Set III-2-aga-003. In ancient Greek religion, Agathodaemon was "good spirit" of vineyards and grainfields. It was also a personal companion spirit, comparable to the Roman genius, who ensured good luck, health, and wisdom. It was customary to drink or pour out a few drops of unmixed wine to honor him in every symposion or formal banquet. Agathodaemon was the spouse or companion of the goddess Tyche Agathe ("Good Fortune"). Agathodaemon was more prominent in traditional folk beliefs than in Greek mythology.
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“ Timoleon [Timoleon of Corinth, 411-337 BC] did well to erect an altar at Syracuse to the Goddess of Accidents in commemoration of his acts, and to consecrate his house to the Good Daemon [Ἀγαθός Δαίμων]. „
● Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus (46-120 AD), Moralia VII, 542 E: On Praising Oneself Inoffensively, 11 | Translated by Phillip Howard De Lacy. Copyright © 1959.
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“ At Athens people consecrate the fresh wine on the eleventh of the month Anthesterion, calling the day Pithoigia; and long ago, it seems, they used to pour a libation of the wine before drinking and pray the the use of the "medicine" be harmless and safe for them. Among us [the Boeotians] the month is called Prostaterios, and on the sixth of the month it is our custom to sacrifice to our Good Genius [Ἀγαθός Δαίμων] and taste the wine, - after a Westerly, for this wind especially changes and alters the wine, and wine which survives it successfully seems now certain to keep good. „
● Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus (46-120 AD), Moralia VIII, 655 E: Table-Talk III, 7, 1 | Translated by Paul A. Clement. Copyright © 1969.
| Editorial notes: {...} - Omitted text; [...] - Translation back to the original, clarification, or curator's commentary. |
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