Antichi dèi, oggi: la Ecate dei neo-pagani

Abstract

Hecate was an ambiguous deity in ancient Greece, who survived throughout late Antiquity and Early Medieval period without losing her terrifying and dark features. During the Early Modern era, assimilated to Diana and Herodias, she appears in demonologists’ treaties on witchcraft, being considered the patroness of witches. Nowadays, contemporary Neo-Paganism attaches a remarkable role to medieval folklore: thus, due to her special link to magic and witchcraft, the goddess Hecate is even now particularly worshipped by several groups who attempt to revive, and revitalize, pre-Christian polytheistic elements. This goddess is perfectly suited to this aim.