The Lampads /ˈlæmpədz, ˈlæmˌpædz/orLampades /ˈlæmpəˌdiːz/ (Greek: Λαμπάδες) are the nymphs of the UnderworldinGreek mythology.[1]
Companions of Hecate, the Greek goddess of witchcraft and crossroads, they were a gift from Zeus for Hecate's loyalty in the Titanomachy. They bear torches and accompany Hecate on her night-time travels and hauntings.[1] Some accounts tell of how the light of the Lampads' torches has the power to drive one to madness. They also serve as handmaidens to other Underworld goddesses, such as Persephone/Proserpina and Melinoë. They had parties called Mysteries, and they loved to play tricks on people. Some even say that they led travelers to their death. Others say that they helped people.
The Lampads' Roman name is nymphae Avernales ("infernal nymphs").[2]
Avernales nymphae, the infernal nymphs, Ovid. Met. 5, 540.
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Ancient Greek deities
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