noun
- Plural of eudaemon; benevolent spirits or demons in ancient Greek and Roman belief, often depicted as guardian spirits or minor deities.
- In philosophy, entities or principles associated with eudaimonia (human flourishing or happiness); sometimes used metaphorically to represent ideals of well-being.
Usage: classical; often capitalized; also spelled 'eudaemones'
Usage: philosophical; rare in modern usage
Examples
- In ancient Greek religion, eudaemons were believed to guide and protect mortals throughout their lives.
- The Romans adopted the concept of eudaemons from Greek tradition, incorporating them into their own spiritual beliefs.
- Plato's writings reference eudaemons as intermediary beings between gods and humans.
- Some scholars interpret eudaemons as personifications of virtue and moral excellence.
- The notion of eudaemons influenced later Western ideas about guardian angels and protective spirits.