Despoina (also called Despoine) is a minor fertility goddess in Greek Mythology. She was a central figure in The Arcadian Mysteries cult, back in Ancient Greece.
Genealogy and Family[]
Despoina is the daughter of Demeter and Poseidon, she has a twin brother named Arion.
Story[]
Demeter was once desired by Poseidon, God of the Sea, and knowing this, took the form of a mare to avoid Poseidon however Poseidon also transformed into a stallion horse, and mated with Demeter. From this union, Despoina and Arrion were born. Due to her anger at this experience, Demeter received the epithet, Erinys (raging).
Role and Significance[]
In ancient Greece, she was worshipped under the title Despoina ("the mistress") alongside her mother Demeter, one of the central figures of the Eleusinian Mysteries. Her real name could not be revealed to anyone except those initiated to her mysteries.
The cult of Despoina was significant in the history of ancient Greek mystery religions in Lycosoura, which belonged to a stratum of an earlier religion in Arcadia.
Despoine was closely identified with the goddesses Persephone, Artemis and Hekate, all of whom bore the title "Despoine."
Symbols[]
Despoina's symbols are a box and veil.
Appearance and Personality[]
Relationships[]
Skills and Abilities[]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
Despoina means "mistress" in Greek
Δεσποινη is the Greek spelling of Despoina
Pausanias mentioned that Despoina is not her true name and her real name was only shared people who joined the Arcadian Mystery cult of Akakesion.