Brewer's: Hecate

(3 syl. in Greek, 2 in Eng.). A triple deity, called Phoebe or the Moon in heaven, Diana on the earth, and Hecate or Proserpine in hell. She is described as having three heads—one of a horse, one of a dog, and one of a lion. Her offerings consisted of dogs, honey, and black lambs. She was sometimes called “Trivia,” because offerings were presented to her at cross-roads. Shakespeare refers to the triple character of this goddess:

And we fairies that do run By the triple Hecate's team.

Midsummer Night's Dream, v. 2.

Hecate, daughter of Perses the Titan, is a very different person to the “Triple Hecate,” who, according to Hesiod, was daughter of Zeus and a benevolent goddess. Hecate, daughter of Perses, was a magician, poisoned her father, raised a temple to Diana in which she immolated strangers, and was mother of Mede'a and Circe She presided over magic and enchantments, taught sorcery and witchcraft. She is represented with a lighted torch and a sword, and is attended by two black dogs.

Shakespeare, in his Macbeth, alludes to both these Hecates. Thus in act ii. 1 he speaks of “pale Hecate,” i.e. the mother of Medea and Circê, goddess of magicians, whom they invoked, and to whom they made offerings.

Now ... [at night] witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's offerings.

But in act iii. 2 he speaks of “black Hecate,” meaning night, and says before the night is over and day dawns, there

Shall be done A deed of dreadful note;

i.e. the murder of Duncan.

N.B. Without doubt, sometimes these two Hecates are confounded.

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