Hecate and the Dying Maiden
Hecate and the Dying Maiden
How the Mistress of Ghosts Earned Her Title
The first part of this chapter begins with a review of Hecate’s appearances in texts and archaeological finds, treating the goddess Enodia—who was often identified with Hecate—as well. It argues that from the start, these goddesses were both boundary protectors, worshipped at the door or gate in order to keep ills such as demons and sickness out of houses or cities, and goddesses expected to help during birth. Hecate and Enodia were also concerned with the transitions of girls into successful female adulthood. The second part of the chapter reviews a number of rituals and myths connected with female maturation, in which unsuccessful females die and become demonic entities who persecute other girls during their transition to adulthood. A myth about Iphigenia turning into Hecate after her early death is one articulation of this pattern, as are stories connected with Helen and some lesser-known heroines. The connection between Hecate and Artemis (who was also a goddess charged with protecting girls until maturity) is examined in this light as well.
Keywords: Erigone, Carya, Helen, Erinyes, Hecate, Aspalis, Pandareides, Enodia, Artemis, Iphigenia
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