Home1815 Edition

HECATE

Volume 10 · 125 words · 1815 Edition

in fabulous history, a daughter of Perses and Aethea, the same as Proserpine or Diana. She was called Luna in heaven, Diana on earth, and Hecate or Proserpine in hell; whence her name of Diu triforlms, tergeminà, tricept. She was supposed to preside over magic and enchantments. She was generally represented like a woman, with the head of a horse, a dog, or a boar; and sometimes she appeared with three different bodies, and three different faces, with one neck. Dogs, lambs, and honey, were generally offered to her, especially in ways and cross roads; whence she obtained the name of Trivia. Her power was extended over heaven, the earth, sea, and hell; and to her kings and nations supposed themselves indebted for their prosperity.