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EPITHETS OF DIMÍTIR

(For a list of abbreviations, see bottom of this page: Glossary Home)

This extensive list of titles of the Goddess Dimítir (Demeter, Δημήτηρ) includes all of the epithets found in Orphic Hymn 40 and many, many more gathered from numerous sources. The transliteration method used in this list is Reuchlinian and unique to this website where the emphasis is primarily on pronunciation, but to avoid confusion there are separate entries using the more familiar Erasmian spellings found in English and American universities.

Achaea - See Akhaia.

Ælefsínia - (Eleusinia; Gr. Ἐλευσίνια, ΕΛΕΥΣΙΝΙΑ; fem. of Ἐλευσίνιος.) Lexicon entry: Ἐλευσίνια is fem. of: Ἐλευσίνιος, α, ον, of Eleusis; epith. of Zeus in Ionia; of Artemis in Sicily and Antioch; but mostly of Demeter; Ἐλευσείνιαι Demeter and Cora: hence, II. Ἐλευσίνιον, τό, their temple at Eleusis. III. Ἐλευσίνια, τά, their festivals. (L&S p. 532, right column, edited for simplicity.)

Æpógmios - (epogmios; Gr. ἐπόγμιος, ΕΠΟΓΜΙΟΣ) Lexicon entry: ἐπόγμιος, ον, presiding over the furrows, Δαμάτηρ (ed. Boeot. form of Δημήτηρ) Anthologia Graeca 6.258 (Adaeus). (L&S p. 675, left column, within the the entries beginning with ἐπογμεύω.)

Æratí - (erate; Gr. ἐρατή, ΕΡΑΤΗ; fem. of ἐρατός. Adj.) In Orphic hymn 40.7, the Goddess Dimítir is described as æratí, lovely or beloved.

Ǽrkyna - (Hercyna; Gr. Ἕρκῡνα, ΕΡΚΥΝΑ) Lexicon entry: Ἕρκῡνα or -υννα, ἡ, title of Demeter at Lebadea:— hence Ἑρκύνια (-κήνια cod.), τά, festival of Demeter. (L&S p. 690, left column, edited for simplicity.)

Æÿplókamos - (eüplokamus; Gr. ἐϋπλόκαμος, ΕΥΠΛΟΚΑΜΟΣ; also εὐπλόκαμος.) Lexicon entry: ἐϋπλόκᾰμος, Ep.ἐϋπλ-, ον, with goodly locks, fair-haired.

Afxithalís - (auxithales; Gr. αὐξιθαλής, ΑΥΞΙΘΑΛΗΣ) In Orphic hymn 40.10, the Goddess Dimítir is described asafxithalís, bolstering the growth of all the verdure of the world.

- Lexicon entry: αὐξιθᾰλής, ές, (θάλλω) promoting growth.

Aglaocarpus - See Aglaókarpos.

Aglaódohros - (aglaodorus; Gr. ἀγλαόδωρος, ΑΓΛΑΟΔΩΡΟΣ) bestowing splendid gifts, Δημήτηρ Homeric Hymn Demeter 54, 192, 492.

Aglaókarpos - (aglaocarpus; Gr. ἀγλαόκαρπος, ΑΓΛΑΟΚΑΡΠΟΣ) bearing beautiful or goodly fruit.

Aglaótimos - (aglaotimus; Gr. ἀγλαότιμος, ΑΓΛΑΟΤΙΜΟΣ) In Orphic hymn 40.10, the Goddess Dimítir is described as being aglaótimos, splendidly honored.

Agní - (hagne; Gr. ἁγνή, ΑΓΝΗ, fem. of ἁγνός.) In Orphic hymn 40.11 and 18, holy.

Akhaia - (Achaea; Gr. Ἀχαία, ΑΧΑΙΑ) Acc. to Hsch. from ἄχος grief for the loss of her daughter.

Aloaia - (Gr. ἀλωαία, ΑΛΩΑΙΑ, fem. of ἀλωεύς.) In Orphic hymn 40.5, the Goddess Dimítir is described as an aloaia,she who works on the threshing floor.

- Lexicon entry: ἀλωεύς, έως, Ep. ῆος, ὁ, one who works in an ἀλωή (ed. threshing-floor).

Amallophóros - (Gr. ἀμαλλοφόρος, ΑΜΑΛΛΟΦΟΡΟΣ) bringing sheaves.

Ánassa - (Gr. ἄνασσα, ΑΝΑΣΣΑ) The Goddess Dimítir is acknowledged as ánassa, queen, Homeric Hymn Dimítir 492 (Δηοῖ ἄνασσα).

Anesidora - See Anisidóhra.

Anisidóhra - (anesidora; Gr. ἀνησιδώρα, ΑΝΗΣΙΔΩΡΑ) sending up gifts.

Antaea, Meter - See Antaia, Mítir.

Antaia, Mítir - (Mḗtēr Antaea, Gr. Μητήρ Άνταία, ΜΗΤΗΡ ΑΝΤΑΙΑ. Etym. from ἀνταῖος.) petitioned with many prayers. It is the Goddess Dimítir (Ῥέα [and Κυβέλη] as well, see Orphic Theogony the Fourth King) who is being addressed thus in Orphic Hymn 41 with the title Μήτηρ (Mother) Ανταία. Orph.H.41.1.

Arotír - (aroter; Gr. ἀροτήρ, ΑΡΟΤΗΡ. In Orphic hymn 40.8, the Goddess Dimítir is described as a arotír, a ploughman or farmer. In this line of the hymn, she is declared to be the first to place the yoke upon the oxen used for plowing.

Azesia - See Azisía.

Azisía - (Azesia; Gr. Ἀζησία, ΑΖΗΣΙΑ) Lexicon entry: Ἀζησία, ἡ, a name of Demeter, S.Fr.981, cf. Ἀζοσία. (L&S p. 29, right column)

Brimo - See Vrimóh.

Bromia - See Vromía.

Calligeneia - See Kalliyǽneia.

Callistephanus - See Kallistǽphanos.

Carpophorus - See Karpophóros.

Ceres - Ceres is the Roman name for Dimítir.

Chamyne - See Khamýni.

Chloë - See Khlóï.

Cidaria - See Kidaría.

Dáeira - (Gr. Δάειρα, ΔΑΕΙΡΑ) The Knowing one.

Dǽspina - (Despoina; Gr. Δέσποινα, ΔΕΣΠΟΙΝΑ) Dǽspina is an epithet of the Goddess Dimítir, mistress, lady of the house.

Daira - See Dáeira.

Daughter of lovely-haired Rǽa - (Gr. Ρέα εὔκομος θυγάτηρ, ΡΕΑ ΕΥΚΟΜΟΣ ΘΥΓΑΤΗΡ) The Goddess Dimítir is daughter of lovely-haired Rǽa (Ρέα).

Demeter - See Dimítir.

Demô - See Dimóh.

Dio - See Dióh.

Dimítir - (Demeter; Gr. Δημήτηρ, ΔΗΜHΤΗΡ) The Δ at the beginning of Δημήτηρ in later times became Γ (gamma), so the first syllable Δη became Γῆ (Ge) "earth" + μήτηρ "mother;" therefore Δημήτηρ means "Earth-Mother."

Dimítra - (Demetra; Gr. Δημήτρα, ΔΗΜΗΤΡΑ; Δήμητρα in modern Greek.) Δημήτρα is an alternate spelling of Δημήτηρ, possibly a little later, from the Classical era, while Δημήτηρ is older. In modern Greek, we retain this form but the accent now falls on the first syllable: Δήμητρα.

Dimóh - (Demô; Gr. Δημώ, ΔΗΜΩ) Dimóh is a name of the Goddess Dimítir (Suidas, s. v. Demô).

Dióh - (Dio; Gr. Δηώ, ΔΗΩ) = Δημήτηρ, Demeter.

Dræpaniphóros - (drepanephorus; Gr. δρεπανηφόρος, ΔΡΕΠΑΝΗΦΟΡΟΣ) she who carries the scythe, a tool for cutting grain. (Νόννος Διονυσιακά 6.104)

Drepanephorus - See Dræpaniphóros.

Éfkomos - (eucomus; Gr. εὔκομος, ΕΥΚΟΜΟΣ) Éfkomos, lovely-tressed, is an epithet of Dimítir as can be seen in Homeric Hymn Dimítir line 1 (ἠύκομον is a form of εὔκομος)

Éfkarpos - (Eucarpus; Gr. Εὔκαρπος, ΕΥΚΑΡΠΟΣ. Etym. ἐΰς "good" + καρπός "fruit.") fruitful, fertilizing.

Efstǽphanos - (eustephanus; Gr. εὐστέφανος, ΕΥΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΣ) well-girdled, = εὔζωνος, graced with beauteous garlands, crowned with flowers.

Éftæknos - (eutecnos; Gr. εὔτεκνος, ΕΥΤΕΚΝΟΣ. Adj.) In Orphic hymn 40.13, the Goddess Dimítir is described aséftæknos, blest with children or perhaps meaning here bestowing children.

Eleusinia - See Ælefsínia.

Epogmios - See Æpógmios.

Erate - See Æratí.

Eucarpus - See Éfkarpos.

Eucomus - See Éfkomos.

Eunostus - See Évnostos.

Eüplokamus - See Æÿplókamos.

Eustephanus - See Efstǽphanos.

Évnostos - (Eunostus; Gr. Εὔνοστος, ΕΥΝΟΣΤΟΣ) Goddess of the grain mills.

Hagne - See Agní.

Hercyna - See Ǽrkyna.

Horephorus - See Ohriphóros.

Iærothallís - (hierothalles; Gr. ἱεροθαλλής, ΙΕΡΟΘΑΛΛΗΣ) Orphic hymn 40.17, blooming in holiness.

Imæróæssa - (imeroessa; Gr. ἱμερόεσσα, ΙΜΕΡΟΕΣΣΑ; ἱμερόεσσα is fem of ἱμερόεις. Adj.) In Orphic hymn 40.7, lovely, charming.

Ioulóh - (ioulo; Gr. ἰουλώ, ΙΟΥΛΩ; a form of ἴουλος.) This word, ἰουλώ is an epithet Δημήτηρ meaning grain-sheaf.

Kallistǽphanos - (callistephanus; Gr. καλλιστέφανος, ΚΑΛΛΙΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΣ) beautiful-crowned.

Kalliyǽneia - (calligeneia; Gr. καλλιγένεια, ΚΑΛΛΙΓΕΝΕΙΑ) bearer of a fair offspring.

Karpophóros - (carpophorus; Gr. καρποφόρος, ΚΑΡΠΟΦΟΡΟΣ) fruit-bearing, fruitful.

Kaveiría - (Cabeiria; Gr. Καβειρία, ΚΑΒΕΙΡΙΑ; from Κάβειροι.) of the Cabeiri, divinities worshipped especially in Lemnos, Samothrace, and Boeotia.

Khamýni - (Chamyne; Gr. Χαμύνη, ΧΑΜΥΝΗ) Khamýni, meaning on the ground, is an epithet of Dimítir which was used at Ílis (Elis, Ἦλις), after a sanctuary dedicated to the Goddess at the foot of a hill where it was believed that the earth opened up to Ploutôn (Pluto; Gr. Πλούτων) and afterwards closed again. Others believe that she was named thus because a temple in her honor had been built on the property of Khamýnis (Chamynes, Χαμύνης), an individual who had been put to death for having plotted against the tyrant of Písa (Πῖσα) in the western Pælopónnisos (Peloponnese, Πελοπόννησος). (Παυσανίας Ἑλλάδος περιήγησις 6.21)

Khlóï - (chloë; Gr. χλόη, ΧΛΟΗ) the first green shoot of plants in spring.

Khlöókarpos - (chloöcarpus; Gr. χλοόκαρπος, ΧΛΟΟΚΑΡΠΟΣ) producing green fruits, Orph. Hymn 40.5.

Khrysáoros - (Chrysaorus; Gr. Χρυσάορος, ΧΡΥΣΑΟΡΟΣ; masc. and fem. adj. = χρυσάωρ.) with sword of gold.

Khthonía - (chthonia; Gr. χθονία, ΧΘΟΝΙΑ) In Orphic hymn 40.12, the Goddess Dimítir is described as khthonía, earthy. Apart from the obvious connection the Goddess has with the earth, there are two stories told to us by Pafsanías (Παυσανίας) in Ἑλλάδος περιήγησις, both found 2.35.4-5. The two stories are connected with a temple in Ærmióni (Ἑρμιόνη) at the southern extremity of Argolís (Ἀργολίς) in the Pælopónnisos (Πελοπόννησος). The first story says that two children of Phorônéfs (Φορωνεύς), Khthonía and Klýmænos (Κλύμενος), founded a sanctuary to Dimítir and for this reason the Goddess is called Khthonía after the daughter. The second story relates that when Dimítir was passing through Argolís, a certain Kolóntas (Κολόντας) would not offer her hospitality and for this offense he was severely punished. But his daughter Khthonía strongly disapproved of her father's conduct. For this reason, Khthonía was taken to Ærmióni by Dimítir and the girl was responsible for the temple there and for this reason the people use her name as an epithet for the Goddess.

Kidaría - (Cidaria; Gr. Κιδαρία, ΚΙΔΑΡΙΑ) Näís (Naüs, Ναΰς) was a grandson of Évmolpos (Εὔμολπος), one of the first priests at the great sanctuary at Ælefsís (Ἐλευσίς). On account of an oracle from Dælphí (Δελφοί) Näís went to the town of Phǽnæos (Φένεος) in northeastern Arkadía (Αρκαδία) and there established the Mysteries, which were said to be the same as those practiced at Ælefsís. The Goddess Dimítir is known in these Mysteries by the epithet Kidaría, which may be somehow connected with a special mask which the priests wore. (Paus. 8.15.1-3)

Koura - (Coura or Core; Gr. κούρα, ΚΟΥΡΑ; a form of κόρη.) In Orphic hymn 40.13, the Goddess Dimítir is described as a koura, a maiden or daughter.

Kourotróphos - (Courotrophus; Gr. Κουροτρόφος, ΚΟΥΡΟΤΡΟΦΟΣ) In Orphic hymn 40.2 and line 13, the Goddess Dimítir is called kourotróphos, nurturer of children.

Kyanópæplos - (cyanopeplus; Gr. κυανόπεπλος, ΚΥΑΝΟΠΕΠΛΟΣ) dark-veiled, of Demeter mourning for her daughter, Homeric Hymn Demeter 319, 360, 374.

Kydra - See Kydrí.

Kydrí - (cydra; Gr. κυδρή, ΚΥΔΡΗ, fem. of κυδρός) glorious, illustrious, noble.

Lampadóæssa - (lampadoessa; Gr. λαμπαδόεσσα, ΛΑΜΠΑΔΟΕΣΣΑ, fem. of λαμπαδόεις. Adj.) Orphic hymn 40.11, torch-bearing.

Likmaia - (Gr. λικμαία, ΛΙΚΜΑΙΑ) the winnower, an epithet derived from λικμός, another name for the λίκνον, a winnowing fan. The λίκνον is a large basket used to throw threshed grain into the wind, separating the grain from the chaff.

Mægála Mítir - (Megala Meter; Gr. Μεγάλα Μήτηρ, ΜΕΓΑΛΑ ΜΗΤΗΡ) the Great Mother.

Mægála Thæá - (Megala Thea; Gr. Μεγάλα Θεά, ΜΕΓΑΛΑ ΘΕΑ. Μέγαλα is fem. of μέγας.) At Paus. 8.31.1-2, the Goddess Dimítir is described as Mægála Thæá, the Great or Mighty Goddess.

Mákaira - (macaira; Gr. μάκαιρα, ΜΑΚΑΙΡΑ; fem. of μάκαρ.) happy (Orphic hymn 40.18) as are all the deathless Gods.

Malophóros - See Milophóros.

Milophóros - (melophorus; Gr. μηλοφόρος, ΜΗΛΟΦΟΡΟΣ) bearing apples, καρπός (fruit).

Mounoyænís - (mounogenes; Gr. μουνογενής, ΜΟΥΝΟΓΕΝΗΣ; a form of μονογενής.) Orphic hymn 40.16, only-begotten.

Olbiodotis - See Olviodóhtis.

Olviodóhtis - (Olbiodotis; Gr. ὀλβιοδώτις, ΟΛΒΙΟΔΩΤΙΣ. ὀλβιοδώτις is the fem. of ὀλβιοδώτης.) Orphic hymn 40.2, she who fills our souls with bliss.

Ôriphóros - (horephorus; Gr. ὡρηφόρος, ΩΡΗΦΟΡΟΣ) leading on the seasons, or bringing on the fruits in their season.

Paidophílis - (paidophiles; Gr. παιδοφίλης, ΠΑΙΔΟΦΙΛΗΣ) In Orphic hymn 40.13, lover of boys.

Pammíteira - (pammeteira; Gr. παμμήτειρα, ΠΑΜΜΗΤΕΙΡΑ) Orphic hymn 40.1, the mother of all.

Panachaea - See Panákhaia.

Pantodóteira - (Gr. παντοδότειρα, ΠΑΝΤΟΔΟΤΕΙΡΑ = πανδώτειρα) Orphic hymn 40.3, the giver of everything.

Ploutodóteria - (plutodoteira; Gr. πλουτοδότειρα, ΠΛΟΥΤΟΔΟΤΕΙΡΑ = πλουτοδότης.) giver of riches, Orph.H.40.3.

Polyánthæmos - (polyanthemus; Gr. πολυάνθεμος, ΠΟΛΥΑΝΘΕΜΟΣ) Orphic hymn 40.17, rich in flowers.

Polyóhnymos - (polyonymus; Gr. πολυώνυμος, ΠΟΛΥΩΝΥΜΟΣ) Orphic hymn 40.1, having many names.

Polýphorvos - (polyphorbus; Gr. πολύφορβος, ΠΟΛΥΦΟΡΒΟΣ) feeding many, bountiful.

Polypótnia thnitós - (polypotnia thnetos; Gr. πολυπότνια θνητός, ΠΟΛΥΠΟΤΝΙΑ ΘΝΗΤΟΣ) Orphic hymn 40.16, the mighty queen of the mortals.

Polýsohros - (polysoros; Gr. πολύσωρος, ΠΟΛΥΣΩΡΟΣ) rich in heaps of corn.

Polýtæknos - (polytecnus; Gr. πολύτεκνος, ΠΟΛΥΤΕΚΝΟΣ) Orphic hymn 40.16, having many children.

Pótnia - (Gr. πότνια, ΠΟΤΝΙΑ. Noun.) as Subst., = δέσποινα, mistress, queen; also Pótnia Thæáôn (Θεα̈́ων) Queen of Goddesses.

Prostasía - (Gr. προστασία, ΠΡΟΣΤΑΣΙΑ; nom. Attic Doric Aeolic of προστάσιος.) See Prostásios.

Prostásios - (Gr. προστάσιος, ΠΡΟΣΤΑΣΙΟΣ. Adj.) protective, for she stands before as a barrier from evil.

Pyrphóros - (Gr. Πυρφόρος, ΠΥΡΦΟΡΟΣ) fire-bearing.

Sæmní - (semne; Gr. σεμνή, ΣΕΜΝΗ. σεμνός is masculine; σεμνή is feminine.) Orphic hymn 40.2 and 40.13, revered or holy.

Semne - See Sæmní.

Sitóh - ( Sito; Gr. Σιτώ, ΣΙΤΩ, from σῖτος, "grain.") of the Grain.

Sóhteira - (Soteira; Gr. σώτειρα, ΣΩΤΕΙΡΑ) fem. of σωτήρ, saviouress.

Sôrítis - (soritis; Gr. σωρῖτις, ΣΩΡΙΤΙΣ) giver of heaps of corn, Orph.H.40.5.

Spærmeii - (spermeie; Gr. σπερμείη, ΣΠΕΡΜΕΙΗ. σπερμείη is the fem. of σπερμειος.) presiding over seeds, Orph. Hymn 40.5.

Spermeie - See Spærmeii.

Stakhyotróphos - (stachyotrophos, Gr. σταχυοτρόφος, ΣΤΑΧΥΟΤΡΟΦΟΣ) nourishing ears of corn, Orph.H.40.3.

Synǽstios - (synestius; Gr. συνέστιος, ΣΥΝΕΣΤΙΟΣ) Orphic hymn 40.10, sharing the hearth.

Thǽzmios - (thesmios; Gr. θέσμιος, ΘΕΣΜΙΟΣ; fem. and masc. nom.) lawful.

Thesmius - See Thǽzmios.

Thesmophorus - See Thæzmophóros.

Timáokhos - (timaochos; Gr. τιμάοχος, ΤΙΜΑΟΧΟΣ) having honor.

Vrimóh - (Brimo; Gr. Βριμώ, ΒΡΙΜΩ) The epithet is usually interpreted as meaning something like the terrible one or the angry one, but perhaps it is actually derived from βριμάζω, roaring like a lion.

Vromía - (Bromia; Gr. Βρομία, ΒΡΟΜΙΑ. Βρομία is fem. nom. of Βρόμιος.) Orphic hymn 40.10, Vakkhic (Bacchic).

Xanthí - (xanthe; Gr. ξανθή, ΞΑΝΘΗ; fem. of ξανθός.) The hair of Goddess Dimítir is said to be xanthí, yellow or golden, like the grain.

The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

Introduction to the Thæí (the Gods): The Nature of the Gods.

How do we know there are Gods? Experiencing Gods.

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The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

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