Hekate, Goddess of the Underworld

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This black-glazed oinoche (jug) showcases an intricate relief decoration depicting Hekate holding two torches while dancing before a cult statue situated behind an altar. Her entire figure, including her face, was originally covered in gold foil; her small, floating cloak was a vibrant red hue. Adorning the neck of the jug is a wreath of laurel leaves with additional decorative festoons. Hekate, a revered goddess in ancient Greek mythology and religion, is often depicted holding two torches or a key. In later periods, she is typically shown in triple form. Her associations are diverse, encompassing crossroads, entranceways, light, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, ghosts, necromancy, and sorcery. Hekate makes appearances in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and Hesiod's Theogony, where she is extolled as a great goddess. The origins of her devoted following remain unclear, although it is believed that she had a strong presence in Thrace. In Athenian households, she was one of the primary deities worshipped as a protective figure who bestowed prosperity and daily blessings on families. In the post-Christian writings of the Chaldean Oracles (2nd–3rd century CE), Hekate is regarded with dominion over earth, sea, and sky, as well as a more universal role as Saviour (Soteira), Mother of Angels, and Cosmic World Soul. Regarding her cult nature, it has been observed that she is more at home on the periphery than in the center of Greek polytheism. Her intrinsic ambivalence and polymorphous nature enable her to straddle conventional boundaries and defy definition.