Lampad Explained

The Lampads or Lampades (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Λαμπάδες) are the nymphs of the Underworld in Greek mythology.^[1]

Mythology

Companions of Hecate, the Greek goddess of witchcraft and crossroads, they were a gift from Zeus for Hecate's loyalty in the Titanomachy. They bear torches and accompany Hecate on her night-time travels and hauntings.^[1] Some accounts tell of how the light of the Lampads' torches has the power to drive one to madness.

They also serve as handmaidens to other Underworld goddesses, such as Persephone/Proserpina, Melinoë, Enodia, etc. Some even say that they led travelers to their death. Others say that they helped people.

The Lampads' Roman name is Latin: nymphae [[Avernale]]s ("infernal nymphs").^[2]

See also

• The Wild Hunt (Nordic and Germanic folklore)
• The Nightmarchers (Hawaiian religion)
• The Hyakki Yagyō (Japanese folklore)

External links

• Lampades at Theoi

Notes and References

1. Web site: LAMPADES . Theoi . 13 November 2023.
2. Book: Adam, Alexander. A Compendious Dictionary of the Latin Tongue. 1814. Edinburgh. 146. Latin: Avernales nymphae, the infernal nymphs, Ovid. Met. 5, 540..