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DEMETER was the great Olympian goddess of agriculture, grain, and bread, the sustenance of all mankind. She also presided over Mysteries which promised intiates the path to a blessed afterlife.
This page lists her cult titles and poetic epithets, as well as those of her daughter Kore (Persephone).
ENCYCLOPEDIA DEMETER TITLES
ACHAEA (Achaia), a surname of Demeter by which she was worshipped at Athens by the Gephyraeans who had emigrated thither front Boeotia. (Herod. v. 61; Plut. Is. et Osir. p. 378, D.)
AMPHICTY′ONIS (Amphiktuonis), a surname of Demeter, derived from Anthela, where she was worshipped under this name, because it was the place of meeting for the amphictyons of Thermopylae, and because sacrifices were offered to her at the opening of every meeting. (Herod. vii. 200 ; Strab. ix. p. 429.)
ANESIDO′RA (Anêsidôra), the spender of gifts, a surname given to Gaea and to Demeter, the latter of whom had a temple under this name at Phlius in Attica. (Paus. i. 31. § 2; Hesych. s. v.; Plut. Sympos. p. 745.)
ANTAEA (Antaia), a surname of Demeter, Rhea, and Cybele, probably signifies a goddess whom man may approach in prayers. (Orph. Hymn. 40. 1; Apollon. i. 1141; Hesych. s. v.)
BRIMO (Brimô), the angry or the terrifying, occurs as a surname of several divinities, such as Hecate or Persephone (Apollon. Rhod. iii. 861, 1211; Tzetz. ad Lycoph. 1171), Demeter (Arnob. v. p. 170), and Cybele. (Theodoret. Ther. i. 699.) The Scholiast on Apollonius (l. c.) gives a second derivation of Brimo from Bromos, so that it would refer to the crackling of the fire, as Hecate was conceived bearing a torch.
CALLIGENEIA (Kalligeneia), a surname of Demeter or of her nurse and companion, or of Gaea. (Aristoph. Thesm/. 300, with the Schol.; Hesych. s. v.; Phot. Lex. s. v.)
CARPO′PHORI (Karpophoroi), the fruitbearers, a surname of Demeter and Cora, under which they were worshipped at Tegea. (Paus. viii. 53. § 3.) Demeter Carpophoros appears to have been worshipped in Paros also. (Ross, Reisen auf den Griech. Inseln, i. p. 49.)
CHAMYNE (Chamunê), a surname of Demeter in Elis, which was derived either from the earth having opened (chainein) at that place to receive Pluto, or from one Chamynus, to whom the building of a temple of Demeter at Elis was ascribed. (Paus. vi. 21. § 1.)
CHLOE (Chloê), the blooming, a surname of Demeter the protectress of the green fields, who had a sanctuary at Athens conjointly with Ge Curotrophos. (Paus. i. 22. § 3; Eustath. ad Horn. p. 772.) This surname is probably alluded to when Sophocles (Oed. Col. 1600) calls her Dêmêtêr eu Chloos. (Comp. Aristoph. Lysist. 815.) Respecting the festival Chloeia, see Dict. of Ant. s.v.
CHRYSAOR (Chrusaôr). The god with the golden sword or arms. In this sense it is used as a surname or attribute of several divinities, such as Apollo (Hom. II. xv. 256), Artemis (Herod. viii. 77), and Demeter. (Hom. Hymn. in Cer. 4.)
CHTHO′NIA (Chthonia), may mean the subterraucous, or the goddess of the earth, that is, the protectress of the fields, whence it is used as a surname of infernal divinities, such as Hecate (Apollon. Rhod. iv. 148; Orph. Hymn. 35. 9), Nyx (Orph. Hymn. 2. 8), and Melinoë (Orph. Hymn. 70. 1), but especially of Demeter. (herod. ii. 123; Orph. Hymn. 39. 12; Artemid. ii. 35; Apollon. Rhod. iv. 987.) Although the name, in the case of Demeter, scarcely requires explanation, yet mythology relates two stories to account for it. According to one of them, Clymenus and Chthonia, the children of Phoroneus, founded at Hermione a sanctuary of Demeter, and called her Chthonia from the name of one of the founders. (Paus. ii. 3.5. § 3.) According to an Argive legend, Demeter on her wanderings came to Argolis, where she was ill-received by Colontas. Chthonia, his daughter, was dissatisfied with her father's conduct, and, when Colontas and his house were burnt by the goddess, Chthonia was carried off by her to Hermione, where she built a sanctuary to Demeter Chthonia, and instituted the festival of the Chthonia in her honour. (Paus. ii. 35. § 3; Dict. of Ant. s. v. Chthonia.)
CIDA′RIA (Kidaria), a surname of the Eleusinian Demeter at Pheneus, in Arcadia, derived either from an Arcadian dance called kidaris, or from a royal head-dress of the same name. (Paus. viii. 15. § 1.)
DEMO (Demô), a name of Demeter. (Suidas, s. v. Dgmô) It also occurs as a proper name of other mythical beings, such as the Cumaean Sibyl (Paus. x. 12. § 1) and a daughter of Celeus and Metaneira, who, together with her sisters, kindly received Demeter at the well Callichoros in Attica. (Hom. Hymn. in Cer. 109.)
DEO (Dêô), another name for Demeter. (Hom. Hymn. in Dem. 47; Aristoph. Plut. 515; Soph. Antig. 1121; Orph. Hymn. 38. 7; Apollon. Rhod. iv. 988; Callim. Hymn. in Cer. 133; Schol. ad Theocrit. vii. 3.) The patronymic form of it, Deiois, Deoine, or Deïone, is therefore given to Demeter's daughter, Persephone. (Ov. Met. vi. 114; Athen. x. p. 449.)
DESPOENA (Despoina), the ruling goddess or the mistress, occurs as a surname of several divinities, such as Aphrodite (Theocrit. xv. 100), Demeter (Aristoph. Thesm. 286), and Persephone. (Paus. viii. 37. § 6.)
ELEUSI′NA or ELEUSINIA (Eleusinia), a surname of Demeter and Persephone, derived from Eleusis in Attica, the principal seat of their worship. (Virg Georg. i. 163; Phornut N. D. 27; Steph. Byz s. v. Eleusis.)
EUNOSTUS (Eunostos). A goddess of mills, whose image was set up in mills, and who was believed to keep watch over the just weight of flour. (Hesych. s. v.; Eustath. ad Hom. pp. 214, 1383.)
HERCYNA (Herkuna) . . . Hercyna founded the worship of Demeter at Lebadeia, who hence received the surname of Hercyna. (Lycoph. 153, with the note of Tzetzes.) Hercyna was worshipped at Lebadeia in common with Zeus, and sacrifices were offered to both in common. (Liv. xlv. 27.)
MYCALE′SSIA (Mukalêssia), a surname of Demeter, derived from Mycalessus in Boeotia, where the goddess had a sanctuary. (Paus. ix. 19. § 4.)
MY′SIA (Musia). A surname of Demeter, who had a temple, Musaion, between Argos and Mycenae and at Pellene. It is said to have been derived from an Argive Mysius, who received her kindly during her wanderings, and built a sanctuary to her. (Paus. ii. 18. § 3, 35. § 3, vii. 27. § 4.)
PANACHAEA (Panachaia),that is, the goddess of all the Achaeans, occurs as a surname of Demeter, at Aegae, in Achaia (Paus. vii. 24. § 2), and of Athena at Laphiria (Paus. vii. 20. § 2).
PELASGA or PELASGIS (Pelasgis), i.e. the Pelasgian (woman or goddess), occurs as a surname of the Thessalian Hera (Apollon. Rhod. i. 14, with the Schol.; Propert. ii. 28. 11), and of Demeter, who, under this name, had a temple at Argos, and was believed to have derived the surname from Pelasgus, the son of Triopas, who had founded her sanctuary. (Paus. ii. 22. § 2.)
RHA′RIAS (Rharias), a surname of Demeter, which she derived from the Rharian plain in the neighbourhood of Eleusis, the principal seat of her worship. (Paus. i. 38. § 6; Steph. Byz. and Suid. s. v.)
SITO (Sitô), a surname of Demeter, describing her as the giver of food or corn. (Athen. x. p. 416, iii. p. 109; Aelian, V. H. i. 27; Eustath. ad Hom. P. 265.)
TELPHU′SA (Telphoussa or Telphousa). Telphussaea or Tilphussaea occurs as a surname of Demeter Erinnys, derived from a town Telphussion. (Schol. ad Soph. Antig. 117; Callim. Fragm. 207, ed. Bentley.)
THE′SMIA or THESMO′PHOROS (Thesmia, Thesmophoros), that is, "the law-giver," a surname of Demeter and Persephone, in honour of whom the Thesmophoria were celebrated at Athens in the month of Pyanepsion (Herod. ii. 171, vi. 16 ; Aristoph. Thesm. 303), and to whom sanctuaries were also erected at Megara, Troezene, Pheneos, and other places. (Paus. i. 42. § 7, ii. 32. § 7, viii. 15. § 1, ix. 16. § 3, x. 33, in fin.)
Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.
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CULT TITLES OF DEMETER
The first of Demeter's cult titles referred to her various divine functions: as goddess of agriculture and the fruits of the earth, the great mother, the bringer of laws, patron goddess of Greece.
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Cqonia
Khthonia
Chthonia
Of the Earth |
Anhsidwra
Anêsidôra
Anesidora
She who Sends Forth Gifts |
Cloh
Khloê
Chloe
Green,
First Shoots |
Epogmie
Epogmie
Epogmie
Of the Furrows |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Ploutodoteira
Ploutodoteira
Plutodotera
Giver of Wealth |
KarpoforoV
Karpophoros
Carpophorus
Bearer of Fruit |
MaloforoV Malophoros
Malophorus
Bearer of Fruit |
Qermasia
Thermasia
Thermasia
Warmth, Heat |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Megala Qea
Megala Thea
Megala Thea
Great Goddess |
Megala Mhter
Megala Mêter
Megala Mater
The Great Mother |
QesmoforoV
Thesmophoros
Thesmophorus
Bringer of Law |
Qesmih
Thesmiê
Thesmia
Of the Laws |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Prostasia
Prostasia
Prostasia
Patron, Leader |
Panacaia
Panakhaia
Panachaea
Of All the Greeks |
Eurwph
Europê
Europa
Of Europe |
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Another set of cult titles were derived from the towns and locations of her shrines, the names of their founders, descriptions of the locale, and cult stories.
Not all of these titles were restricted to their "home-town", for example, Demeter Eleusinia (of Eleusis) was worshipped throughout Greece.
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Eleusinia
Eleusinia
Eleusinia
Of Eleusis
(in Attika) |
Lernaia
Lernaia
Lernaea
Of Lerna
(in Argolis) |
Stiria
Stiria
Stiria
Of Stiris
(in Phokis) |
Tilfwsa
Tilphôsa
Tilphosa
Of Thelpousa
(in Arkadia) |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Mukalhssia
Mykalêssia
Mycalessia
Of Mykalessos
(in Boiotia) |
Musia
Mysia
Mysia
Of Mysios
(Argive hero) |
PelasgiV
Pelasgis
Pelasgis
Of Pelasgos
(Argive hero) |
Prwn
Prôn
Pron
Of the Headland
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Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
'Erkuna
Herkyna
Hercyna
Of the Stone Enclosure
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Pugaih
Pygaiê
Pygaee
Of the Gates |
ErinuV
Erinys
Erinys
Fury, Angry Wrath |
ErinuV Tilfwsa
Erinys Tilphôsa
Erinys Tiphosa
Fury of Thelpousa |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Melaina
Melaina
Melaena
The Black
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Lousih
Lousiê
Lusia
Bathing, Purifying
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Kabeiraih
Kabeiraiê
Cabiraee
Of the Kabeiroi |
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Some of her titles are more obscure.
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Prosumnh
Prosymnê
Prosymna
-- |
Kidarih
Kidariê
Cidaria
--
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Amaia
Amaia
Amaea
-- |
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POETIC TITLES & EPITHETS OF DEMETER
I) Common Homeric names for Demeter:
Greek Name:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Dhmhthr
Dêmêtêr
Demeter
Earth Mother |
Damathr
Damater
Damater
Earth Mother |
Dhw
Dêô
Deo
Of the Earth |
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II) Common Homeric epithets of Demeter:
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
AglaokarpoV
Aglaokarpos
Aglaocarpus
Giver of
Goodly Fruit |
AglaodwroV
Aglaodôros
Aglaodorus
Bestower of Splendid Gifts |
'HwrhforoV
Hôrêphoros
Horephorus
Bringer of the Seasons |
PoluforboV
Polyphorbos
Polyphorbus
All-Nousishing,
Bountiful |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
KallistefanoV
Kallistephanos
Callistephanus
Beautiful Crowned |
EustefanoV
Eustephanos
Eustephanus
Lovely Crowned |
EukomoV
Eukomos
Eucomus
Lovely Haired |
Xanqh
Xanthê
Blonde, Golden,
Golden Haired |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
CrusaoroV
Khrysaoros
Chrysaorus
Of the Golden Sword or Blade |
KuanopeploV
Kyanopeplos
Cyanopeplus
Dark Veiled,
Dark Cloaked |
KallisfuroV
Kallisphyros
Callisphyrus
Beautiful Ankled,
Trim Ankled |
Semnh
Semnê
Semne
Holy, August,
Revered |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
'Agnh
Hagnê
Hagne
Pure, Chaste, Holy |
Dia QeaV
Dia Thea
Dia Thea
Bright Goddess |
Anassa
Anassa
Anassa
Queen, Lady |
Potnia
Potnia
Potnia
Queen |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Potnia Qeawn
Potnia Theaôn
Potnia Theaon
Queen amongst Goddesses |
Kudrh Qea
Kydrê Thea
Cydra Thea
Glorious Goddess,
Noble Goddess |
Rea eukomoV qugaterV
Rhea eukomos thugater; Daughter
of
rich-haired Rhea |
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CULT TERMS OF DEMETER
Some general terms relating to the goddess' cult include:
Greek Term:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Dhmhtrion
Dêmêtrion
Demetreum
Temple of Demeter |
Eleusinion
Eleusinion
Eleusineum
Temple of Demeter Eleusinios |
DhwioV
Dêôios
Deoeus
Sacred to Demeter (adjective) |
Orgia
Orgia
Orgia
Religious Orgies,
Mysteries |
Greek Term:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Musthria
Mystêria
Mysteria
Mysteries |
Eleusinia
Eleusinia
Eleusinia
Festival of Demeter Eleusinios |
Cqonia
Khthonia
Chthonia
Festival of Demeter Khthonia |
Qesmoforia
Thesmophoria
Thesmophoria
Festival of Demeter Thesmophoros |
ENCYCLOPEDIA PERSEPHONE TITLES
AZE′SIA (Azêsia), a surname of Demeter and Persephone, which is derived either from azainein tous karpous, to dry fruits, or from zêtein, to seek. (Zenob. iv. 20; Suid. s. v.; Hesych. s. v.; Spanheim, ad Callim. p. 740.)
BRIMO (Brimô), the angry or the terrifying, occurs as a surname of several divinities, such as Hecate or Persephone (Apollon. Rhod. iii. 861, 1211; Tzetz. ad Lycoph. 1171), Demeter (Arnob. v. p. 170), and Cybele. (Theodoret. Ther. i. 699.) The Scholiast on Apollonius (l. c.) gives a second derivation of Brimo from Bromos, so that it would refer to the crackling of the fire, as Hecate was conceived bearing a torch.
CARPO′PHORI (Karpophoroi), the fruitbearers, a surname of Demeter and Cora, under which they were worshipped at Tegea. (Paus. viii. 53. § 3.) Demeter Carpophoros appears to have been worshipped in Paros also. (Ross, Reisen auf den Griech. Inseln, i. p. 49.)
CORE (Korê), the maiden, a name by which Persephone is often called.
DEIO′NE (Dêïônê), that is, the daughter of Deo or Demeter, is used as a name for Persephone. (Callimach. Fragm. 48.)
DESPOENA (Despoina), the ruling goddess or the mistress, occurs as a surname of several divinities, such as Aphrodite (Theocrit. xv. 100), Demeter (Aristoph. Thesm. 286), and Persephone. (Paus. viii. 37. § 6.)
ELEUSI′NA or ELEUSINIA (Eleusinia), a surname of Demeter and Persephone, derived from Eleusis in Attica, the principal seat of their worship. (Virg Georg. i. 163; Phornut N. D. 27; Steph. Byz s. v. Eleusis.)
EPAINE (Epainê), that is, the fearful, a surname of Persephone. (Hom. Il. ix. 457.) Plutarch (de Aud poet. p. 23, a.) derives the name from ainos, which suggests, that it might also be understood in a euphemistic sense as the praised goddess.
MELITO′DES (Melitôdês), i.e. sweet as honey, occurs as a Euphemistic surname of Persephone. (Theocrit. xv. 94; Porphyr. Antr. Nymph. p. 261.)
PRAXI′DICE (Praxidikê), i.e. the goddess who carries out the objects of justice, or watches that justice is done to men . . . With the Orphic poets Praxidice seems to be a surname of Persephone. (Orph. Argon. 31, Hymn. 28. 5; comp. Miiller, Orchom. p. 122, 2d edit.)
SOTEIRA (Sôteira), i. e. "the saving goddess' (Lat. Sospita), occurs as a surname of several female divinities in Greece, e. g. 1. of Artemis . . . 2. of Persephone in Laconia (iii. 13. § 2), in Arcadia (viii. 31. § 1) ; 3. of Athena (Schol. ad Plat. p. 90. ed. Ruhnken ; Aristot. Rhet. iii. 18); and 4. of Eunomia (Pind. Ol. ix. 25.)
Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. C19th Classics Encyclopedia.
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CULT TITLES OF KORE (PERSEPHONE)
The first of Kore's cult titles referred to her various divine functions, as goddess of the earth and the first fruits of spring, mistress of the underworld, goddess of the afterlife,
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
Cqonia
Khthonia
Chthonia
Of the Earth, Subterranean |
KarpoforoV
Karpophoros
Carpophorus
Bringer of Fruit
|
Swteira
Sôteira
Soteira
Saviour |
Megala Qea
Megala Thea
Megala Thea
Great Goddess |
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
'Agne
Hagne
Hagne
Holy One |
Daeira
Daeira
Daera
Knowing One |
Praxidikh
Praxidikê
Praxidice
Exacter of Justice |
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Another set of titles described the location of a particular shrine, or were derived from a local cult story. A few remain more obscure.
Greek Title:
Transliteration:
Latin Spelling:
Translation: |
'Erkuna
Herkyna
Hercyna
Of the Stone Enclosure |
Prwtogonh
Prôtogonê
Protogone
First Born |
Azhsia
Azêsia
Azesia
-- |
LeptuniV
Leptynis
Leptynis
-- |
"Demeter:The earth, as if being Ge-meter (earth-mother). Since the earth is a foundation of every city, as holding up the cities she is represented wearing towers [as a crown]." - Suidas "Demeter"
"Demetra (Demeter): Name of a goddess." - Suidas "Demetra"
"Demetreios karpos (Demetrian fruit): That of Demeter [ie grain]." - Suidas "Demetrios karpos"
"Azesia: Kore the Maiden, whereas Demeter is Amaia. And a proverb: Amaia looked for Azesia. Applied to those taking a long time in searches." - Suidas "Azesia"
"Oin (Ewe, ram). Sheep.'The ewe, O Damater Epogmie (She-who-presides-over-the-furrows), and the hornless calf [Krethon sacrifices to you].' In the Epigrams." - Suidas "Oin"
"Ploutodoteira (Wealth-giver) [Epithet of Demeter]." - Suidas "Ploutodoteira"
Sources:
- The Homeric Hymns - Greek Epic C8th-4th BC
- Pausanias, Guide to Greece - Greek Geography C2nd AD
- Suidas - Byzantine Lexicographer C10th AD
- Others, see Cult of Demeter pages
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