THE LITAI IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
The Litai were a group of minor goddesses in the pantheon of Ancient Greece. The Litai were the goddesses of prayers, especially prayers of repentance.
The Litai Maidens of Zeus
In surviving sources, the Litai are not numbered or named, but are said by some to be daughters of Zeus, although the use of the term ‘maidens of Zeus’, perhaps they were in the god’s entourage rather than being his daughters.
Additionally, the Litai were said to be the sisters of Ate, goddess of rash action, where Ate is commonly said to have been a daughter of Eris. |
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The Litai and Ate
The Litai were closely associated with Ate, following in her wake, attempting to repair the damage caused by the goddess, for where those who acted recklessly, but offered up prayers in the aftermath, might be saved.
The Litai though were described as being old and crippled, so they could never catch up with Ate, and were often a distance behind, meaning irreparable damage might have already been done.
Conversely those who failed to recognise the Litai, or give them their due reverence, might see Zeus send down Ate deliberately to cause that man to act with great folly.
The Litai though were described as being old and crippled, so they could never catch up with Ate, and were often a distance behind, meaning irreparable damage might have already been done.
Conversely those who failed to recognise the Litai, or give them their due reverence, might see Zeus send down Ate deliberately to cause that man to act with great folly.
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Colin Quartermain - Litai - 3rd February 2024