Persephone Epithets
Azesia- “of the Dried Fruits” and/or “Who Seeks”. The epithet is shared with her mother, Demeter. It is possible the double meaning is intended to link them while referring to their separate aspects.
Brimo- “the Angry” or “the Terrifying”. An alternative interpretation places the meaning as “of the Crackling Fire.” This epithet was most commonly shared by Persephone, Demeter, Hekate, and Cybele. However, many Goddesses are known to be called by this name. The interpretation of “the Crackling Fire” refers to Hekate bearing the torches during the initial search for Persephone.
Carpophorus- “Bringer of Fruit”. This epithet was specific to Persephone in the role of Kore. She shared it with Demeter. This was a common epithet used at their temple in Tegea.
Chthonia- “of the Earth” or “Subterranean”. This is an epithet common to any deity who journeys to the Underworld. Notably, it is shared by Hades, Persephone, Demeter, Hekate, Hermes, and Dionysus.
Daeira- “Knowing One”. Demeter’s and Persephone’s Mystery traditions were one of the first and most well-known. Persephone comprehended the mysteries of living and death. She knew the mechanisms of the Earth.
Deione- “Daughter of Demeter”.
Despoena- “The Ruling Goddess” or “The Mistress.” This epithet is shared by Persephone, Demeter, and Aphrodite.
Eleusina- “of Eleusis”. This epithet is shared by Persephone and Demeter. The main area of their worship was the town of Eleusis in Attica.
Epaine- “the Fearful”. It is not that Persephone herself was afraid, but her worshipers praised her because of how they feared her.
Hagne- “Pure” or “Holy One”.
Hercyna- “of the Stone Enclosure”. This is a poorly understood epithet. In my opinion, it refers to her domain in the Underworld.
Kore- “The Maiden”. This is an alternate name for Persephone and was her original name before joining Hades in the Underworld. It can be used for her at any time.
Leptynis- There is no solid interpretation of this epithet. Leptins were small Greek coins used in ancient times, so I often think this means “of the Coins.” This would work because her husband was Hades, Lord of Riches and coins were used as payment to enter the Underworld.
Megala Thea- “Great Goddess”.
Melitodes- “Sweet as Honey”. Persephone, as seen above, was considered to be a terrifying Goddess. This epithet was used as a way of invoking her softly, with compliments.
Praxidike- “Bringer of Justice”.
Protogone- “First Born”. This is another poorly understood epithet. I interpret it as a nod to Persephone as Demeter’s first-born child. (Zeus had many Goddesses he considered to be his Queen. Demeter was one of them, and Persephone is often considered to be their child from this time.)
Soteira- “Savior”. An epithet shared by many Goddesses including Artemis, Persephone, Athena, and Eunomia. In Laconia and Arcadia, this was commonly used by worshipers of Persephone. A similar epithet is shared by Hades and Dionysus, as well as many other Gods.
(Source: theoi.com- Titles of Demeter & Kore: Ancient Greek Religion)
I hope this is a helpful list for anyone interested in worshiping Persephone. These are her main epithets. I took out alternate spellings and epithets which had the same meanings but were less widely known than the ones shown here. If you are interested in ideas on when to use these epithets or inspiration based on them, shoot me an ask!
