Galaxy/The codex of Chthonia

In Greek mythology, Chthonia (Ancient Greek: Χθονία, literally "of the earth" or "subterranean") is the name of an Athenian princess, the youngest daughter of King Erechtheus and Praxithea. In one tradition she was sacrificed by her father after a prophecy held that he could win the imminent war against Eumolpus only by offering up his daughter. In another account she married her uncle Butes, a version that implies she was not sacrificed. The same name is borne by several other figures in Greek myth and is also used as a divine epithet.

Adapted from Wikipedia, "Chthonia" · CC BY-SA 4.0

I.Daughter of Erechtheus

Chthonia was an Athenian princess, the youngest daughter of King Erechtheus of Athens and Praxithea. She was sacrificed by her father, who had received a prophecy according to which he could win the imminent battle against Eumolpus only if he sacrificed his daughter.

It was also said, however, that Chthonia married her uncle Butes, a version which probably indicated a tradition in which she was not sacrificed.

II.Daughter of Phoroneus

In another tradition, Chthonia was a daughter of Phoroneus or of Colontas. Together with her brother Clymenus she was said to have founded a sanctuary of Demeter Chthonia at Hermione.

III.An Alcyonide

Chthonia, also given as Phthonia, was one of the Alcyonides, the daughters of the giant Alcyoneus. When their father was slain by Heracles, the sisters threw themselves into the sea and were transformed into halcyons (kingfishers) by the goddess Amphitrite.

IV.Divine epithet and other uses

Chthonia was also an epithet of Demeter and of several other chthonic deities, such as Hecate, Nyx, and Melinoe.

In addition, Chthonia was an ancient mythical and poetical name of the island of Crete.

AT A GLANCE

Greek nameChthonia (Χθονία)
Roman nameChthonia
Typemortal
Domainsthe house of Erechtheus · the Erechtheid daughters · sacrifice for the city
ParentageErechtheus · Praxithea
Cult centersHermione (sanctuary of Demeter Chthonia)
EtymologyThe name Chthonia (Ancient Greek: Χθονία) derives from chthōn, "earth," and means "of the earth" or "subterranean." The same root underlies its use as an epithet of chthonic (underworld) deities.
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