Apotropaic
conceptApotropaic rituals and symbols were used to ward off evil, bad luck, and malicious spirits — from Gorgon heads on temples to the evil eye protections still used today.
The Myth
The Greeks placed Gorgon heads (gorgoneia) on temples, shields, and ovens to frighten away evil. Herms (pillars with Hermes's head) stood at crossroads and doorways. Garlic, certain gestures, and spoken formulae protected against the evil eye (baskania). These practices were not marginal superstition but mainstream religion — apotropaic devices were built into major temples and public buildings. The evil eye belief, originating in Greek antiquity, is still active across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia today.
Symbols
Fun Fact
The blue glass "evil eye" beads sold throughout Greece and Turkey today are direct descendants of ancient Greek apotropaic amulets.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
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