.87) |
CREDITS
SOURCES
Ogden, Daniel - A Companion to Greek Religion
Graf, Fritz - Apollo ●
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults ●
Mikalson, Jon D. - Ancient Greek Religion ●
Hard, Robin - The Routledge Handbook Of Greek Mythology ●
Larson, Jennifer - Understanding Greek Religion ●
Burkert, Walter - Greek Religion ●
HH = Homeric Hymn
Hes. WD = Hesiod, Works and Days
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αατος πολεμοιο | Aatos polemoio | "Insatiate of Fighting, War"(1)(Il. 5.388) |
| Ανδρειφοντης | Andreiphontês | "Manslaying, Destroyer of Men"(1)(Il. 2.651) |
| Αφνειος | Aphneios | ⮞"Abundant"(1)(2 pg. 156) ⮞ The giver of food or plenty. Mostly used in hops that he would increase the spoils of war. (2 pg 156) |
| Ἀρεία | Areia | ⮞ “Warlike”(2 pg. 157) ⮞ Typically used alongside Athena Areia (2 pg 157) |
| Βροτολοιγος | Brotoloigos | "Manslaughtering"(1) |
| Δεινος | Deinos | "Terrible, Fearsome"(1) |
| Ενχεσπαλος | Enkhespalos | "Spear-Brandishing"(1) |
| Ενυαλιος | Enyalios ⮞ Enualios | "Warlike"(1) |
| Γυναικοθιονας | Gynaikothoinas | ⮞"Feasted by Women"(1) ⮞ In reference of the war of the Tegeatans that women helped win and celebrated without men(1) |
| Ἱππιος | Hippios ⮞ Hippia | "Of the Horses"(1) |
| Χαλκεος | Khalkeos | "Brazen, Of the Bronze"(1) |
| Χαλκοκορυστης | Khalkokorustês | "Armed with Bronze"(1) |
| Χρυσοπελεξ | Khrysopêlêx | "Of the Golden Helm"(1) |
| Λαοσσοος | Laossoos | "He Who Rallies Men"(1) |
| Μιαιφονος | Miaiphonos | "Blood-stained, Bloody"(1)(Il. 5.455) |
| Οβριμος | Obrimos | "Strong, Mighty"(1) |
| Οχυς | Oxus | "Sharp, Piercing"(1)(Il. 2.440) |
| Πολεμιστης ταλαυρινος | Polemistês talaurinos | "He Who Fights Under the Shield's Guard"(1) |
| Ρινοτορος | Rhinotoros | "Shield-, Flesh-Piercing"(1) |
| στυγερῷ | Stygerós | "Hateful" (Il. 2. 385) |
| ταλαύρινον | Talaúrinos | "Bearing a shield of bull's-hide" (Il. 5.289) |
| Θηριτας | Thêritas | "Beastly, Brutish"(1) |
| Θοος | Thoos | "Swift, Fleet"(1)(Il. 5.430) |
| Θουρος | Thouros | "Violent, Furious"(1)(Il. 5.30) |
CREDITS
Ares's Epithets were collected and shared by Ace
SOURCES
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αγοραια | Agoraia | "Of the Market-Place" (1)(5 p.133) |
| ... | Agrota ⮞ Agrotis | ⮞“Wild”(2 p.57) ⮞“Huntress”(6 p.244) |
| Αγροτερα | Agrotera | ⮞"Of the Hunt, Huntress"(1)(6 p.244) ⮞“Wild One”(2 p.55) ⮞“Wild”(2 p.57,59) ⮞“Rustic”(2 p.59) ⮞“Of the Wilds”(4 p.100)(5 p.133) |
| Αγροτερη | Agroterê | "Of the Hunt, Huntress"(1) |
| Αιδοιος παρθενος | Aidoios Parthenos | "Revered Virgin"(1) |
| ... | Amphipyron | “With Fire in Both [Hands]” or “With a Torch in Both [Hands]”(2 p.65) |
| ... | Angelos | “Messenger”(6 p.253) |
| Απανχομενη | Apankhomenê ⮞ Apanchomenê | "Strangled / Hanged "(1)(2 p.41)(3 p.271) ⮞ ‘However, it is now interpreted as a reference to the goddess’s virginity.’(2 p.41) |
| Αριστη | Aristê | "Best, Excellent"(1) |
| ... | Aristoboulê | “Best Counsel”(2 p.62) |
| ... | Arkhegetis | “Founder”(6 p.250) |
| Αστρατεια | Astrateia | "Stayed the Advance"(1) |
| ... | Asulos | ⮞ “Asylum”(6 p.250) ⮞“Inviolable”(6 p.250, 253) |
| ... | Baïane | “Palm-tree”(2 p.58) |
| Βασιλεις | Basileis | "Princess, Royal"(1) |
| ... | Batrakhis | “Froggy”(2 p.58) |
| ... | Bolaia | “Violent”(6 p.244) |
| ... | Bolosia | “Killer”(6 p.244) |
| ... | Boulaia | “Of the Concil”(6 p.250) |
| ... | Brauronia | Associated with an ancient cult and girls’ initiation/fertility ritual at Brauron(3 p.290-1)(4 p.107-8)(5 p.72-4) |
| Δαφναιη | Daphnaiê ⮞ Daphnia | ⮞ "Of the Laurel-Tree"(1) ⮞ “Of Laurel”(2 p.58)(3 p.52) |
| ... | Despoina | “Mistress”(6 p.253)(6 p.245) |
| Δικτυνναια | Diktynnaia | "Of the Hunting Nets"(1) |
| ... | Dreneia | “Powerful”(6 p.253) |
| ... | Eileithyia | ⮞ “Of childbirth”(2 p.99-102) ⮞ Syncretism with the individual deity Eileithuia(2 p.99-102)(4 p.107) ⮞ May have also had associations with freed slaves(2 p.148) |
| ... | Einodia | ⮞ “In the road”(2 p.120) ⮞ Referring to Iphigenia/Iphimede who was made immortal by Artemis and became Artemis Enodia(2 p.120) ⮞ Syncretized with Hekate(2 p.120) |
| Ελαφιαια | ⮞ Elaphiaia ⮞ Elaphia | "Of Deer"(1)(3 p.52)(6 p.245) ⮞ Of Elaphius (hero Elis)(1) ⮞ “Deerish”(2 p.57-8) |
| Ελαφηβολος | Elaphêbolos | "Deer-Shooting"(1)(2 p.2, 19, 52, 58) ⮞ “Shooter of stags”(4 p.103) ⮞ “Kills deer”(6 p.245) |
| ... | Eleuthera | ⮞ “Freedom”(2 p.145) ⮞ “Liberator”(6 p.254) |
| ... | Ellophonos | “Fawn-killer”(6 p.245) |
| ... | Epekoos | ⮞ “Who listens”(6 p.250) ⮞“Attentive”(6 p.254) |
| ... | Episkopos | “Watches”(6 p.254) |
| Ευκλεια | Eukleia | ⮞ "Of Good Repute"(1) ⮞ “Fair Fame”(3 p.79) ⮞ “Of Glory”(4 p.113) |
| ... | Eulokhia | “Of (Good)Parturition”(2 p.98,102) |
| ... | Eupraxia | “Good work”(2 p.94) |
| Ευρυνωμη | Eurynômê | "Of Broad Pastures"(1) |
| Ευστεφανος | Eustephanos | "Well-Girdled, Sweet-Garlanded"(1) |
| Ἁγνη | Hagnê | "Chaste, Pure"(1) |
| Ἡγεμονη | Hêgemonê | ⮞ "Leader (of Dance, Choir)"(1) ⮞ “Leader”(2 p.66) ⮞ May be in the context of her role in the care of the young, rather than as a military role(2 p.66-7) |
| Ἑκαεργε | Hekaerge | ⮞ "Worker from Afar"(1) ⮞ “Strikes from far away”(6 p.245) |
| Ἑκατη | Hekatê | "Far-Shooting, Shooter from Afar, or Worker from Afar"(1) |
| Ἑκατηβολος | Hekatêbolos | "Far-Shooting, Far-Darting, or Hundred-Shots"(1) |
| Ἑλεια | Hêleia | "Of the Marshes"(1)(2 p.58) |
| Ἡμερασια | Hêmerasia | "She who Soothes"(1) |
| Ἑυριππα | Heurippa | "Horse-Finder"(1) |
| Ἱερεια | Hiereia | "Priestess"(1) |
| ... | Hippikê | “Horsey”(2 p.57) |
| Ὑμνιη | Hymniê | "Of the Hymns"(1) |
| Ιοχεαιρα | Iokheaira | ⮞ "Of Showering Arrows or Delighting in Arrows"(1) ⮞ “Throws arrows”(6 p.245) |
| Καλλιστη | Kallistê | "Very Beautiful"(1) |
| ... | Kaprophagos | “Boar-eater”(2 p.58)(4 p.102)(6 p.245) |
| Καρυαι ★ Καρυατις | Karyai ⮞ Karyatis | "Of the Nut-Tree"(1)(2 p.58)(4 p.106) |
| Κεδρεατις | Kedreatis | "Of the Cedar-Tree"(1)(2 p.58) |
| Κελαδεινος | Keladeinos | "Strong-Voiced"(1) |
| Κελαδεινη | Keladeinê | "Lady of Clamours"(1) |
| ... | Khelytis | “Tortoise”(2 p.58) |
| ... | Khruse | “Golden”(6 p.250) |
| Χρυσαλακατος | Khrysalakatos | "With Shafts of Gold"(1) |
| Χρυσηλακατος | Khrysêlakatos | "Of the Golden Distaff"(1) |
| Χρυσηνιος | Khrysênios | "Of the Golden Reins"(1) |
| Χρυσοθρονος | Khrysothronos | "Of the Golden Throne"(1) |
| ... | Klytotoxos | ⮞ “Bow-famous”(2 p.58) ⮞ “Famous archeress”(6 p.245) |
| Κολαινις | Kolainis | "Hornless, Docked (Animal)"(1) |
| Κορδαξ | Kordax | "Of Cordax Dance"(1) |
| ... | Korythalia | “Blooming Youth”(2 p.70) |
| ... | Kynagos | “Huntress”(6 p.245) |
| ... | Kyparissia | “Cypress”(2 p.58) |
| ... | Kyria | ⮞ “Sovereign”(2 p.145) ⮞ “Mistress”(6 p.250, 253) |
| ... | Laphria | Perhaps “The Devouring”(3 p.52) |
| Λητωις ★ Λατωια ★ Λητωιας | Lêtôis ⮞ Latôia ⮞ Lêtôias | "Daughter of Leto"(1) |
| Λευκοφρυηνη | Leukophrynê ⮞ Leukophrys | ⮞ "Of the White-(Bird?)"(1) ⮞ “Gleaming White”(2 p.145) |
| Λιμναιη ★ Λιμνατις | Limnatis ⮞ Limnêtis ⮞ Limnaia | ⮞ "Of the Lake"(1)(5 p.171) ⮞ “Wetland”(2 p.57-8) ⮞ “Of the Marsh”(4 p.106) ⮞ Her cult sites were often located near rivers in wetlands(2 p.57) |
| ... | Limnênoskopos | “With a view of wetlands”(2 p.58) |
| ... | Lokhia ⮞ Eulokhia | ⮞ “Of (Good)Parturition”(2 p.98,102) ⮞ “Of the Child-Bearing Bed”(5 p.169) |
| Λυγοδεσμη | Lygodesma | ⮞ "Willow-Bound"(1) ⮞ “Bound with agnus castus”(2 p.58) |
| Λυκειη | Lykeiê | ⮞ "Of the Wolves"(1) ⮞ “Wolfy”(2 p.58) |
| ... | Lysaia | ⮞ “Releaser”(2 p.109) ⮞ ‘Probably relating to her her function as goddess of childbirth.’(2 p.109) |
| ... | Maloessa | “Sheepy”(2 p.57) |
| ... | Mesopolitis | “Center-City”(2 p.144) |
| μονογενής | Monogeneia | “Only-child”(2 p.123) "One and only, Unique" (7) |
| ... | Oraia | “Ripe,” “In the bloom of youth,” or “Bringing to fruition”(2 p.102) |
| Ορσιλοχια | Orsilokhia | "Helper of Childbirth"(1) |
| Ορθια | Ortheia ⮞ Orthia | ⮞ "Of the Steep"(1) ⮞ Syncretism with an indigenous goddess who was named Worthasia(2 p.4, 24-31)(3 p.237-8) |
| Παιδοτροφος | Paidotrophos | ⮞ "Nurse of Children"(1) ⮞ “Child-nurturer”(2 p.70) |
| ... | Paralia | ⮞ “By the Sea”(2 p.57) ⮞“Seaside”(2 p.58) |
| Παρθενος | Parthenos | "Virgin, Maiden"(1)(6 p.250) |
| Πατρωια | Patrôia | "Of the Fathers, Ancestral"(1) |
| Πειθω | Peithô | "Persuasive"(1) |
| ... | Phakêlitis | “Reed bundle”(2 p.58) |
| ... | Philagrotis | “Loving the wild”(2 p.57)(6 p.244) |
| Φιλομειραξ | Philomeirax | "Friend of Young Girls"(1) |
| Φεραια | Pheraia | "Of the Beasts"(1) |
| Φωσφορος | Phôsphoros | "Light-Bringer"(1)(2 p.63, 65-6) |
| .. | Phulake ⮞ Phulax | “Guardian”(6 p.254) |
| ... | Polo | “Pony”(2 p.57) |
| ... | Polyboia | “Many flocks”(2 p.57) |
| ... | Potamia | ⮞ “Rivery”(2 p.58) ⮞ “Of the River”(4 p.107) |
| ... | Potnia | “Mistress”(6 p.250, 253) |
| Ποτνα Θεα | Potna Thea | "Goddess Queen"(1) |
| Πωτνια Θερων | Pôtnia Therôn | ⮞ "Queen of Beasts"(1) ⮞ “Mistress of Animals”(4 p.100) |
| Προπυλαιη | Propylaiê ⮞ Propylaia | "Of the Gate"(1)(4 p.75)(6 p.250) |
| ... | Proskopa | “Anticipates”(6 p.254) |
| Προστατηρια | Prostatêria | "Standing Before, Guardian"(1) |
| Πρωτοθρονιη | Prôtothroniê | "Of the First Throne"(1) |
| Σελασφορος | Selasphoros | "Light-Bringer"(1) |
| Σωτειρα | Sôteira | "Saviour"(1)(2 p.65, 67)(5 p.249)(6 p.250) |
| ... | Tauro | “Bullish”(2 p.57) |
| .. | Taurophagos | “Bull-eater”(2 p.58) |
| ... | Taurophonos | “Bull killer”(6 p.245) |
| ... | Tauropolos | ⮞ “Bull-tamer”(2 p.57, 121) ⮞ “Bull-herder”(2 p.121) ⮞ “Bull Tender”(4 p.104) ⮞ “Bull-slayer”(6 p.250) |
| ... | Thermaia | “Hot springs”(2 p.58) |
| Θηροσκοπος | Thêroskopos | "Hunter of Wild Beasts"(1) |
| ... | Toxia | “Of the bow”(2 p.58)(6 p.245) |
| ... | Toxitis | “Archeress”(6 p.245) |
| ... | Toxodamos | “Subduing with a bow”(2 p.58) |
CREDITS
SOURCES
Artemis - Stephanie Budin
Ogden, Daniel - A Companion to Greek Religion
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
Mikalson, Jon D. - Ancient Greek Religion
Corinne Bonnet - The Names of the Gods
Greek Dictionary
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ἀΐδηλον | Aidēlos | “Destructive” [Il. 5.880, 5.897][Logeion] |
| αἰολόμορφε | Aiolomorphos ⮞Aiolomorphe | “Shapeshifter,” “Of changing form” [Orph.H. 32.11] |
| αἴθυια | Aithuia | ⮞“Diver” [7] ⮞“Seagull” [5 p.153] ⮞May refer to a diving bird, such as a shearwater or gannet, or potentially refers to Athena teaching ship-building or navigation as ‘aithuia’ more figuratively refers to a ship. |
| ἀγελείη | Ageleia ⮞Ageleis ⮞Ageleiē | ⮞“Leader or protectress of the people”[7] ⮞“the goddess who gives the battle-spoil and to whom tithes of the spoil are dedicated”[2 p.350] ⮞“Driver of the spoil”[Il. 4.128, 5.765, 6.269, 6.297, 15.210, 15.213][Od. 13.359, 16.207] |
| ἀγοραία | Agoraia | ⮞“Of the marketplace” [3 p55] ⮞“Of the assemblies”, ‘associated with legal institutions and the power of persuasion’[2 p.305] ⮞As patron of the agora[6 p.239][7] |
| Ἀλαλκομενηῒς | Alalkomeneia ⮞Alalkomenēis ⮞ Alalkomene | ⮞“She Who Wards Off”[1 p.124] ⮞“Protectress”[1 p.124][7][Logeion] ⮞“Helper in Battle”[2 p.350][5 p.157] ⮞“She Who Protects”[3 p.50] ⮞“Of Alalkomenae”[7] ⮞“Powerful Defender”[7] ⮞Could also be from the Boeotian village of Alalkomenae where she was believed to have been born.(7) |
| Άλκις | Alkis | “The Strong”[7] |
| Ἀλκιδήμος | Alkidēmos | “Defender of the people”[2 p.350] |
| Αλεα | Alea | ⮞“Shelter” or “Asylum”[1 p.130-1] ⮞“Bright Warmth”[5 p.154] ⮞“Refuge”[6 p.270-1][7] ⮞The temple of Athena Alea at Tegea, which was the oldest, was said to have been built by Aleus, the son of Apheidas, from whom the goddess probably derived this surname. It was an ancient and revered asylum, and the names of many persons are recorded who saved themselves by seeking refuge in it.(7) ⮞It may also be syncretism with an earlier local goddess, Alea.(3 p.52)(6 p.270-1) |
| ἀλέκτωρ | Alektōr | “Rooster”[7] |
| Ἀλεξίκακος | Alexikakos | “Averter of evil”[5 p.161] |
| Αμβουλια | Amboulia | ⮞“Of Counsel”[3 p.55][6 p.239][7] ⮞Uncertain, perhaps “Delayer of Death”[7] |
| Ἄνασσʼ | Anassa | ⮞“Queen,”[Od. 3.380][Aesch. Eum. 228, 235, 443] or “Lady”[Logeion] ⮞ Generic Epithet for goddesses |
| Ανεμωτις | Anemôtis | ⮞“The subduer of the winds”[7] ⮞Believed to have been built by Diomedes, because in consequence of his prayers the goddess had subdued the storms which did injury to the country.(7) |
| Ἀπατουρία | Apatouria | “Of Deceit,” “Deceiver,” “The Deceitful”[7] |
| ἀποτρόπαια | Apatropaia | “Averter of Evil”[5 p.161] |
| Ἀρεία | Areia | ⮞ “Warlike”[2 p.350][7] ⮞“Of war”[7] ⮞“Of Ares”[3 p.157] ⮞ ‘Her worship under this name was instituted by Orestes after he had been acquitted by the Areiopagus of the murder of his mother. It was Athena Areia who gave her casting vote in cases where the Areiopagites were equally divided. From these circumstances, it has been inferred, that the name Areia ought not to be derived from Ares, but from ara, a prayer, or from areô or areskô, to propitiate or atone for.’(7) ⮞ Athena Areia’s name was used alongside Ares’ in the signing of formal oaths in Athens(5 p.157) |
| ἀρχηγέτης | Arkhēgetēs ⮞Archēgetēs | Invoked under this epithet as founder of Athens[1 p.78-9][4 p.50] |
| Ἀτρυτώνη | Atrutonē ⮞Atrytonē | “The Unwearying"[Il. 2.157, 5.115, 5.714, 10.284, 21.420][Od. 4.762, 6.324] |
| Αξιοποινος | Axiopoinos | ⮞“Of Deserved Vengeance”[3 p.53] ⮞“The Avenger”[7] ⮞‘Returning Vengeance”[7] ⮞ Under this name Heracles built a temple to the goddess, after he had chastised Hippocoon and his sons for the murder of Oeonus.(7) |
| βασίλεια | Basileia | “Queen”[Orph.H. 32.14] |
| Βουλαία | Boulaia | ⮞ “Of the Council (Boule)”[1 p.79][6 p.222] ⮞“Of Counsel”[3 p.55] ⮞ Invoked under this epithet in Council meetings(2 p.225)(4 p.60) |
| δέσποινα | Despoina | ⮞ “Lady,” ⮞“Mistress”[5 p.136] ⮞ A title often used by servants who refer to the Mistress of the house(4 p.17)(5 p.148) |
| Διὸς ἐκγεγαυῖα | Dios ekgegauia | “Zeus-born”[1 p.18][Od. 6.229] |
| δράκαινα | Drakaina | ⮞“She-snake”[5 p.148] ⮞“She-Dragon”[Orph.H. 32.11] |
| ἐπήκοος | Epēkoos | “Listening to prayer”[5 p.159] |
| Εργανη | Ergane | ⮞“Worker”[1 p.51][2 p.57-8][6 p.222][7] ⮞“Of Labors”[3 p.45] ⮞Refers to Athena’s patronage of weaving and garment making^(2 p.225)(3 p.45) |
| Ἐριῶπις | Eriopis | “Strong-eyed”[5 p.160] |
| Ερυμα | Eruma ⮞Eryma | “Defender”[7] |
| Ἐρυσίπτολις | Erusiptolis ⮞Erysiptolis | “City protector”[Homeric Hymn to Athena, Line 1][Il. 6.305] |
| εὔκομος | Eukomos | ⮞“Fair-haired”[Il. 6.92, 6.273, 6.303] ⮞Epithet of goddesses and noble women(Logeion) |
| Ἐυπλόκαμος | Euplokamos | ⮞“Fair-haired”[Il. 6.92, 6.273, 6.303] ⮞Epithet of goddesses and noble women(Logeion) |
| εὑρεσίτεχνε | Euresitekhne | “Inventor of the Arts”[Orph.H. 32.14] |
| Γιγαντολετις ★Γιγαντολετειρα | Gigantoleteira ⮞Gigantoletis | “Destroyer of Giants”[7] |
| γλαυκῶπις | Glaukōpis | ⮞ “Gleaming-eyed”[1 p.26] ⮞“Darting-eyed”[1 p.26] ⮞“Blue-eyed”[1 p.26] ⮞“Grey-eyed”[1 p.26] ⮞“Owl-eyed”[1 p.26][2 p.269][5 p.151] ⮞“Bright-eyed”[5 p.151] ⮞Glaukos denotes a quality of gleaming or shining brightness. It can also refer to the little owl (glaux). |
| Γοργο | Gorgo | “Gorgon-like”[5 p.159] |
| Γοργολαφας | Gorgolaphas | ⮞ “Gorgon-Crested”[7] ⮞“Gorgon-Plumed”[4 p.26] |
| Γοργῶπις | Gorgōpis | “Gorgon-eyed”[2 p.269][5 p.158] |
| Γοργοφόνος | Gorgophonos | “Gorgon-killer”[Orph.H. 32.8] |
| Ἥφαιστεία | Hephaisteia | “Of Hephaistos”[1 p.52] |
| Ἑλλωτίς | Hellotis | ⮞ “Bright Warmth”[5 p.154] ⮞Relates to a myth about the maiden Hellotis who was burned to death(5 p.154)(7) |
| Ἱππια | Hippia | ⮞“Of Horses”[1 p.48][3 p.55][7] ⮞“(War)horse-goddess”[2 p.350] ⮞Refers to Athena as a horse goddess in the particular sense of the skill of horsemanship and charioteering |
| ἱππελάτειρα | Hippelateira | “Driver of horses”[Orph.H. 32.12] |
| ὁπλοχαρής | Hoplokharēs ⮞Hoplocharēs | “Delighting in arms”[Orph.H. 32.6] |
| ὁπλοφόρος | Hoplophoros | “Warrior”[Cults and Rites of Passage in Ancient Thessaly, pg.9] |
| Ὁρμάστειρα | Hormasteira | “One who urges on”[Orph.H. 32.9] |
| Ὑγίεια | Hugeia ⮞Hygieia | ⮞ “Of good health”[1 p.5][6 p.222][7] ⮞As a protector of health(2 p.139) |
| Ὑπερδεξία | Huperdexia ⮞Hyperdexia | “Protector of the people”[1 p.124] |
| ἴτωνεἶμι | Itonia | [indicates the Thessalian origin of Athena(8])]{#7E482D} |
| Κελεύθεια | Keleuthia | “Of the Road”[3 p.53][7] |
| Χαλινιτις | Khalinitis ⮞Chalinitis | ⮞“Bridler (of Horses)”[7] ⮞ “Tamer of Horses by means of the bridle”[7] ⮞ Refers to Athena’s giving of a bridle to Bellerophon^(2 p.155) |
| χαλκίοικος | Khalkioikos ⮞Chalkioikos | ⮞“Of the Bronze House”[1 p.127][3 p.53][6 p.239][7] ⮞May be due to the temple having bronze plate decoration (6 p.239) or refers to patronage of metalworkers. May also have a link with protection and ‘the clanging sound of the bells’(1 p.127) ⮞May be the Spartan equivalent of ‘Polias’(4 p.35) |
| χρυσολόφα | Khrusolopha ⮞Chrysolopha | ⮞ “Golden-plumed”[4 p.45] ⮞ May be reserved for martial deities(4 p.45) |
| χρυσόλογχος | Khrusolonkhos ⮞Chrysolonkhos | “Golden-speared”[4 p.61][LSJ] |
| Κισσαία | Kissaia | “Of the Growing Ivy”[7] |
| Κορυφασια | Koruphasia ⮞Koryphasia | “Of the Head”[1 p.143][7] |
| κορυφαγενής | Koruphagenēs ⮞Koryphagenēs | “Born of the Head”[7] |
| κούρῃ / κόρη | Korē ⮞Kourē | ⮞ “Maiden”[4 p.60-1][7][Od. 24.518] ⮞May refer to an aspect of hers associated with the lives of girls(2 p.86) ⮞ In Arcadia^(2 p.86) |
| κουροτρόφος | Kourotrophos | “Child nurturer”[Wikipedia] (Look into this more - related to the amphidromia)(5 p.138) |
| Κραναιῆς | Kranaiês | “Of Cornel-Wood”[7] |
| Κυπαρισσία | Kuparissia ⮞Kyparissia | “Of the Cypress,” “Of Kyparissiae”[7] |
| ληῖτις | Lēitis | ⮞ “Distributor of War Booty”[7][Il. 10.460][Logeion] ⮞“Goddess of Plunder”[2 p.107,350] |
| λαοσσόος | Laossoos | “Rousing/Stirring the nations,” “Rouser of hosts”[Il. 13.128][Od. 22.210][Logeion] |
| μεδέουσα | Medousa | ⮞“Queen”[5 p.158] ⮞Poetic title associated with a patron goddess of a city(4 p.11) ⮞Cult title in several islands(4 p.11) |
| μεγάθυμος | Megathumos ⮞Megathymos | “Great-hearted”[Od. 8.520, 13.121][Logeion] |
| μήτηρ | Mētēr | ⮞“Mother”[2 p.86][5 p.137][7] ⮞ In Elis[2 p.86][5 p.137] |
| Μαχανιτις | Mekhanitis ⮞Makhanitis | “Contriver (of Plans and Devices),”[7] |
| μουσική | Mousikē | ⮞“Musician”[2 p.59] ⮞ From a fragmentary late Attic inscription |
| μορία | Moria | ⮞ “The Fateful”[5 p.149] ⮞Used in relation to Athena’s protection of the sacred olive trees, the moriai.(1 p.78-9)(2 p.225) |
| Ναρκαία | Narkaia | Could mean ‘goddess who petrifies’(5 p.159) but it comes from Elis where there was the hero Narkaios who built a temple to Athena Narkaia and the epithet may come from that.(7) |
| Νικη | Nikē | “Victory”[1 p.5][2 p.350][3 p.44][5 p.157][6 p.222][7] |
| Νικηφόρος | Nikephoros | “Bringer of victory”[2 p.164][5 p.157] |
| ὀβριμοπάτρη | Obrimopatrē | ⮞ “Daughter of a mighty father” [4 p.31][Il. 8.391] [Od. 1.101, 3.135, 24.540] ⮞Refers to her birth from Zeus’ head(4 p.31) |
| ὀμβριμόθυμε | Ombrimothume ⮞Ombrimothyme | “Strong-hearted,” “Strong of spirit”[Orph.H. 32.2] |
| Ὀφθαλμῖτις | Ophthalmitis | ⮞ “Of the Eyes”[5 p.160][7] Ophthalmia was ‘the name of the eye disease which discharged foul humours, the last also being the method by which the Gorgon paralyzed its victims’(5 p.160) |
| Ὀπτιλῆτις | Optilētis | “Sightful”[5 p.160] |
| Οξυδερκης | Oxuderkēs ⮞Oxyderkēs | ⮞ “With penetrating gaze”[1 p.128] ⮞“Clear-sighted”[1 p.128] ⮞“Sharp-Eyes”[5 p.160] ⮞“Sharp-sighted”[7] ⮞ Only at Argos[1 p.128] |
| Παιωνία | Paiōnia | “Healer”[7] |
| Παλλάς | Pallas | ⮞May refer to the myth of Athena’s childhood friend Pallas, or of the giant named Pallas whom she slayed, or may come from the verb pallein, “to brandish,” or from the word pallas, for “maiden.”(3 p.48)(7) ⮞Associated with protective military might(4 p.11) |
| παμμάχος | Pammakhos ⮞Pammachos | “Victor in combat sports” or “Warrior par excellence”[4 p.53] |
| παρεία | Pareia | ⮞“Adder”[5 p.148] ⮞May refer to a statue of hers being made of Parian marble(7) |
| Παγκρατής | Pangkratís | ”All-powerful”[4 p.60-1] (Meaning taken from the Hellenic.Gods website) |
| Παρθενος | Parthenos | ⮞“Maiden”[1 p.5][4 p.64][7] ⮞ “Virgin”[5 p.159][7] |
| Φημία | Phemia | ⮞“The Oracular”[5 p.148] ⮞ At Erythrae[5 p.148] ⮞Divination via the casting of pebbles or dice seemed to have an association with her(5 p.148) |
| φοβεσιστράτη | Phobesistratē | ⮞“Router of armies”[4 p.26][Ar. Eq. 1177] ⮞An epithet connected to the terrifying power of the aegis |
| Φρατρία | Phratria | ⮞“Of the Phratry”[1 p.79][2 p.225] As patron of the Athenian phratries (kinship groups)[3 p.55] ⮞Refers to her role in overseeing young men’s entry to citizenship,(3 p.21) |
| Πολεμηδοκος | Polemēdokos ⮞Polemadoke | “War-sustaining”[1 p.124][3 p.50][7] |
| πολεμοκλόνος | Polemoklonos | “Who raises the clamor of war”[Orph.H. 32.2] |
| Πολιας ★Πολιατις | Polias / Poliatis | ⮞“Of the City”[1 p.5,128][6 p.222,269][7] ⮞“Guardian of the City”[6 p.402][7] ⮞Athena was a protector of the city/urban space(1 p.5,128)(2 p.84,170) |
| πολιοῦχος | Polioukhos ⮞Poliouchos | ⮞“Protectress Of the City”[1 p.127][3 p.50,53][4 p.45][7] ⮞“Holder of the City” or “Mistress of the City”[6 p.239] ⮞‘Stock title’ for a deity as a city patron and protector[4 p.11,45] ⮞At Sparta[1 p.124] and Athens[4 p.11] |
| πολύβουλος | Poluboulos ⮞Polyboulos | “Exceedingly wise,” “Much-counselling”[Il. 5.260][Od. 16.282][Logeion] |
| πολύμητις | Polumētis ⮞Polymētis | “Cunning in many ways”[1 p.5-6,30] |
| πότνια | Potnia | ⮞“Queen”[5 p.136][Il. 6.305][Od. 13.391][logeion] ⮞“Mistress”[logeion] ⮞‘An ancient title of honor and respect reserved for mortal mistresses of the house and for certain goddesses’(4 p.29) ⮞ ‘title of honour, used chiefly in addressing females, whether goddesses or women’(logeion) |
| Πρόμαχος | Promakhos | ⮞“Champion”[1 p.5][6 p.222] ⮞ “Fighter at the front”[1 p.5] |
| Προμαχορμα | Promakhorma ⮞Promachorma | ⮞“Guardian of the anchorage”[1 p.48][7] ⮞“The one who fights in the front”[2 p.350] ⮞“Who Fights Before The Ranks”[5 p.157] ⮞“Protector of the Bay”[7] |
| Προνοια | Pronoia | ⮞“Before the temple”[1 p.132] ⮞ “The Prescient"[5 p.148] ⮞“Of foresight”[7] ⮞“Of the Fore-Temple”[7] |
| πυλαιμάχος | Pulaimakhos ⮞Pylaimachos | “Fighter at the gate”[4 p.25] |
| σάλπιγξ | Salpinx | “Of the war trumpet”[2 p.57][7] |
| σώτειρα | Sōteira | ⮞“Savior”[1 p.79][7] ⮞“Salvation”[1 p.136] ⮞As a deity who provides ‘good outcomes and safe voyages’[2 p.224] |
| σθενιάς | Sthenias | ⮞“Mighty”[5 p.159] ⮞“Of Strength,” “Strong”[7] |
| τριτογένεια | Tritogeneia | ⮞“Triton-born”[1 p.5][3 p.50][4 p.46] ⮞May refer to her birth by the lake Tritonis in Libya or the river Triton in Boeotia,(2 p.13)(3 p.50)(4 p.46) or a reference to her birth from Zeus’ head (“tritô” signifying the head)(7) |
| Ξενια | Xenia | ⮞“Of Hospitality,” “Of the Foreigner”[7] ⮞“Of Strangers”[3 p.55][6 p.239] ⮞ Refers to her presiding over the laws of hospitality, and protecting strangers.(7) |
| Ζωστηρια | Zōstēria | ⮞“Of the girdle”[1 p.132] ⮞“Girder in Armour”[7] ⮞‘May recall the assistance that Athena gave Apollo’s mother Leto in childbirth.’(1 p.132) |
CREDITS
Athena's Epithets were collected and shared by Nell
Athena Itonia found by Leslie-Dean
SOURCES
Athena - Deacy, Susan
Athena in the Classical World - Deacy, Susan & Villing, Alexandra
Ancient Greek Cults - Larson, Jennifer
Athena’s Epithets: Their Structural Significance in Plays of Aristophanes - Anderson, Carl
Symbolic Elements in the Cult of Athena - Luyster, Robert
Ogden, Daniel - A Companion to Greek Religion
https://www.theoi.com/Cult/AthenaTitles.html
Open Journal for Studies in History, 2020, 3(2), 47-72 * https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojsh.0302.03047g
Received: 1 December 2020 ▪ Accepted: 29 December 2020 ▪ Published Online: 30 December 2020
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αγλαος | Aglaos | "Splendid, Bright, Glorious"(1) |
| ἀγωνίας | Agônios | Used in the sense of "helpers in struggles and contests"(1) |
| Αγοραιος | Agoraia ⮞ Agoraios | ⮞ "Of the Market-Place"(1) ⮞ Refers to Hermes as the god of commerce (1) |
| ... | Agroter | Of the Field (8) |
| Ἀγυιεύς | Agyieus ⮞Agyieus | “Guardian of places and boundaries" (16 pg 29) |
| Ακακησιος | Akakêsios | ⮞ Of Acacesium (Arcadia)(1) ⮞ "The god who cannot be hurt", or "who does not hurt" (1) ⮞ equivalent to Soter |
| Ακακητα | Akakêta | ⮞ "Guileless, Gracious"(1)(Od.24.10) ⮞ "Unpolluted" "Inviolate" (2 pg. 58) ⮞ " Doing no wrong, benevolent" ^(15 pg. 145) |
| Ἀλεξίκακος | Alexikakos | "Averter of Evils" (2 pg. 31) |
| Ανγελος Αθανατων | Angelos Athanatôn | ⮞"Messenger of the Gods"(1) ⮞ "Messanger of the Deathless or Undying Ones" (2 pg. 39) |
| Ανγελος Μακαρων | Angelos Makarôn | "Messenger of the Blessed Ones"(1)(2 pg. 39) |
| ἀραιός | ⮞ Araoia ⮞ Araios | "The Ram" (12) |
| ... | Areiās | "Warlike, Curser, or Defender/Protector"(4) |
| Αργειφοντης | Argeiphontês | "Slayer of Argos"(1)(Od.1.38)(Od.5.145)(Od.5.148) |
| Αρχοσ Φηλητεων | Arkhos Phêlêteôn | ⮞ "Leader of Robbers", "Thieves"(1) ⮞ Epithet may not be used in cult worship. Title may fall under the general title of Hermes Dolios (2 pg. 25) |
| Αθανατος Δαικτορος | Athanatos Diaktoros | "Immortal Guide"(1) |
| Βουφονος | Bouphonos | ⮞ "Slayer of Oxen"(1) ⮞ Epithet may not be used in cult worship. Title may fall under the general title of Hermes Dolios (2 pg. 25) ⮞ Refers to the myth of Hermes stealing Apollon's cattle...even though Hermes does not kill any of the cattle.(2 pg. 25) |
| ... | Chthonios | "Of the Underworld" (15 pg. 149) |
| Δαις Ἑταιρος | Dais Hetairos | "Comrade of the Feast"(1) |
| ... | Deilakrion | ⮞ "Poor fellow" (1) ⮞ God of the greedy, lions, the devourer, the starving, the hungry, one that can't be contained or restrained |
| ... | Dendrites | Of the Trees (6) |
| Διακτορος | Diaktoros | "Guide, Messenger"(1)(Od.1.84)(Od.8.335)(Od.12.390) |
| Δολιος | Dolios | ⮞ "Of Crafts, Of Wiles"(1)(Od.8.335) ⮞ "Crafty One" (2 pg. 24) |
| Δωτορ Εαων | Dôtor Eaôn | "Giver of Good Things"(1) |
| δρόμος | Dromios | Of the Stadium (4) |
| ... | Empolaios | "Dealer" (2) |
| Εναγωνιος | Enagônios | ⮞ "Of the Games"(1) ⮞ "President of Contests" (2) |
| Ἐνόδιος | Enodios | "Of the Roads", "Of the Wayside"(Orph.H.28.6) |
| ... | ⮞ Epiklopios ⮞ Klepsiphronos | "the Stealthy-Minded" (8) |
| ... | Epikthonios | "Dwelling on Earth/Earthly" (8) |
| Επιμηλιος | Epimêlios | "Keeper of the Flocks"(1)(2 pg. 61) |
| Ερικυδης | Erikydês | "Famous, Glorious, Splendid"(1) |
| Εριουνης | Eriounês | "Luck-Bringing, Ready-Helper"(1) |
| Ευσκοπος ★ πέμψαντες | Euskopos | "Keen-Sighted, Watchful"(1)(Od. 1.38) |
| ... | Hegemonios | ⮞ "Leader" (2) ⮞ Seems to refer to Hermes as the patron-god of Athens' cavalry commanders.(2. pg 4) |
| Ἑρμηνευτης | Hermêneutês | "Interpretor, Translator"(1) |
| ἐριούνης | Hierōsynē | ⮞"Helper"(Od. 8.322) ⮞"quick runner" and "benevolent helper"(3) |
| Ἵππιος | Hippios | Of the Horses (9) |
| Ἕρµιππος | Hippokourios | "Horse Tender" (9) |
| Κανδαύλης | Kandaules | ⮞ "The Dog-Throttler" or "Throttler of the Beast" (5) ⮞ A Lydian god, an epithet denoting religious syncretism.(5) |
| ... | Kataibatês | ⮞ "Who Leads Down" (8) ⮞ "Descending" ⮞ in relation to Hermes being a conductor of souls and in his function as an underworld deity. |
| ... | Katokhos | "To bind or restrain" (8) |
| ... | Kedrites | Of the Cedar Trees (6)(15 pg. 148) |
| κῆρυξ | Kêryx | ⮞ "Herald of the Gods" (13) ⮞ "Crier" (13) ⮞ This epithet names Demeter (identified with Maia) as the mother of Hermes. In this, Hermes has special control over the daimonic winged Keres in-flight into and out of Demeter Pandora, personified wine-storage jars blamed for all of the ills of humans, where only Hope lingered at the rim (13) |
| Χαριδωτης | Kharidôtês | "Giver of Joy"(1) |
| Χαρμοπηρων | Kharmophrôn | "Glad-Hearted, Heart-Delighting" |
| Χρυσορραπις | Khrysorrhapis | "Of the Golden Wand"(1)(Od.10.277)(Od.10.331) |
| Κλεπσιφρων | Klepsiphrôn | "Deceiver, Dissembler"(1)(2 pg. 24) |
| ... | Koryphaîos | ⮞ "Leader of the Chorus" (4) ⮞ In relation to his position with the many Nymphai (Nymphs), he was the deity most associated with them and stood between man and the Nymphai for their worship.(4) |
| ... | Kranaios | ⮞Uncertain ⮞ Of the Fountain?(4) ⮞ Of Springs (4) |
| Κρατυς ★ Κρατερος | Kratus ⮞ Krateros | "Strong, Mighty"(1) |
| Κριοφορος | Kriophoros | "Ram-Bearer"(1)(2 pg. 61) |
| Κτησιος | Ktêsios | ⮞"The protector of property" (1) ⮞ "Of the House, Property" (1) |
| ... | Kullênios ⮞ Kyllênios | ⮞ Of Mt Cyllene (Arcadia) ⮞ May also reference the circumstance of Maia having given birth to him on that mountain(1)(15 pg. 144) |
| ... | Kudimos | "Glorious" (2 pg. 40) |
| Κυδιμος | Kydimos | "Glorious"(1) |
| ... | Logios | ⮞ "of authoritative speech" (2 pg. 49) ⮞ In reference to him as Patron of Orators (2 pg. 49) |
| Μαιαδος Ὑιος | Maiados Huios | "Son of Maia"(1) |
| Μηχανιωτης | Mêkhaniôtês | "Trickster, Contriver"(1)(2 pg. 24) |
| Νόμιος | Noumios | Surname of divinities protecting the pastures and shepherds (1) |
| Οιοπολος | Oiopolos | "Sheep-Tending, Shepherd"(1)(2 pg. 61) |
| ... | ⮞ Oneiropompos ⮞ Hegetor Oneiron | "Bringer of Dreams" (8)(15 pg. 150) |
| πανεπόψιος | Panepóptēs | ⮞ "All-Observing" (11) ⮞ Mainly found in the PGM |
| ... | Perpheraios | ⮞"Passed around" (2 pg. 58) ⮞Venerated in the city of Ainos. Refers to the people ritually carrying around a wooden image of Hermes (2 pg. 57) |
| Φηλητης | Phêlêtês | ⮞ "Thief, Robber, Rustler"(1) ⮞ Epithet may not be used in cult worship. Title may fall under the general title of Hermes Dolios (2 pg. 25) |
| Ποικιλομητης | Poikilomêtês | "Full of Various Wiles"(1)(2 pg. 23) |
| Πολυτροπος | Polytropos | "Wily, Many-Turning"(1)(2 pg. 23) |
| Πονεομενος | Poneomenos | "Busy One"(1)(2 pg. 30) |
| ... | Potnios Theron | ⮞ "Master of Animals" (7) ⮞ A Minoan title for Hermes (7) |
| Προμαχος | Promakhos ⮞ Promachos | ⮞ "Champion"(1) ⮞ "Battle-Ready" (15 pg. 148) |
| Προνοια ★ Προναος | Pronoia ⮞ Pronaos | ⮞“Before the temple”(2 p.59) ⮞“Of foresight”(1) ⮞“Of the Fore-Temple”(1) |
| Προπυλαιος | Propylaios | "Of the Gateway"(1)(2. p.59) |
| ... | ⮞Psithyristes ⮞Psithyros | "Whispering" or "The Whisperer" (4)(8) |
| .... | Psykhostasia | ⮞ "Weigher of souls (lives)" (10) ⮞ "One who weighs souls (lives)" (10) |
| ... | Pulêdokon | "receiver at the door" or 'doorman' (2, pg. 59) |
| ... | Pyledokos | "The Door Watcher" (8) |
| ... | Strophaios | "Hinge-Turner"(2 pg. 58) |
| ... | Syskopos | "Sharp Sighted" |
| ... | Theoxenios | ⮞ "the Strangers' God" (14) ⮞ Used for the festival of the Theoxenia (1) |
| Τρικεφαλος | Trikephalos | "Three-Headed (Of Road-Intersections)"(1) |
| ... | Tychon | ⮞ "Lucky" (15 pg. 145) ⮞ Not a very common epithet for Hermes. Could be tied to the word Hermaia which stands for "unexpected goods / lucky finds" (15 pg. 145) |
CREDITS
Hermes's Epithets were collected and shared by Ace & Royal Wren
SOURCES
Hermes - Allan, Arlene
Langella, E. (2015). Hermes Ἐριούνιος: una nuova interpretazione. Historische Sprachforschung, 126 (2013), 258-279.
Miller, John F., and Jenny Strauss Clay (eds), Tracking Hermes, Pursuing Mercury (Oxford, 2019; online edn, Oxford Academic, 21 Mar. 2019), https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198777342.001.0001
Bolling, George Melville. “Kandaules.” Language, vol. 3, no. 1, 1927, pp. 15–18. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/409642.
Lebessi, Angeliki. “Hermes as Master of Lions at the Syme Sanctuary, Crete.” British School at Athens Studies, vol. 18, 2010, pp. 195–202. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23276776
Chittenden, Jacqueline. “The Master of Animals.” Hesperia: The Journal of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, vol. 16, no. 2, 1947, pp. 89–114. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/146954
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
LABRYS - Hellenic Polytheism - Household Worship
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ... | Aethiops | ⮞ "the Glowing"(1) ⮞ "The Black(1)(2) |
| Αγοραιος | Agoraios | ⮞"Of the city-center"(3 pg 19) ⮞ "Of the Market-Place"(1) |
| ... | Akraois | "of the Heights" (3 pg. 16) |
| Ἀλεξίκακος | Alexikakos | "averter of evil"(2) |
| Αμβουλιος | Ambulius ⮞ Amboulios | "Counsellor" (1)(2) |
| Απημιος | Apêmios | "Averter of Ills"(1) |
| Αφεσιος | Aphesios | "Releasing (Rain)"(1) |
| Απομυιος | Apomyios | "Averter of Flies"(1) |
| Αρειος | Areios | of War(1)(2) |
| Αστραπαιος | Astrapaios | "Of the Lightning"(1) |
| Βασιλευς | Basileus | ⮞"King" (2 p.72) ⮞ "King, Chief, Ruler"(1) |
| Βουλαιος | Boulaios | "Of the Council"(1)(3 pg 19) |
| ... | Chthonios | "Of the Underworld" (3 pg. 27) |
| ... | Diktaois | ⮞ "Of Mt. Dikte" ⮞ ['Appears to be primarily a god of vegetative and procreative energies who is "born anew" every year.' (3 pg. 25) |
| Ελευθεριος | Eleutherios | ⮞ "Of Freedom"(1)(3 pg. 20) ⮞ Used 'when Greeks believed they had experienced divine deliverance from tyranny. (3 pg 20) |
| Επιδωτης | Epidôtês | "Giver of good"(1)(2) |
| ... | Erkios | "protector of the house/oikos" (2 p.81) |
| Ευηνεμος | Euênemos | Of Fair Winds(1) |
| ... | Exakester | "of Making Amends" (3 pg. 24) |
| Ἑρκειος | Herkeios | "Of the Courtyard"(1)(3 pg. 21) |
| Ἱκεσιος | Hikesios | ⮞ "Of Suppliants"(1) ⮞ "the god of Ones who come" (3 pg. 23) |
| ... | Horkios | "keeper of Oaths" (2 p.80)(3 pg. 24) |
| Ὑετιος | Hyetios | "Of the Rain"(1) |
| Ὑπατος ★ Ὑπσιστος | Hypatos ⮞ Hypsistos | ⮞ "Supreme"(2 p.3) ⮞ "the Highest" (3 pg. 27) |
| Ικμαιος | Ikmaios | "Of Moisture"(1)(3 pg. 16) |
| Καταιβατης | Kataibatês | ⮞ "Descending"(1) ⮞ "Of Descending Lightning" (3 pg. 27) |
| Καθαρσιος | Katharsios | "Of Ritual Purification"(1)(3 pg. 24) |
| Κεραυνιος | Keraunios | ⮞ "Thunderer" (2 p.24) ⮞ "Of the Thunderbolt"(1) |
| Χρυσαορευς | Khrysaoreus | Of the Golden Sword(1) |
| Κλαριος | Klarios | "Of the Lots"(1) |
| Κονιος | Konios | "Of the Dust"(1) |
| Κορυφαιος | Koryphaios | "Chief, Leader"(1) |
| Κοσμητης | Kosmêtês | "Orderer"(1) |
| Κτησιος | Ktêsios | ⮞"Prosperity of the household" (2 p.81) ⮞ "Of the House, Property "(1)(3 pg 21) |
| ... | Kydistos | "most honored" (2 p.3) |
| Λαβρανδευς ★ Λαβραυνδηνος | Labrandeus ⮞ Labraundênos | ⮞ "Furious, Raging"(1) ⮞ Of Labranda (Caria)(1) |
| Λαοιτης | Laoitês | Of the people(1)(2) |
| ... | Laphystios | "the Devourer" (3 pg. 16) |
| Λεχεατης | Lekheatês | Of the Childbed(1) |
| Λευκαιος | Leukaios | Of the White-Poplar Grove(1) |
| Λιμενοσκοπος | Limenoskopos | "Watcher of Sea-Havens"(1) |
| Λυκαιος | Lykaios | ⮞ Uncertain(1) ⮞ Possibly wolf-related, “Of the wolf” or “Wolf-like” or “wolf-slayer” (from lukos, “wolf”)(1) ⮞or “light-giver” (from lukê, “light”)(1) ⮞ Of Mt Lycaeus (Arcadia)(1) |
| Μαιμακτης | Maimaktês | "Boisterous"(1) |
| Μειλιχιος | Meilikhios | ⮞ "Gracious, Merciful"(1) ⮞ "the Mild" (3 pg 21) |
| Μηχανευς | Mêkhaneus | "Contriver"(1) |
| Μοιραγέτης | Moiragetês | “Guide or leader of fate/Leader of the Moirae”(1) |
| ... | Naios | "the Flowing" (3 pg. 26) |
| ... | Nikator | of Victory (2 p.78) |
| Ομβριος | Ombrios | "Of the Rain" (1)(2 p.60)(3 pg. 16) |
| Παλαμναιος | Palamnaios | "(Punisher) of Murderers"(1) |
| Πανελληνιος | Panellênios | Of All the Greeks(1) |
| ... | Patroos | "Ancestor" (3 pg. 20) |
| Φιλιος | Philios | "of Friendship" (1)(2 p.66) |
| Φυξιος | Phyxios | ⮞ Of Refuge(1)(2) ⮞ "Puts to Flight, Banishes"(1) |
| Πλουσιος | Plousios | Of Wealth(1) |
| Πολειυς | Poleius | Of the City-State(1)(3 pg. 19) |
| Προστροπαιος | Prostropaios | "Turner of Pollution"(1) |
| Σημαλεος | Sêmaleos | "Giver of signs" (1)(2 p.60) |
| Σκοτιτας | Skotitas | ⮞ "Dark, Murky"(1) ⮞ Of the Dark (Oak-Forest) |
| Σωσιπολις | Sôsipolis | "City-Saviour"(1) |
| Σωτηρ | Sôtêr | ⮞ "Saviour, Deliverer"(1)(2 p.66) ⮞ "Patron of home and family" (3 pg. 20) ⮞ Used when disaster was averted or battles won, but also used as a god who saved individuals in times of trouble. (3 pg. 20) |
| Σθενιος | Sthenios | Of Strength, Strong(1) |
| Στρατιος | Stratios | Of War, Warlike(1) |
| Τελειος | Teleios | ⮞ Of Marriage Rites(1)(2) ⮞ "Full-Grown" |
| Θεος Αγαθος | Theos Agathos | "The Good God"(1) |
| Τροπαιος | Tropaios | ⮞ "Turns to Flight, Defeats"(1) ⮞ " Of the Rout" (3 pg. 19) ⮞This epithet was used after a victory in battle. (3 pg 19) |
| Ξενιος | Xenios | ⮞ of Xenia/hospitality (2 p.66) ⮞ Refers to him presiding over the laws of hospitality, and protecting strangers.(1) |
CREDITS
Zeus Header by MildredWerecat. If you're interested in commissioning MildredWerecat, you can find the link to their commissions here!
Zeus's Epithets were collected and shared by Bees & Ace
SOURCES
Zeus - Dowden, Ken
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αγλαοδωρος | Aglaodôros | "Bestower of Splendid Gifts" (1) |
| Αγλαοκαρπος | Aglaokarpos | "Giver of Goodly Fruit"(1) |
| Ανασσα | Anassa | "Queen, Lady"(1) |
| Ανησιδωρα | Anêsidôra | "She who Sends Forth Gifts"(1) |
| Βριμω | Brimô | "Angry, Terrible One" (1) |
| Δημητηρ ★ Δαματηρ | Dêmêtêr ⮞Damatêr | "Earth-Mother"(1) |
| Δηω | Dêô | "Of the Earth"(1) |
| Δια Θεα | Dia Thea | "Bright Goddess"(1) |
| Επογμιε | Epogmie | "Of the Furrows"(1) |
| Ερινυς | Erinys | ⮞ "Fury, Wrath"(1) ⮞ "The Wrathful one" (2 pg. 80) ⮞ This epithet could be syncretic with the Mycenaean goddess Erinys (2 pg. 80) |
| Ερινυσ Τιλφωσα | Erinys Tilphôsa | "Fury of Thelpusa"(1) |
| Ευκομος | Eukomos | "Lovely Haired"(1) |
| Ευστεφανος | Eustephanos | "Lovely Crowned"(1) |
| Ἁγνη | Hagnê | "Pure, Chaste, Holy"(1) |
| ... | Hagnai Theai | "Pure Goddess" (2 pg. 70) |
| Ἑρκυνα | Herkyna | "Of the Stone Enclosure"(1) |
| Ὡρηφορος | Hôrêphoros | "Bringer of the Seasons"(1) |
| Καβειραιη | Kabeiraiê | "Of the Kabeiroi"(1) |
| Καλλισφυρος | Kallisphyros | "Beautiful, Trim-Ankled"(1) |
| Καλλιστεφανος | Kallistephanos | "Beautiful Crowned"(1) |
| Καρποφορος | Karpophoros | "Bearer of Fruit"(1) |
| Χλοη | Khloê | "Green, First Shoots"(1) |
| Χρυσαορος | Khrysaoros | "Of the Golden Blade"(1) |
| Χθονια | Khthonia ⮞ Cthonia | ⮞"Of the Earth"(1) ⮞ "Of the Underworld" (2 pg. 78) |
| Κυανοπεπλος | Kyanopeplos | "Dark Veiled, Cloaked"(1) |
| Κυδρη Θεα | Kydrê Thea | "Glorious, Noble Goddess"(1) |
| Λουσιη | Lousiê | ⮞ "Bathing, Purifying"(1) ⮞ "Of Washing" (2 pg. 80) ⮞ This epithet refers to Demeter 'purifying herself in he river Ladon after intercourse with Poseidon & letting go of her anger' (2 pg. 80) |
| Μαλοφορος | Malophoros | "Bearer of Fruit"(1)( 2pg. 83) |
| Μεγαλα Μητερ | Megala Mêter | "Great Mother"(1) |
| Μεγαλα Θεα | Megalai Theai | "Great Goddess"(1)(2 pg. 70) |
| Μελαινα | Melaina | ⮞ "The Black"(1)(2 pg. 80) ⮞ Could be refering to her Underworld nature or her dressing in all black to mourn Persephone (2 pg. 80) |
| Μήτηρ Ἀνταία | Meter Antaia | ⮞"Mother Antaia" -"Cerulean Mother" (Orph. H 28) ⮞ No specific translation made for Antaia but is used as an epiteth for several protective and feminine goddesses and is sometimes considered to mean "She who meets" or "She who is prayed to" |
| Παναχαια | Panakhaia | "Of All the Greeks"(1) |
| Πλουτοδοτειρα | Ploutodoteira | "Giver of Wealth"(1) |
| Πολυφορβος | Polyphorbos | "All-Nourishing, Bountiful"(1) |
| Ποτνια | Potnia | "Queen"(1) |
| Ποτνια Θεαων | Potnia Theaôn | "Queen Amongst Goddesses"(1) |
| Πρων | Prôn | "Of the Headland"(1) |
| Προστασια | Prostasia | "Patron, Leader"(1) |
| Πυγαιη | Pylaiê | "Of the Gates"(1) |
| Ρεα ευκομος θυγατερ | Rhea eukomos thugater | "Daughter of rich-haired Rhea"(1) |
| Σεμνη | Semnê | "Holy, August, Revered"(1) |
| Θερμασια | Thermasia | "Warmth, Heat"(1) |
| Θεσμιη | Thesmia | "Of the Laws"(1) |
| Θεσμοφορος | Thesmophoros ⮞ Thesmophoroi | ⮞ "Bringer of Law"(1) ⮞ "Bringer of Divine Law" (2 pg. 70) |
| Ξανθη | Xanthê | "Blonde, Golden-Haired"(1) |
CREDITS
SOURCES
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αιγοφαγος | Aigophagos | "Goat-Eater" (1) |
| Ακραιη | ⮞ Akraiê ⮞ Akraia | ⮞ "Of the Heights" (1) ⮞ "of the Headland" (2 pg. 34) |
| Ανθεια | Antheia | "Of the Flowers"(1) |
| Αφροδιτη | Aphroditê | "Of Aphrodite"(1) |
| Αργωια | Argôia | "Of the Ship Argo" (1) |
| Ατυαρωτη | Autorôtê | "Unbulled (Virginal)" (1) |
| Βοῶπις | Boṓpis | ⮞ "Cow-Eyed"(Il.1.551) ⮞ This epithet can reference to Hera's association as an fertility and earth goddess, it also likely that it is used to highlight her large, striking eyes, similar to the ones of a cow |
| Γαμηλια | Gamêlia | "Of Marriage" (1) |
| Ἡνιοχη | Hêniokhê | "Of the Chariot" (1) |
| Ὑπερχειρια | Hyperkheiria | "Whose Hand is Above" (1) |
| Χηρα | Khêra ⮞ Chera | "Widow" (1)(2 pg. 40) |
| ... | Leukolene | "of the White Arms." (2 pg. 34) |
| ... | Limenia | "Of the Harbor" (2 pg. 34) |
| Νυμφευομενη | Nympheuomenê | "Bethrothed Bride" (1)(2 pg. 39) |
| Παις | Pais | "Girl"(1)(2 pg. 40) |
| Προδρομια | Prodromia | "Of the Pioneer" (1) |
| Τελεια | Teleia | ⮞ "Adult Woman" (1) ⮞ "the Fulfilled" (2 pg. 38) |
| Ζυγια | Zugia | "Yoked (Married)" (1) |
CREDITS
Hera's Epithets were collected and shared by Ace
Hera Boṓpis found by Enny_thelove
SOURCES
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αγακλυτος | Agaklytos | "Very Famous, Glorious" (1) |
| Αιθαλοεις Θεος | Aithaloeis Theos | "Sooty God"(1) |
| αἰώνιος | Aionius | "Eternal" (Orph.H 66.3) |
| Αμφιγυηεις | Amphigyêeis | "Lame One, Halting in Both Feet"(1) |
| ἐργαστήρ | Ergaster | "Workman" (Orph. H 66.4) |
| ἥμερος | Hemeros | "Gentle/Kind" (Orph.H 66.11) |
| Χαλκευς | Khalkeus | "Bronze-, Copper-Smith"(1) |
| Κλυτομητις | Klytomêtis | "Famed for Skill, Crafts"(1) |
| Κλυτος | Klytos | "Renowed, Famed, Glorious"(1) |
| Κλυτοτεχνης | Klytotekhnês | "Famed Worker, for Crafts"(1) |
| Κυλλοποδιων | Kyllopodiôn | "Crooked-Foot, Dragging Feet"(1) |
| μεγασθενές | Megasthenes | "Having great strength" (Orph. H 66.1) |
| ὀμβριμόθυμος | Ombrimothymos | "Indomitable/Strong in spirit" (Orph. H 66.1) |
| Περικλυτος | Periklytos | "Very Famous, Glorious"(1) |
| φαεσίμβροτος δαίμων | Phaesimbrotos Daemon | "Light Bringer" (Orph. H. 66.2) |
| Πολυμητις | Polymêtis | "Resourceful, Of Many Crafts"(1) |
| Πολυφρων | Polyphrôn | "Ingenious, Inventive"(1) |
| Πολυτεχνης | Polytekhnês | "Of Many Crafts"(1) |
| ... | Sethcans | Etrsucan name for Hephaestus (2) |
CREDITS
SOURCES
Etruscan Myth, Sacred History, and Legend
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αιγαιων | Aigaiôn | Of the Aegean Sea (1) |
| Ασφαλιος | Asphalios | ⮞ "Secures Safe Voyage"(1) ⮞ "Steadfast" ^(2 pg. 58) |
| Βασιλευς | Basileus | "King, Lord"(1) |
| Δωματιτης | Dômatitês | "Of the House"(1) |
| Εννοσιγαιος | Ennosigaios | "Shaker of the Earth"(1)(2 pg. 57) |
| ... | Epaktaios | "on the Coast" (2 pg. 60) |
| Εποπτης | Epoptês | "Overseer, Watcher"(1) |
| Γαιηοχος | Gaiêokhos | "Holder of the Earth"(1)(2 pg. 57) |
| Γενεθλιος | Genethlios | "Of the Kin, Kindred"(1) |
| Ἱππιος | Hippios | "Of the Horses" (1)(2 pg. 66) |
| Ἱπποκουριος | Hippokourios | "Horse Tender"(1) |
| Λαοιτης | Laoitês | "Of the People"(1) |
| Πατρος | Patros | "Father, Ancestral"(1) |
| Πελαγαιος | Pelagaios | "Of the Sea, Marine"(1)(2 pg 60) |
| ... | Petraios | "He of the Rock" (2 pg. 66) |
| ... | Phykios | "of Seaweed" (2 pg. 58) |
| Φυταλμιος | Phytalmios | "Plant Nurturer"(1) |
| ... | Pontios | "of the Sea" (2 pg. 60) |
| ... | Prosbaterios | "of the Approaches" (2 pg. 67) |
| Προσκλυστιος | Prosklystios | ⮞ "Who Dashes Against"(1) ⮞ "of Surging Water" (2 pg. 64) |
| ... | Themeliouchos | "of Foundations" (2 pg. 58) |
CREDITS
Poseidon's Epithets were collected and shared by Ace
SOURCES
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Άδης ★ Ἀϊδωνεύς | A'dis ⮞ A'doneus | ⮞"Of the shadows" (Il. 20.54) ⮞"the Unseen one", "The invisible" (2 pg. 143) ⮞ Argued by Pluto's "Cratylus" that it may imply he is not unseen himself but rather sees the unseeable in terms of hidden depth (3) |
| Κλύμενος | Klymenos | "Renowned" , "Notorious" (5) |
| Νεκροδεγμων | Nekrodegmôn | "Receiver of the Dead"(1) |
| Νεκρων Σωτηρ | Nekrôn Sôtêr | "Saviour of the Dead"(1) |
| Πλουτων | Ploutôn | "Of Wealth (ploutos)"(1) |
| Πλουτοδωτά | Ploutodotas | "Giver of Wealth" (4) |
| Πολυδεγμων | Polydegmôn | "Host of Many"(1) |
| Πολυσημαντωρ | Polysêmantôr | "Ruler of Many"(1) |
| Πολυξενος | Polyxenos | "Host of Many"(1) |
| Θεων Χθονιος | Theôn Khthonios | "God of the Underworld"(1) |
| Ζευσ Χθονιος | Zeus Khthonios | "Zeus of the Underworld"(1) |
CREDITS
SOURCES
Dixon, Mike - Encyclopedia of Greco-Roman Mythology
Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vol. 12 translated by Harold N. Fowler.
Plato Cratylus 403a. Ploutodotas: Attic black-figure amphora fragment, near Exekias, c. 540–530 BC; Reggio Calabria, Museo Nazionale 4001; BAPD 310415; LIMC Hades 43; Simon 1997, 98 fig. 1.
Lasos fr. 1, "Δάματρα μέλπω Κόραν τε Κλυμένοι’ ἄλοχον" = ‘I sing of Demeter and Kore, wife of Klymenos’. Hesychius s.v. "Alphabetical Collection of All Words"
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Βριμω | Brimô | "Angry, Terrible One" (1) |
| Δαειρα | Daeira | "Knowing One"(1) |
| Ἁγνη | Hagnê | "Pure, Holy One"(1) |
| ... | Hagnai Theai | "Pure Goddess" (2 pg. 70) |
| Ἑρκυνα | Herkyna | "Of Stone Enclosure"(1) |
| Καρποφορος | Karpophoros | "Bringer of Fruit"(1) |
| Χθονια | Khthonia | "Of the Earth, Chthonic"(1) |
| κόρη | Kore | ⮞ "Maiden" (3) ⮞ In Eleusian Mystery Cults she is referenced almost solely as Kore. |
| Μεγαλα Θεα | Megalai Theai | "Great Goddess"(1)(2 pg. 70) |
| Πραξιδικη | Praxidikê | "Exacter of Justice"(1) |
| Πρωτογονη | Prôtogonê | "First Born"(1) |
| Σωτειρα | Sôteira | "Saviour"(1) |
| Θεσμοφορος | Thesmophoros ⮞ Thesmophoroi | ⮞ "Bringer of Law"(1) ⮞ "Bringer of Divine Law" (2 pg. 70) |
CREDITS
Persephone's Epithets were collected and shared by Ace
SOURCES
Theoi
Note: Theoi has Persephone's epithets listed below Demeter's on her page which is why this links to Demeter's page. I am unsure why they formatted the site that way.Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
Homeric Hymn to Demeter
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αγαθοσ Δαιμον | Agathos Daimon | “The Good Spirit”(1) |
| ... | Agrios | “Wild”(6 p.272, 275) |
| Αγυιευς | Aguieus ⮞Agyieus | “(Protector) of the Street”(1) |
| Αιγοβολος | Aigobolos | ⮞“Goat-killer”(1) ⮞“Goat-Shooter”(7 p.28) |
| Αισυμνητης | Aisumnêtês | ⮞ “Lord”(1) ⮞ “Ruler”(1) ⮞“Dictator”(1) ⮞“Magistrate”(7 p.28) |
| Ακρατοφορος | Akratophoros | ⮞“by which he was designated as the giver of unmixed wine”(1) ⮞“Bringer of Mixed Wine”(1) |
| Ανδρογυνος | Androgynos | Androgynous (Sexually)(1) |
| Ανθιον | Antheus ⮞Anthion | ⮞“The blooming”(1) ⮞ “Of the Flowers”(1) |
| Ανθροπορραιστος | Anthroporraistos | ⮞“Man-Slayer”(1) ⮞ Could be “render of men” but could also mean more “smiter of men” or “man destroyer”(6 p.49-50) ⮞“Destroyer of Man”(8 p.19) |
| Αυξιτης | Auxitês | ⮞“Giver of Increase”(1) ⮞ “conveys the fecund power of a deity who ‘‘increases’’ the gifts of nature”(2 p.271) |
| ... | Bassareus | Could be derived from a long robe that he wore in Thrace, possibly originally made of fox-skins(1) |
| Βακχος ★ Βακχειος | Bakkhos ⮞Bakkheios | ⮞“Of Bacchic Frenzy”(1) ⮞ Refers to the branch that he carries(2 p.327) ⮞‘‘Raving with Bacchic mania’’(2 p.333-4) |
| Βουφαγος | Bouphagos | “Cow-Eater”(1) |
| Βρομιος | Bromios | “Noisy, Boisterous”(1)(6 p.343) |
| ... | Dendritês | “God of the tree”(1) |
| Διμητωρ | Dimêtôr | “Twice-Born”(1) |
| ... | Dimorphos | ⮞“Dual-formed”(3 p.21) ⮞‘One explanation given is that drunkenness can produce joy or irascibility’(3 p.21) |
| Ειραφιωτης | Eiraphiôtês | ⮞“Goat-Kid”(1) ⮞“Insewn”(1) |
| Ελευθερευς | Eleuthereus | ⮞May be from Eleuther, or the town Eleutherae, or equivalent to the latin Liber in meaning “deliverer”(1) ⮞ “Of Liberation, Freedom”(1) |
| ... | Enualios | “Warlike”(1) |
| Ερεβινθινος | Erebinthinos | “Of the Chickpea”(1) |
| Ευαστηρ | Euastêr | “Of Ritual Euoi-Cry”(1) |
| ... | Eubouleus | “Of good council”(1) |
| Ἑστιως | Hestiôs | “Of the Feast”(1) |
| ... | Huês | “Moist” or “Fertilizing god”(1) |
| Ιακχος | Iakkhos | ⮞“Of Ritual Iacchic-Cry”(1) ⮞Iakchos was a distinct Eleusinian divinity, the god who personified the ritual cry “Iakche!”(4 p.75)(6 p.345-9) |
| ... | Intonsus ★Ἀ | “Unshorn” - refers to the long uncut hair of young Greek men(1) *Latin version of akersekomes |
| ... | Iobakkhos | “Of Ritual Bacchic-Cry”(1) |
| ... | Isodaitês | “the god who distributes his gifts equally to all”(1) |
| Χθονιος | Khthonios | “Of the Earth, Chthonic”(1) |
| Κισσιος | Kissios | “Of the Ivy”(1) |
| Κιστοφορος | Kistophoros | “Basket-Bearer”(1) |
| Κιττοφορος | Kittophoros | “Ivy-Bearer”(1) |
| Κωλωτης | Kôlôtês | “Spotted Gecko”(1) |
| ... | Kryptos | “HIdden”(6 p.272) |
| Λαμπτηρος | Lamptêr ⮞Lamptêros | “the shining” or “torch-bearer”(1) |
| Ληναιος | Lenaios | ⮞derived from lênos, the wine-press or the vintage(1) ⮞“Of the Wine-Press”(1) |
| ... | Limnegenes ⮞Limnetes | ⮞“inhabiting or born in a lake or marsh”(1) ⮞a surname of several divinities who were believed either to have sprung from a lake, or had their temples near a lake(1) |
| Λυαιος | Luaios ⮞Lyaios | “the god who frees men from care and anxiety”(1) |
| Λυσιος | Lusios | ⮞“The Deliverer”(1) ⮞“Of Release, Releasing”(1) ⮞“The Releaser”(2 p.333)(4 p.142)(5 p.258) ⮞“Liberator”(4 p.171) |
| Μαινολης | Mainolês | “Mad, Raging”(1) |
| ... | Meilichios | ⮞“the god that can be propitiated”(1) ⮞“the gracious”(1) ⮞“Mild,” or “Sweet”(4 p.129) |
| Μελαναιγις | Melanaigis | “armed or clad with a black aegis”(1) |
| Μελπομενος | Melpomenos | ⮞“the singer”(1) ⮞“Singer, Minstrel, Of the Tragedy Play”(1) |
| ... | Mêthumnaios | ⮞ derived, according to some, from Methymna, rich in vines(1) ⮞Others derived it from methe (sweet or wine)(1) |
| Μοσχοφαγος | Moskhophagos | “Calf-Eater”(1) |
| Μυστης | Mystês | ⮞“Of the Mysteries”(1) ⮞‘‘Initiate’’(2 p.272) |
| Νυκτελιος | Nyktelios | “Of the Night”(1)(2 p.317) |
| Οινοψ | Oinops | “Wine-Dark”(1) |
| ... | Ōmadios | ⮞“the flesh-eater”(1) ⮞‘Related to Ōmêstês’ in “Chios and Tenedos, where there are rumors of human sacrifice.”(4 p.137) ⮞“Raw One”(6 p.50)(8 p.19) |
| ... | Ōmêstês | ⮞“Raw-eater”(2 p.337)(4 p.137)(6 p.50) ⮞‘Eater of Raw Meat’(8 p.19) |
| Ομφακιτης | Omphakitês | “Of the Unripe Grape”(1) |
| Πατρωιος | Patrôios ⮞Patrôos | ⮞“Paternal, Ancestral (God)”(1) ⮞“Of the Ancestors”(2 p.317) |
| ... | Pelekos | “(Double) Axe”(6 p.57) |
| Φαλλην | Phallên | “Phallic, Of the Phallus”(1) |
| Φλεων | Phleôn | ⮞“the giver of plenty”(1) ⮞describing the god as promoting the fertility of plants and trees(1) ⮞Luxuriant (Foliage)(1) |
| .. | Phlyus | Similar to Phleôn(1) |
| Πολιτης | Politês | “Citizen”(1)(7 p.28) |
| Προτρυγαιος | Protrygaios | “First of the Vintage”(1) |
| ... | Pseudanor | ⮞“False Man”(6 p.272) ⮞The word refers to a “female who imitates a male” and is not derogatory, but a compliment.(6 p.272-3) |
| ... | Psilas | ⮞"the giver of wings"(1) ⮞"the unbearded"(1) |
| Ψιλαξ | Psilax | “(Uplifted on) Wings”(1) |
| Σαωτης | Saôtês | "Saviour"(1) |
| Σωτηριος | Sôtêr ⮞Sôtêrios | ⮞"the Saviour"(1) ⮞“Recovery (from Madness)”(1) |
| Σταφυλιτης | Staphylitês | “Of the Grape”(1) |
| ... | Tauros | “The bull”(1) |
| Ταυροφαγος | Taurophagos | “Bull-Eater”(1) |
| Θεοινος | Theoinos | “God of Wine”(1) |
| ... | Thuôneus | Formed from thuein, "to be inspired."(1) |
| Ζαγρευς | Zagreus | (Orphic God)(1)(6) |
CREDITS
Dionysos's Epithets were collected and shared by Nell
SOURCES
Ogden, Daniel - A Companion to Greek Religion
Seaford, Richard - Dionysos
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
Larson, Jennifer - Understanding Greek Religion
Schlesier, Renate - A Different God: Dionysos and Ancient Polytheism
Parker, Robert - Greek Gods Abroad: Names, Natures and Transformations
Bremmer, Jan - Greek Religion
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ἀΐδιος | Aidios | "Eternal" (Orph.H. 84.6) |
| βασίλεια | Basileia | "Queen" (Orph.H. 84.6) |
| ... | Boulaia | "of the council" (1) |
| χλοόμορφος | Chloömorphus ⮞ Khlöómorphos | "Verdant"(Orph.H. 84.6) |
| ... | Phamia | ⮞ Uncertain (2) ⮞ Potentially high-born, pure, or well-known ⮞ Could have something to do with sacrifices |
| πολύμορφος | Polymorphos | "Multi-formed" (Orph.H. 84.6) |
| πολύολβος | Polyolbus | ⮞ "Rich In Blessings" (3) ⮞ Pulled from a Byzantine tapestry found in Egypt and not a text |
| ποθεινοτάτη | Potheinotáti | "Beloved" (Orph.H. 84.6) |
CREDITS
Header Image by Arinam. If you're interested in commissioning Arinam, you can find a link to their commissions here!
Hestia's Epithets were collected and shared by Ace & Salem Merryman
Hestia Aidios found by Kay
SOURCES
Image of Tapestry
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ἀγυιεύς | Agyieus ⮞Agyieus | “Guardian of the crossroads" (3 pg 29) |
| Αιδωναια | Aidônaia | "Of the Underworld" (1) |
| Ανασσα ενεροι | Anassa eneroi | "Queen of the Those Below"(1) |
| Αταλος | Atalos | "Tender, Delicate"(1) |
| Βριμω | Brimô | "Angry, Terrible One" (1) |
| Χθονια | Khthonia ⮞ Chthonia | "Of the Underworld" (2 pg. 167) |
| Ενοδια ★ Εινοδια ★Εννοδια | Enodia ⮞ Einodia ⮞ Ennodia | ⮞ "Of the Wayside, Crossroads"(1) ⮞ "She in the Road" (2 pg. 166) ⮞ Potentially a syncretic epithet with the Thessalian goddess Enodia (2 pg. 166) ⮞ This epithet could have ties to Hekate as patron of magical practitioners because of the association of Thessaly with drugs and witchcraft.(2 pg. 166) |
| Χθονιη | Khthoniê | "Of the Underworld"(1) |
| Κουρη μουνογενης | Kourê mounogenês | "Only Begotten Maiden"(1) |
| Κουροτροφος | Kourotrophos | "Nurse of the Young"(1) |
| Λιπαροκρηδεμνος | Liparokrêdemnos | "Bright-Coiffed"(1) |
| Νυκτιπολος | Nyktipolos | "Night Wandering"(1) |
| Περσεις | Perseis | "Destroyer, Child of Perses"(1) |
| ... | Pheraia | ⮞Uncertain ⮞A surname of Hecate, because she was a daughter of Zeus and Pheraea, the daughter of Aeolus, or because she had been brought up by the shepherds of Pheres, or because she was worshipped at Pherae.(1) |
| Φωσφορος | Phôsphoros | ⮞"Light-Bringer"(1) ⮞ Occurs as a surname of several goddesses of light |
| Σκυλακαγετις | Skylakagetis | "Leader of the Dogs"(1) |
| Τριμορφις | Trimorphis | "Three-Formed, -Bodied"(1) |
| Τριοδιτις | Trioditis | "Of the Crossroads, Three-Ways"(1) |
| Ζηρυνθια | Zerynthia | "Of Mt Zerynthia"(1) |
CREDITS
Hekate's Epithets were collected and shared by Ace
SOURCES
Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults
LABRYS - Hellenic Polytheism - Household Worship
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ἁγνός | Agnós | "holy, pure" (Orph. H 58.1) |
| διφυής | Diphÿís | "of two natures or forms" (Orph. H 58.4) |
| εὐπάλαμος | Efpálamos | "skillful" (Orph. H 58.4) |
| ἐράσμιος | Erasmius | "lovely, beloved" (Orph. H 58.1) |
| εὔδρομος ὁρμῇ | Évdromos ormíi | "He who strikes quickly" (Orph. H 58.2) |
| γλυκιπικρός | Glykypikrós | "Bittersweet" (2) |
| ἡδύς | Idýs | "sweet, pleasant" (Orph. H 58.1) |
| Πανδημος | Pandêmos | "Common to All People (Love)"(1) |
| πτερόεις | Ptæróeis | "winged" (Orph. H 58.2) |
| πυρίδρομος | Pyrídromos | "Flies on a course of fire" (Orph. H 58.2) |
| τοξαλκής | Toxalkís | "Mighty with the bow" (Orph. H 58.2) |
CREDITS
SOURCES
Sappho, frag. 130 Lobel-Page
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Διόνυσος Χθόνιος | Dionysos Khthonios | "Chthonic Dionysos" (1) |
| Ευβουληος | Eubuleos | "Well-counseled, wise in counsel" (Orph. H. 30) |
| 'Ισοδαίτες | Isodaetes | "He who distributes his gifts equally to all" (2) |
| Κεροεν Βρέφος | Keroen Brephos | "Horned babe" (5) |
| Μεγαλος ´Αγρεύς | Megalos Agreus | "Great Hunter" (3) |
| Νυκτέλιος | Nyctelius | "Nocturnal" (2) |
| Νυκτίπολος | Nyctipolos | "Night-wandering" (4) |
| Ταυροφυή | Taurophyē | "Bull-headed, Bull-shaped" (5) |
CREDITS
Zagreus's Epithets were collected by Salem Merryman
SOURCES
Nonnus, Dionysiaca Bk 6
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Αδραστεια | Adrasteia | ⮞ "Inescapable" (1) ⮞ Some other practicioners interpret this epithet as a surname of Nemesis about how she was worshipped in the city of Adrasteia, meaning "Nemesis, of Adrasteia". |
CREDITS
Nemesis's Epithet was collected by Anon
SOURCES
Valcken. ad Herod. iii. 40, a note by Lodewijk Caspar Valckenaer of Herodotus' Histories's Book III chapter 4.
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ... | Acherontis | "Of the Acheron River/Woeful" |
| ... | Leukokhrotos | "White-Skin" A description sometimes used to distinguish him from his twin brother, Hypnos, the god of sleep, though they are often depicted together. |
| Παιαν ★ Παιων | Paian ⮞ Paiêôn ⮞ Paiôn ⮞ Paean | ⮞ "Healer" (1) ⮞ "Deliverer from evil" (1) |
| ... | ... | "Black-winged/Of the Black Robes" |
| ... | ... | "Messenger/Harbinger of Death" |
| ... | ... | "The Gentle/Quiet One" |
CREDITS
Thanatos's Epithets were collected by Kiwi, Tea, & Salem
SOURCES
Theoi
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
TITLES & EPITHETS
| Greek Name | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ... | ... | "Virgin" (1) |
| ... | ... | "Crowned with victory" (2) |
| .... | .... | "Unswerving" (3) |
| ... | ... | "Who protects the suppliant" (4.354) |
| ... | ... | "To whom honor supreme is due" (4.656) |
| ... | ... | "Fulfilling" (5) |
| ... | ... | "Spoken of old" (6) |
| ... | ... | "Allseeing" (7 40.1) |
| ... | ... | "Prophet of things to come" (7 41.163) |
| ... | ... | "Armed with the brand of Zeus" (8) |
| ... | ... | "The avenger of kindred blood" (9) |
| ... | ... | ⮞"Hallowed" ⮞ "Inexorable" (10) |
| ... | ... | "Assessor of Zeus" (11) |
| ... | ... | "The avenger of all that falls short of the Divine Law" (12) |
| ... | ... | "All-powerful" (13) |
| ... | ... | "Known to all" (14) |
| ... | ... | "Divine" (15 ka.1714) |
| ... | ... | "After-payer" (15 pi.3092) |
| ... | ... | "Holy" (16 1-6 5.298) |
| ... | .... | "Pure" (16 7 7.697) |
| ... | .. | "Mother" (16 9 9.659) |
| ... | ... | "Sacred" (17) |
| ... | ... | "Nurse of cities" (18) |
| ... | ... | "With loosened hair" (19) |
| ... | ... | ⮞ "High-born" ⮞ "Patroness of cities" (16 10-12 11.380) |
| ... | ... | "Two-syllabled" (16 10-12 11.358) |
| ... | ... | "The judge" (20 30.2.9) |
| ... | ... | ⮞ "Never-closing eye" ⮞ "Eternal witness" ⮞ "Avenger of all things" (20 29.2.20) |
| ... | ... | "Eternal eye" (20 28.6.25) |
| ... | ... | "Golden" (21) |
CREDITS
Dike's epithets were collected by Gray
SOURCES
Hesiod, Works and Days 248
Aeschlyus, Libation Bearers 120
Bacchylides, Dithyrambs 15.50
Aeschylus, Suplliant Maidens
Sophocles, Ajax 1365
Sophocles, Oedipus in Colonos 1380
Nonnus, Dionysiaca
Aristophanes, Birds 1224
Plato, Laws 872
Demosthenes 25, Against Aristogiton 1 11
Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander 4.9
Pseudo-Aristotle, On the Universe 401b.20
Horace, Odes 2.17
Lactantius, Divine Institutes 5.8
Suda Encyclopedia
Greek Anthology
Julian the Emperor, Letters 3
Oppian, Halieutica or Fishing 2.676
Petronius, Satyricon 124
Ammianus Marcellinus, History
Himerius, Orations 46.10
*The Iliad (Il.), The Odyssey (Od.) and Orphic Hymns (Orph.H.) are cited ‘in-text’
Khaire! Hello!Thank you so much for helping us complete our database! This is a submission form for you to share any epithets we may have missed! Before you fill out this form, please read over some guidelines.
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