ÉCATÉ. — A minor divinity of the Greek religion; according to some, of Carian origin. Homer does not know her; Hesiod calls her the daughter of the Titan Perseus and Asteria, the sister of Latona; protectress of men and of all their activities, she grants victory and honors in war and in contests, and is the protectress of women, horsemen,
shepherds, and fishermen. In these very extensive functions, one must perhaps discern Orphic influence.
She enjoyed widespread worship: famous sanctuaries were those of Aegina and Argos; in Athens she was worshipped on the Atropoli. She was very popular as goddess of spirits and specters, identified with Artemis and Persephone and associated with the underworld (v. CTORICHE, DIVINITÀ). As an infernal goddess she was invoked by sorcerers for magical acts and spells.