The Lampades
The Lampades were the torch bearing nymphs of the underworld who accompanied both Hekate and Persephone on their annual ascent and descent into the Underworld. Hekate has a vast and varied group of followers when she resides in the Underworld, and one of her many retainers is the Lampades. The Lampades were a gift from Zeus to Hecate for her loyalty in the Titanomachy. They bear torches and accompany Hecate on her night-time travels and hauntings. The name Lampades means Lamp Bearer, a reference to the Lampades carrying torches. It is not clear as to who the parents of the Lampades are, it is speculated that they may be the offspring of Gods such as Zeus, who is the father of many nymphs, or Oceanus, who is the father of freshwater nymphs. Other potential parents include Chthonic deities such as Nyx and the spirits associated with the various rivers that flowed through the Underworld. Lampades are often compared to oceanic nymphs indicating their association with water. They are often mentioned in conjunction with rivers found within the underworld. The Lampades are often counted amongst the divine figures associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries. They may have been seen as the divine counterparts of the Eleusinian celebrants who carried torches in the nocturnal procession of the Mysteries of Demeter. They may have guided the spirits of the blessed dead initiates of the Eleusinian Mysteries to their final resting place in Elysium. Throughout history, the Lampades' behaviour and intentions have been distorted. In some cases, the Lampades were seen as guides and companions. Even the average Greek may have had little to no fear of them. More modern interpretations of the Lampades reflect a darker mien, consistent with the role and aspect of Hekate as a Goddess of darkness and madness. Some accounts tell of how the light of the Lampades' torches has the power to drive one to madness. In this interpretation, Lampades becomes far darker in appearance, their light being a beacon that heralded loss and madness. It was also believed, and Lampades were tricksters and delighted in leading travellers astray, often to a watery death. The description given is not too dissimilar to the will o the wisp and similarly mischievous spirits known from European folklore. There is, however, no evidence in surviving Greek and Roman sources that the Lampades every lead an unwilling person to their doom.
To this day we leave offerings to The Lampades to guide our way in and out of the darkness, to hold our torch and the scared torch of Hekate.
As always, Take Flight On The Wings Of Night...
🌿💀🌿💀🌿💀🌿
Comments