Soter

Soter derives from the Greek epithet σωτήρ (sōtēr), meaning a saviour, a deliverer; initial capitalised Σωτήρ; fully capitalised ΣΩΤΗΡ; feminine Soteira (Σώτειρα). Soter has been used as:

• as a title of Gods: Poseidon Soter, Zeus Soter, Dionysus Soter, Athena Soteira and Hecate Soteira.
• as the name of a distinct mythical figure, Soter (daimon)
• any heroized leaders of Hellenistic dynasties, see hero cult:
  • Ptolemy I Soter
  • Antiochus I Soter
  • Demetrius I Soter
  • Rabbel II Soter
  • Attalus I
  • Seleucus III Ceraunus
  • Ptolemy IX
  • Diodotus I
  • Strato II
  • Strato I
  • Menander I
• as a title of liberators (see also eleutherios)
• a title of Jesus of Nazareth, most particularly in the fish acronym
• Saint Soter, Pope and Martyr

See also

• Hellenistic religion
• Soteria (festival)
• Soteriology, the study of salvation; in Christian contexts, the branch of Christology dealing with Jesus' capacity as Saviour of humankind