Despœna

Family: Arcadian gods · Role: goddess · First appears: Book 8 · Chapter 37

In Book 8, Chapter 37, the Arcadians identified Despœna as the daughter of Poseidon and Demeter, and said Anytus raised her near the temple. They worshipped her more than the other gods. In Chapter 42, the account says that after Poseidon’s assault, Demeter gave birth to Despœna. Her general appellation was Despœna, while her private name was Persephone; the Arcadians also used Despœna for the daughter of Zeus and Demeter.

Relationship record

Life events

• Anytus raised Despœna near the temple.(Book 8 · Chapter 37 · 📍 temple of Despœna)
  • With: Anytus
  • “they say Despœna was brought up near the temple by him.”
• The Arcadians identified Despœna as the daughter of Poseidon and Demeter.(Book 8 · Chapter 37 · 📍 temple of Despœna)
  • With: Poseidon Demeter
  • “The Arcadians worship Despœna more than any of the gods, and say that she was the daughter of Poseidon and Demeter.”
• Demeter gives birth to Despœna after Poseidon’s assault.(Book 8 · Chapter 42)
  • With: Demeter
  • “they say Demeter gave birth not to a foal but to her that the Arcadians call Despœna.”

Book 8 · Chapter 37

• parent: Poseidon “The Arcadians worship Despœna more than any of the gods, and say that she was the daughter of Poseidon and Demeter.”
• parent: Demeter “The Arcadians worship Despœna more than any of the gods, and say that she was the daughter of Poseidon and Demeter.”
• guardian: Anytus “And on the other side of the throne near Despœna stands Anytus in armour: they say Despœna was brought up near the temple by him.”
• with Damophon (Damophon made the statues.) “The statues of the Goddesses Despœna and Demeter, and the throne on which they sit, and the footstool under their feet, are all of one piece of stone: and neither about the dress nor on the throne is any portion of another stone dove-tailed in, but everything is one block of stone. ... They are by Damophon.”
• with Persephone (Despœna is described as an appellation also given to Persephone.) “Her general appellation is Despœna, a name they also give to the Daughter of Zeus and Demeter, but her private name is Persephone”

Book 8 · Chapter 42

• parent: Demeter “they say Demeter gave birth not to a foal but to her that the Arcadians call Despœna.”

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Extracted from the original text of Pausanias' Description of Greece. Made with Rho MD.