The Story of Despoina
Despoina was a goddess of the Arcadian Mysteries, honored as the daughter of Demeter and Poseidon. While Demeter searched the earth for her lost daughter Persephone, Poseidon pursued her, and she turned herself into a mare to escape him. He became a stallion and caught her, and she gave birth to a daughter and to the immortal horse Arion.
Her title simply means the mistress, because her real name was kept secret and revealed only to those initiated into her rites. The traveler Pausanias knew it but refused to write it down for the uninitiated. Like Persephone, she was a goddess of fertility and of the mysteries of life and death.
Her great sanctuary stood at Lycosura in Arcadia, where the sculptor Damophon carved huge statues of Demeter and Despoina seated side by side. Pausanias reports that worshippers brought her all kinds of fruit except pomegranates, which were forbidden there. She was one of the most honored goddesses in Arcadia, though she was little known elsewhere.
Famous Myths About Despoina
Born of Demeter and Poseidon
As Demeter searched for her lost daughter, Poseidon pursued her, and she turned herself into a mare to escape him. He became a stallion and caught her, and she gave birth to a daughter, Despoina, and the immortal horse Arion.
Despoina's Family Tree
Partners of Despoina
Children of Despoina
Frequently Asked Questions About Despoina
Who is Despoina in Greek mythology?
Despoina is a goddess of the Arcadian Mysteries and of fertility. Her name simply means the mistress.
Who are Despoina's parents?
Despoina is the daughter of Poseidon and Demeter. Demeter turned into a mare to escape Poseidon, but he became a stallion and caught her.
Why is Despoina's real name unknown?
Her true name was revealed only to those initiated into her mysteries, so it was never written down.
