Hecate: Greek Goddess

Greek Mythology

Hecate is the moon and magic goddess who is often depicted holding two torches and a key, thought to represent her knowledge of the night and necromancy.

Hecate was the daughter of Perses and Asteria, although some versions of her myth also call her the daughter of Zeus. She was an attendant of the goddess Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who was abducted by Hades and taken into the Underworld. Hecate heard Persephone’s scream and set out on a search for nine days and nine nights. When Demeter realized that Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds in the Underworld and would have to spend six months of every year there, Hecate agreed to be her companion and friend for the time she with Hades.

Another myth shows her shrine featured prominently in the Argonauts tale, where Medea, a follower of Hecate, was waiting to meet Jason for the first time. She agreed to help him acquire the Golden Fleece by giving him advice on how to tame the Brazen Bulls and sow the Dragon’s Teeth to raise the earth-men with knowledge learned from Hecate. Jason pledged to marry Medea if she followed him to find the Golden Fleece.


Hecate Quick Reference

Parents

Perses and Asteria


Domain / Power

Goddess of the moon, magic, and witchcraft


Notable Myths


Symbol / Attributes

Two torches and a key