CURETI. – Minor Greek divinities; believed to be autochthonous or sons of Zeus, they were venerated especially in Crete, where they were said to be the founders of many cities. They were benevolent demons, protectors of cities and flocks, tamers of animals, endowed with the gift of prophecy, and inventors of weapons.
Their number varies from one to ten. Rhea is said to have entrusted the young Zeus to them, and they supposedly concealed his cries by striking their weapons together and dancing the pyrrhic dance, which they had invented. The principal centers of their cult were Crete, Euboea, Messenia, and Ephesus, where they were associated with the rivalry between Hera and Latona. They were identified with the Telchines, the Dactyls, the Corybantes, etc.