Hadrian, diobol from Alexandria in Egypt (Milne 1289)
The Agathodaemon is frequently portrayed in ancient art as a
serpent, however delving a little deeper shows that this is not the only
incarnation and other manifestations come to light.
Agathodaemon, or rather Agathos Daimon (meaning “good
spirit”) is part of a celestial couple with Agathe Tyche (“good fortune”) who
may both be portrayed with a polos (sometimes described as a kalathos or
modius) with a cornucopia.
Agathos Daimon and Agathe Tyche are not deities with
specific personalities like most of the Olympian gods but rather more generic. Pausanias
even conjectured, wrongly, that the name Agathodaemon was a mere epithet of
Zeus. He was, however, prominent in Greek folk religion and it was customary to
drink or pour out a few drops of unmixed wine to honour him in every symposium
or formal banquet.
Agathos Daimon
Agathos Daimon and Agathe Tyche are representations of the
demoi, the good spirit of the people and their ancestors.
Agathe Tyche
