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InGreek mythology,Soteria (Greek:Σωτηρία) was the goddess or spirit (daimon) ofsafety andsalvation, deliverance, and preservation from harm (not to be mistaken forEleos). Soteria was also an epithet of the goddessesPersephone andHecate, meaning deliverance and safety.[1]
Soteria's male counterpart was the spirit or daimonSoter. BothZeus andDionysus were titled Soter, so either may have been her father; her mother is unknown.She had a sanctuary and a statue made in her honor in the town ofPatrae,[2] which was believed to have been founded by Eurypylos of Thessaly. Various texts mention the creation of her sanctuary, for example:
Soteria was depicted as a woman wearing alaurel wreath crown, a symbol of victory.
InRoman mythology, Soteria is known asSalus (Preservation); however, Salus's domain more heavily featured physical well-being and health rather than security and safety. The Bible's use of Soteria indicates its etymology from Greek mythology, as the word is used to mean "fourfold salvation: saved from the penalty, power, presence and most importantly the pleasure of sin."[4]
