Theeudaemon,eudaimon, oreudemon (Ancient Greek:εὐδαίμων) inGreek mythology was a type ofdaemon orgenius (deity), which in turn was a kind of spirit.[1] A eudaemon was regarded as a good spirit orangel, and the evilcacodaemon was its opposing spirit.[2]
The wordeudaimon in Greek means having a good attendant spirit, and consequently being happy. It is composed of the words εὖeu, which means "well" or "good" and δαίμωνdaimon, which means "divinity, spirit, divine power, fate, or god."[2][3][4] Sometimeseudaimon is taken to mean literally "good spirit".[2] Alsodaimon is the Greek derivative for the term demon, in which case "demon" means "replete with knowledge".[4][5]
Moreover,Eudaimon is as well an ancient proper noun, in particular it was the Greek name of a priest ofZeus and father ofP. Aelius Aristeides, a notorious rhetorician of the second century AD.[6]
Eudaemons in Greek mythology included deified heroes. They were regarded intermediary spirits between gods and the men. Eudaemons, the good daemons, were understood as guardian spirits, bestowing protection and guidance to ones they watched over.[4][5]
As a counselor, the eudaemon whispered advice and opinions in one's ear. Such person escorted by the eudaemon was considered fortunate. It was said thatSocrates during his lifetime had a daemon that always warned him of threats and bad judgment, but never directed his actions. According to Socrates, his daemon was more accurate than the respected forms of divination at that time, such as eitherreading the entrails orwatching the flights of birds.[4][5]
A worshiped good daemon wasAgathodaemon in whose honor the firstlibation to the godDionysus was dedicated.[7]
The philosopherAristotle believed that a happy person is one who is eudaemon, but still in a literal manner one possessing a good or fortunate daemon.Heraclitus believed that a person’s character is his guardian daemon.[7]
Once in a while the good daemon may also stand for the souls of the deceased. For example, the heroineAlcestis in 438 BCEAthenian tragedy by the GreekEuripides, is reported as a "blessed daemon" subsequent to her death.[7]
According to psychologistCarl Jung there is not eudaemon or else cacodaemon but only the daemon, which is a unique independent spirit neither good nor bad, living in everyone.[5]
In mystical approaches eudaemon is sometimes defined as a symbol of "higher self", or the individual in the "causal body." As well it is a symbol of intelligence on the "buddhic plane" and higher esoteric planes, which assists evolution and is related to the higher thoughts and emotions.[5]