Greek Mythology >> Greek Gods >> Daemones (Spirits) >> Agon

AGON

Greek Name

Αγων

Transliteration

Agôn

Latin Spelling

Agon

Translation

Contest (agôn)

AGON was the personified spirit (daimon) of contest who possessed at altar at Olympia the site of the Olympic Games.

He may be the same as Zelos (Rivalry) the brother of Nike (Victory).

PARENTS

Nowhere stated

ENCYCLOPEDIA

AGON (Agôn), a personification of solemn contests (agônes). He was represented in a statue at Olympia with haltêres in his hands. This statue was a work of Dionysius, and dedicated by Smicythus of Rhegium. (Paus. v. 26. § 3.)

Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.

CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES

Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 20. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) :
"[Depicted on table by Kolotes (Colotes) dedicated at Olympia :] Behind is the disposition of the games. On one side are Asklepios (Asclepius) and Hygeia (Health), one of his daughters; Ares too and Agon (Contest) by his side."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 26. 3 :
"Among the offerings of Mikythos (Micythus) [at Olympia] is [a statue of] Agon (Contest) carrying jumping-weights."