#olympos ancient city

[theoihalioistuff]

Hey! Regarding your last post about Zeus facets, do you have any idea about how he was perceived in cults?

I think this is such an interesting topic! There's no easy answer considering how ubiquitous and widespread his cult was, but for a quick overview I really recommend Jennifer Larson's Ancient Greek Cults. It's far from a complete coverage (for that there's Farnell's psycopathic 5 volume effort The Cults of the Greek States, and even he falls short), but it's an amazing collection of the most significant, fundamental and peculiar cultic aspects of every major god. So for my answer I'm shall offer a shamelessly plagiarised deficient summary of her work.

The most familiar cults of Zeus are the large panhellenic sanctuaries of Nemea and Olympia, where the god was famously honored with athletic contest. This last cult, a meeting place for local chieftans at least since the 10th C. BC, had victors offer massive hecatombs at the center of the sanctuary: a walled precinct called the Altis (Sacred Grove) where a primitive altar stood, a great conical pile of molded sacrificial ashes. The sanctuary also boasted of having one of the Seven Wonders of the world, Zeus' colossal chryselephantine statue. Appart from the awe and majesty, "viewers received the impression of a calm and peaceful deity. According to Dio Chrysostom (Or. 12.51), “whoever is deeply burdened with pain in his soul, having borne much misfortune and grief in his life and never being able to attain sweet sleep, even this man, I believe, standing before this image, would forget all the terrible and harsh things which one must suffer in human life.”"

Earlier cults focus more on Zeus's aspects as a rustic rain deity. As "the" sky god he frequently dwells on the summit of the tallest mountains (Mt. Lykaon in Arkadia, the Oros of Aigina, Ida in Troy, Hymmetos in Attica, etc. until ultimately Olympos) where he was worshipped under titles such as Ombrios (of showers), Aphesios (releaser, in reference to the myth of Aiakos and the drought), Hyetios (of rain) and Ikmaios (of moisture). Rain-magics were common (such as sprinkling water from oak boughs), and he was curiously worshipped on Keos and Mt. Pelion in conjunction with Sirios (the scorching Dog-Star). Fleeces seem to have formed a common part of many of these rituals.

Second only to Artemis, Zeus also had some of the most sinister cults, where mythically humans became the sacrificial victims. In Thessaly, Athamas almost sacrificed his son to Zeus Laphystios (the Devourer), and further strange practices survived to Herodotos' days (Histories 7. 197). Similarly in honour of Zeus Lykaios (wolfish) a secret nocturnal sacrifice was held during which participants ate portions of a “mystery meat” from a tripod kettle, reputed to contain not only entrails of animals, but also a human victim. Several traditions speak of the later lycanthropy of the participats. Zeus always makes a show of refusing human sacrifice in myths, punishing Lykaon and having Herakles berate Athamas, but still rituals that outlived even the roman era paint a darker picture of the god (though there's no archaeological evidence of human sacrifice).

Zeus also dwellt in the cities. An amusing rite was held in Athens in honour of Zeus Polias (of the city), where after the ox had been sacrificed the priest who had committed the deed quickly run off, and the axe that was used was tried for murder. He could also be found as Zeus Boulaios (of the Council), Agorarios (of the Agora), Soter (Saviour) and Eleutherios (liberator), and Zeus Tropaios (of the Rout) was worshipped as the defender of cities in the form of an empty armor placed on a pole. He also resided in the home, where he could be found in shrines dedicated to Zeus Patroös (ancestor), Herkeios (of the Courtyard) or Ktesios (of possessions), this last one embodied in a wool-wreathed jar filled him "ambrosia", that acted as a charm to increase the household goods. In the sanctuary of Zeus Messapeus, near Sparta, other finds were eclipsed by the staggering number of crude clay figures with massive, erect phalloi; presumably votive offerings related to male fertility and fatherhood. He was also syncretised with Zeus Meilichios, a serpentine god of a chthonic nature that deserves a post of their own. His moral attributes where reflected when he was surnamed Hikesios (of Suppliants), Katharsios (of Purification), Xenios (of Strangers/Foreigners) and Exakester (of Making Amends), and as Zeus Horkios (of Oaths) he served as the ultimate witness.

Finally, he had fascinating rites in Crete, where he was said to be born and die every year, and his tomb was shown to visitors (I won't go into details because I'd be here till the cows come home), and he was as an Oracular deity in Dodona, his other major panhellenic sanctuary. His cult title there was Naios (flowing), and together with Dione (the female form of his own name) he delivered prophecies (different ways are given depending on the version or theory: speaking oak-trees, doves, dove-priestesses, ascetic male priests, wind-chimes, lead tablets, etc.). In such a capacity, and as lord of fate, Apollo and other oracular figures were conceived of as his mouthpieces.

Generally speaking, quoting Larson: "His cults typically reinforce traditional sources of authority and standards of behavior, whether in the family, the kinship group, or the city." Still, plenty of his cults where surrounded by an elemental and primitive air. He ranges from majestic and lawful to savage and wild, from rustic to urbanite and from straightforward to mystical. He's the pile of contradictions I love to see in my mythological figures.

[choking-on-your-alibis]

hello and welcome! this blog is an AU of the greek gods. In order to punish the Gods for tormenting humanity due to godly affairs, Zeus has banished them to the mortal realm, to live like mortals. However, Athena and Hera saw this as unfair, as Zeus himself committed atrocities against humanity as well. Therefore, they worked together to banish Zeus to the mortal realm too. The Gods powers and immortality are still in tact, they are simply not allowed to live in their respective realms.

(this is not myth compliant! most of them are probably not going to be related due to shipping)

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interactable characters:

↬ achelous: patron god of the achelous river

↬ aeolus: god of the wind and air

↬ aether: primordial god of the upper air, light, the atmosphere, space and heaven

↬ alastor: god of family feuds and the avenger of evil deeds

↬ apollo: olympian god of music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun, light and knowledge

↬ ares: olympian god of war (physical, violent and untamed aspect)

↬ aristaeus: minor patron god of animal husbandry, bee-keeping and fruit trees

↬ asclepius: god of medicine, health, healing, rejuvenation and physicians

↬ atlas: primordial titan of astronomy

↬ boreas: a wind god (anemoi) and god of the cold north wind and the bringer of winter

↬ caerus: minor god of opportunity, luck and favourable moments

↬ chaos: physical representation of the nothingness that all things sprung from. filled the gap between heaven and the earth

↬ chronos (NOT the titan cronus): the god of time

↬ dinlas: guardian god of the ancient city lamark, a place where wounded heroes could heal after battle

↬ deimos: personification of dread and terror. twin to phobos

↬ dionysus: olympian god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, ritual madness, religious ecstasy and theatre

↬ erebus: primordial god of darkness

↬ eros: god of sexual desire, attraction, love and procreation

↬ eurus: anemoi and god of the unlucky east wind

↬ glaucus: a fisherman who became immortal after consuming an argonaut, became a god of the sea

↬ hades: olympian (kind of) god of the dead and riches. king of the underworld

↬ helios: god of the sun. also known as sol

↬ hephaestus: olympian god of fire, metalworking, stone masonry, forges and the art of sculpture

↬ heracles: the greatest of greek heroes who became the god of heroes, sports, athletes, health, agriculture, fertility, trade, oracles and the divine protector of mankind

↬ hermes: olympian god of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes and border crossings. the messenger of the gods

↬ hesperus: the evening star. phosphorus’ half brother

↬ hymenaois: god of marriage ceremonies, inspiring feasts and song

↬ hypnos: god of sleep

↬ kratos: god of strength and power

↬ krios: the titan god of the heavenly constellations and the measure of the year

↬ momus: the god of satire, mockery, censure, writers and poets and a spirit of evil-spirited blame and unfair criticism

↬ morpheus: god of dreams and sleep. dream walker

↬ moros: the physical embodiment of doom

↬ nereus: the titan god of the sea prior to poseidon and father of sea nymphs (nereids)

↬ notus: anemoi and god of the south wind

↬ oceanus: titan god of the ocean. personification of the world ocean

↬ olympos: primordial god of mountains

↬ paean: the physician of the olympian gods

↬ pallas: the titan god of warcraft and the springtime campaign season

↬ pan: god of nature, the wild, shepherds, flocks, goats, mountain wilds and is often associated with sexuality

↬ phobos: god of personal fear, panic and rout. twin to deimos

↬ phosphorus: the morning star. hesperus’ half brother

↬ plutus: god of wealth

↬ pontus: ancient primordial god of the deep sea

↬ poseidon: olympian god of the sea, earthquakes, storms and horses

↬ priapus: minor rustic fertility god, protector of flocks, fruit plants, bees and gardens (literally known for having a massive penis)

↬ prometheus: titan god of forethought (made humans out of clay!)

↬ tartarus: the god of the deep abyss

↬ thanatos: a minor god of death

↬ triton: messenger of the sea

↬ typhon: the deadliest monster in greek mythology, known as the father of all monsters. god of monsters, storms and volcanoes

↬ zelus: god of dedication, emulation, eager rivalry, envy, jealousy and zeal

↬ zephyros: anemoi and god of the west wind

↬ zeus: olympian god of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, justice, king of the gods

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[deathlessathanasia]

“It has been shown pretty convincingly that HEPHAISTOS, who has a non-Greek name, was a god of foreign and probably Asiatic origin. Although he was little worshipped on the Greek mainland except at Athens, his cult was of some importance in Asia Minor and the adjoining islands, and also the Greek colonies in the volcanic regions of Italy and Sicily. In Asia Minor, he was particularly associated with Lycia in the south-west, and above all the region of the Lycian Olympos, which was remarkable for the presence of large quantities of natural gas; he appears to have been the principal god of Phaselis, the main coastal city of that region. It has been suggested that he may have originated as a fire-god among the native peoples of Lycia, and that his cult may have spread from this original centre not only to other areas of the Anatolian mainland, but also to adjacent islands, especially Lemnos, whose mountain, Moschylos, is volcanic though long extinct. The city of Hephaistias on the north coast of the island was named after Hephaistos, and an ancient myth that was already known to Homer presented him as having fallen to earth on the island. As a deity who was associated with fire, he was pictured as a divine blacksmith from a very early period, and various places came to be identified as the site of his underground forge, wherever its presence could be inferred from extensive emissions of fire and smoke. When his cult was transferred to the volcanic regions of the west, the Aeolian (Lipari) islands near Sicily came to be connected with him, and also to some extent Sicily itself and southern Campania. In mainland Greece, Hephaistos was worshipped with considerable zeal in Attica, which was home to many craftsmen whose trades depended on the use of fire, but hardly at all anywhere else even if he was universally familiar as a god of myth.”

 - The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology

[turkeyvisa01]

Exploring the Natural Beauty: 05 National Parks in Turkey for Cape Verde Citizens

Turkey, a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, offers a variety of stunning national parks that are perfect for nature enthusiasts. For Cape Verde citizens looking to explore these pristine landscapes, applying for a Turkey visa is the first step. Whether you're interested in historical ruins, diverse wildlife, or breathtaking scenery, Turkey's national parks have something for everyone. Here are five must-visit national parks in Turkey for Cape Verde citizens.

1. Göreme National Park

Located in the heart of Cappadocia, Göreme National Park is renowned for its unique rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and stunning landscapes. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of the region. Hot air balloon rides provide an unforgettable way to see the park's fairy chimneys and valleys from above. Cape Verde citizens can apply for a Turkey visa online to experience this extraordinary destination.

2. Mount Nemrut National Park

Mount Nemrut National Park, situated in southeastern Turkey, is famous for its giant stone heads and ancient tombs. The park's most iconic feature is the summit of Mount Nemrut, where the colossal statues of gods and kings watch over the landscape. This historical site dates back to the 1st century BC and offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and archaeological wonder. For Cape Verde citizens planning to visit, Turkey visa application can be completed easily online.

3. Köprülü Canyon National Park

Adventure seekers will find Köprülü Canyon National Park an ideal destination. Located in the Mediterranean region, the park is known for its dramatic canyons, turquoise rivers, and lush forests. Activities such as white-water rafting, hiking, and camping make this park a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park also houses the ancient city of Selge, adding a historical element to your visit. Applying for a Turkey visa will allow Cape Verde citizens to explore this thrilling natural playground.

4. Olympos Beydaglari Coastal National Park

This national park, located along Turkey's southwestern coast, combines the best of both worlds: stunning beaches and majestic mountains. Olympos Beydaglari Coastal National Park is home to the ancient city of Olympos, beautiful coves, and rich biodiversity. The park’s natural and archaeological sites attract many visitors who come to enjoy its scenic beauty and historical significance. Cape Verde citizens should ensure they have a valid Turkey visa to take full advantage of this coastal gem.

5. Yedigöller National Park

Yedigöller, meaning "Seven Lakes," is a beautiful national park located in the Bolu province. As the name suggests, the park is famous for its seven picturesque lakes, each offering a tranquil retreat amidst lush forests. The park is particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation are popular activities here. To visit Yedigöller, Cape Verde citizens need to apply for a Turkey visa, which can be done easily online.

Applying for a Turkey Visa

Turkey visa for Cape Verde citizens is a straightforward process. The Turkish government has made it convenient for travelers by allowing them to apply for a Turkey visa online. This e-visa system is user-friendly and can be completed from the comfort of your home. For Cape Verde citizens residing in the UK, the process remains the same, and they can apply for a Turkey visa from the UK using the online portal.

To apply, Cape Verde citizens need to fill out the application form on the official Turkish e-visa website, provide necessary documents such as a valid passport, and pay the visa fee. Once approved, the e-visa will be emailed to the applicant, and they can print it out or save it on their mobile device.

Conclusion

Turkey's national parks offer a diverse range of experiences, from historical explorations to adventurous activities and serene nature retreats. For Cape Verde citizens, applying for a Turkey visa is the gateway to discovering these incredible destinations. Whether you’re planning to soar over Göreme’s fairy chimneys, explore the ancient statues of Mount Nemrut, raft through Köprülü Canyon, bask on the beaches of Olympos, or relax by the lakes of Yedigöller, Turkey promises a memorable adventure.

[ukdamo]

Today's phot with the most hits is an ancient analogue ohoto, scanned and uploaded to Flickr.

It was taken at Yanartas, near the ancient city of Olympos, in Turkey.

Wikipedia says this:

Yanartaş ([janaɾˈtaʃ], Turkish for "flaming stone") is a geographical feature near the Olympos valley and national park in Antalya Province in southwestern Turkey. It is the site of dozens of small fires which burn constantly from vents in the rocks on the side of the mountain. Directly below the fires are the ruins of the temple of Hephaistos, the Greek god who was associated with fire through his role as the blacksmith to the gods. To see the fires and the ruins, visitors must first go to the entrance at the foot of the mountain. The site is at the top of an easy one kilometre climb. Most people visit at night, when the fires are at their most spectacular.

In ancient times sailors could navigate by the flames, but today they are more often used to brew tea.

The site is linked with the legend of the Chimera and Bellerophon.

[beautiful-world-travel]

Antalya

Antalya is a beautiful province located on the south-west coast of Turkey. Antalya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey and is a beautiful place to visit all year-round, as it provides beautiful beaches, stunning nature, historical places, and an exciting nightlife.

Antalya is one of the largest provinces of Turkey, covering an area of about 20,000 square kilometers and having a population of around 2.4 million people. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful mountains, and surroundings that make it a unique and beautiful destination for tourists all around the globe. In this essay, we will look into exploring Antalya, its beautiful scenery, and why Antalya is a must-visit city.

Firstly, the beautiful beaches of Antalya are the perfect destination for those who love to soak up the sun, swim in crystal clear waters, and enjoy water sports. If you are a beach lover with a thirst for adventure, then Antalya has something for everyone. With miles of beautiful coastline, you can find a perfect beach spot to relax, read a book, sunbathe or swim. The beaches in Antalya provide an idyllic setting for all types of holiday-makers, including families, couples, and solo travelers. Some of the most popular beaches include Lara Beach, Konyaalti Beach, and Olympos Beach.

Lara Beach is located thirteen kilometers east of Antalya city center and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Antalya. The beach stretches for about 12 kilometers and is known for its crystal clear water and fine sand. The beach has many facilities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and changing rooms. You can also find many beach bars and restaurants that serve tasty food and drinks. If you are a fan of water sports, you can go paddleboarding, ride banana boats or go on a jet ski ride.

Konyaalti Beach is another popular beach located in Antalya, and is approximately 7 kilometers west of the city center. It is a pebble and sandy beach stretching about seven kilometers in length, and is perfect for those who love a variety of water sports. You can enjoy kayaking, parachute, and speedboat trips. The beach has several restaurants, cafes, and shops along the promenade, making it a perfect place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Olympos Beach is a little further from Antalya city center, situated in the small village of Olympos, which is about 80 kilometers southwest of Antalya. Olympos Beach is one of the most picturesque spots in Antalya, known for its unspoiled and untouched nature. The beach is surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Apart from the beautiful beaches, Antalya also has many fascinating historical places. If you're interested in history and archaeology, Antalya is the perfect place to visit. The city is home to many ancient ruins, including the Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos, as well as the Hellenistic ruins of Termessos.

Perge is located about 18 kilometers from Antalya and was once an important Roman city. Today, the ancient ruins consist of a large stadium, a theater, and the remains of a grand public bathhouse, among other structures. The stadium was built in the 2nd century AD and could accommodate up to 12,000 spectators. The theater, built in the 2nd century AD, is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Turkey and could seat up to 15,000 people. The public bathhouse was built in the 3rd century AD and included cold, tepid and hot rooms and facilities for exercise.

Aspendos, situated about 45 kilometers from Antalya, is another ancient Roman city with many ruins dating back to the 2nd century AD. The highlight of Aspendos is the stunning theater, which is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. It could seat up to 15,000 people and was used for theater performances, concerts, and gladiatorial contests. Today, the theater still hosts performances and concerts throughout the year.

Termessos is another ancient city located in the Taurus Mountains, around 30 kilometers from Antalya. Termessos is a beautifully preserved Hellenistic city, famous for its stunning mountain views and natural surroundings. The city is located at an altitude of around 1,000 meters above sea level, and the hike up to the ruins is a fantastic experience in itself. Once you reach the top, you can explore the remains of the city, including its temples, theater, and agora. The city is known for its unique layout, with many structures built on terraces to accommodate the steep terrain.

Apart from the beautiful beaches and historical places, Antalya also boasts stunning natural scenery. If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

[haliscelife]

How to visit the ancient city Olympos - Antalya @haliscelife

[turtsiya]

[verticordial]

introduction to the horae

Who are the Horae?

I’ll give a broader introduction first: all of the Horae or Horai (singular Hora) are goddesses of the seasons and the natural passage of time. The time of the year in Ancient Greece was typically deduced by the placement of constellations in the sky and their revolutions. This means that in addition to the general passing of the seasons they were also starry goddesses because the stars were used to measure time. 

There are typically two triads of Horae depicted: Dike, Eunomia, and Eirene; and Karpo, Auxo and Thallo. Sometimes three triads of Horae are mentioned, sometimes only a pair of two Horae, and in different climates there were four instead of three (the greeks typically recognized only three actual seasons of the year). There is also a different classification of Horae which are literal personified hours, who amount usually up to nine different goddesses. 

These next few posts I make in particular will be about the first triad I mentioned. Dike, Eunomia, and Eirene. There will be some mention of the second triad, probably less or none of the others, but for the most part my focus is on the ones I’ve listed. 

Now, to get a little more specific.

WHO ARE THE HORAE?

“ [...]the gates of the sky that the Horai guarded, those Horai to whose charge the huge sky and Olympos, to open up the dense darkness or again to close it.” - Homer’s Iliad.

The Horae never cease from their choral dance. They are maiden goddesses of the seasons, of spring growth, of constellations and other stars, of the gates of Olympos, of order and its applications to both agriculture and people, and singularly of justice, lawfulness, and peace. They are attendants of Aphrodite, Hera and Persephone as well as to their father Zeus. They are said to have been the nurses of multiple gods including Dionysos and Hermes. In addition to all of that, they are also linked to the yearly harvest, feasts, and celebrations. 

The Horae are three daughters of Zeus and Themis, full-blooded sisters to the Moirae/Moirai and the Themeides (also possibly identified with the Horae) and half-sisters to very many a child of Zeus having important art and text-accredited relationships with Aphrodite, Hermes, Dionysos, Persephone, and Apollo amongst many others. 

Their mother Themis is council to Zeus and the titan goddess of divine law, heavenly order, assemblies, and also a goddess of prophecy. She held the oracle of Delphi before giving it to Apollo (or to Phoebe who then gave it to Apollo). Zeus is also a god of council, order and agricultural law. The Horae inherited their mother and father’s lawful attributes, and have extended that reign from divine to mortal influence. 

On their own Dike is the goddess of justice and judgement, Eunomia is the goddess of lawful behavior and the good order of the city, and Eirene is the goddess of peace. 

As goddesses of both order and springtime growth, the Horae are cited as being attendants to Aphrodite, Hera, Persephone, and also to Zeus who extended the responsibility of keeping the gates of heaven to them. Eunomia is named more specifically in relation to Aphrodite, and Dike is named more specifically in relation to Zeus. It is said that the Horae greeted Aphrodite at her birth and brought her to Olympos and have been a part of her retinue ever since.

“[...]there the gold-filleted Horai welcomed her joyously. They clothed her with heavenly garments: on her head they put a fine, well-wrought crown of gold, and in her pierced ears they hung ornaments of orichale and precious gold, and adorned her with golden necklaces over her soft neck and snow-white breasts, jewels the gold-filleted Horai wear themselves whenever they go to their father's house to join the lovely dances of the gods. And when they had fully decked her, they brought her to the gods, who welcomed her when they saw her." - Homeric Hymn 6 to Aphrodite

They were also named as midwives to her daughter Harmonia, and as the nurses to Aristaeus, Hermes, and Dionysos.

Of their own children Eunomia is said in the Orphic hymns to be the mother of the Kharites (something I will mention later), Eirene is presented as the nurse of or very rarely said by modern worshippers to be the mother of Ploutos (something else I will cover later), and Dike is said to be the mother of Hesykhia, the goddess of quiet and stillness. They are usually mentioned as maiden goddesses with Dike having a specifically strong association with virginity, so it can be assumed Hesykhia was born with no father. (Though we can keep in mind Hesykhia is mentioned as a daughter of justice only a single time in any surviving Greek literature, and thus not much at all is known about her or her relation to Dike.)

Overall, these goddesses were important to rural farmers as well as the people who lived in the city. They encompass many territories, both as a unit and individually. They play important roles alongside their father Zeus and his wife Hera, as well as in Aphrodite’s retinue and as friends and servants to Persephone. 

There is a lot more to be said. And it will be said! This is going to be the first post of a handful talking about the Horae at further length, a collection of which you’ll be able to find HERE when I post them. 

[thegrapeandthefig]

Blog masterpost / FAQ

PSA 1: All posts written after August 1st 2020 are also posted on my Wordpress, as well as some chosen older articles. 

PSA 2: My posts are now available in audio format on Soundcloud. As of 12/12/2020, only posts written after November 1st are recorded, but I will be recording the older ones in the near future. 

So this blog has recently reached its 3000 followers milestone. Warm welcome to my new followers, glad to see you there. 

Because I suck at keeping a consistent tagging system, I’ve figured that maybe a masterpost would be necessary. If you’re new, you can refer to it and catch up with some of my older posts. 

About Dionysus

30 day of Dionysus Masterpost

About my oath to Dionysus

About my magpie UPG

About his aspects

About my worship of Dionysus + how it happened

Why pine is sacred to Dionysus

Debunking the 12 days of Dionysus

About the Haloa festival

Tips on how to take your worship to the next level

Tips on researching Dionysus’ chthonic aspects

My understanding of Dionysus-Hades: an orphic perspective

How NOT to act with Dionysus (or any god for the matter)

Dionysus’ less known epithets

Dionysus’ link to swamps

Reading recommendation on Dionysus + tips on further research

The Cult of Dionysus in Roman Britain and Northern Western Europe

Maenadism, Artemis and Dionysus

Gender neutral term for dionysian worshippers

Addressing the Dionysian Phallus

Raw meat meals for Dionysus

On satyrs

Rethinking the Anthesteria

Dionysus, this winter god

Wine posts

Wine basics 1 and 2

Prime wines in Dionysiac worship

About Pan

Cultic information on Pan 1

Cultic information on Pan 2

The Caves of Pan 1

The Caves of Pan 2

About Silenus

He deserves worship and respect: a rant

Worshiping Silenus 1

Worshiping Silenus 2

An updated list of Silenus Epithets

About Priapus

30 days of Priapus Masterpost

Introduction to Priapus

Practical information on the cult of Priapus

More information and historical offering list

I love Priapus (a rambly rant)

Priapus the Sailor + “sacred” birb

An updated list of Priapus Epithets

Hymns for Priapus (which I wrote)

The Covered Priapus

About Aristaeus

About Aristaeus

Offering ideas

Poem request for him written by @winestainedpoetry

Prayer request for him written by @adri-le-chat

About Aphrodite

On Aphrodite Areia (a very rambly post, sorry)

Respect pigeons

Sacred prostitution: an overview on the historical debate

On Aphrodite’s “gravedigger” and “she upon the graves” epithets

Aphrodite of the Sea

About Zeus

Worshipping Zeus 1: Why is he the King of Heavens?

Worshipping Zeus 2: Civic and legal aspects

Worshipping Zeus 3: Zeus as a paternal and domestic god

About Hera

General information on Hera

Why Hera is not “a jealous wife”

Tips on researching her cult

Hera in Samos

Hera and her ship models

Hera Henioche, the charioteer

Hera the Blossoming

About Hephaestus

He deserves respect and worship: a rant

Hephaestus’ return to Olympos and Dionysus

About Athena

Weaving in Ancient Greece

About the owl

About Apollon

Apollo Delphinios in the Ionian city of Miletos

About Asklepios

Introduction to Asklepios

Healing Shrines and Incubation in Asclepian cult

About Prometheus

Prometheus and his cult in Athens

Generalities

Important and useful online resources

Book recommendation for beginners + more books

About the Hellenic Calendar

On the fact that myths are written by mortals

Why divine silence is normal and good

Tips to get over bad representation in myth (example of Poseidon)

Why fearing the gods is counterproductive

Tips for beginners + Can I introduce myself to all the gods at once? + Can I address an offering to multiple gods?

Why consistency in myth is not an issue

About oaths

Delphic maxims and core values of Hellenic Polytheism

About Cerberus

Tree cult and sacred groves in Ancient Greece Part 1

Tree cult and sacred groves in Ancient Greece Part 2

Anacreontic poetry and why it’s underrated

The Auloi

The Mushroom Discourse (a rant)

Werewolves in Greek myth and folklore (Halloween special)

Why Personal Devotion Matters

Spiritual Protection in the Greco-Roman World

The Protective Functions of Ancient Greek Sanctuaries

Children in Ancient (Athenian) Festivals

Actual ancient lapidaries or “the ancient Greeks and Romans probably didn’t use crystals the way you think they did”

“How the Greeks asked for household spiritual protection”

Dissecting ancient Greek wedding customs

Orphism

A few things about Orphism

About the first Orphic Hymn to Hekate

Offerings and devotionals

About food offerings

Examples of daily devotional activities

Another example of devotional activities (more recent)

About private sacrifices

About clay offerings and making your own + additional information about clay offerings

Offering flowers (check notes for additional info)

Some sacred plants

Salt is sacred

Offerings for special events

Why water is not a “lazy” offering

On offerings of fruits and nuts

Offering jewelry

The Golden Phallus I made for Dionysus

Can I offer this drink? A chart

Throwing Barley

Hair offerings: historical context, purpose and uses

Opinions and personal viewpoints

My personal viewpoint on death and the hellenic afterlife

My personal opinion on veiling

Scents I associate to the gods

My personal example of local cultus (can help if you live by the sea, not up to date with my current practice)

Why I don’t worship my “native deities”

Why I don’t trust pagan authors 1

Why I don’t trust pagans authors 2

Why I have trust issues with pagan groups

My opinion on the reconstructibility of Orphism

My opinion on timezones in worship (the case of Pan)

I really like figs

Professional patrons, a fun list

About my views on philosophy and my own

Organizing worship (or “I made a book for myself”)

Why Thasos?

Calendars and local reconstructionism

My method as to how to tackle local reconstruction

Making a festival from scratch (case example: the Priapeia)

Differences between Ancient Greek calendars

The Posideia Festival: a breakdown

Last updated: December 2023 (non exhaustive)

[a-gnosis]

06: Chthonian Zeus

Pray to Zeus of the earth and holy Demeter to make Demeter's holy grain ripen to fullness.

Hesiod, Works and Days, translated by  Apostolos N. Athanassakis

“Rather surprisingly in view of his origins as a sky god, many cults of Zeus were chthonian or semi-chthonian in character. One of the most widespread was that of Zeus Meilichios (the Mild). Like many chthonian gods, Meilichios bore a euphemistic name. In truth he was by turns angry and kindly, a deity who required regular appeasement in order to keep the beneficial side of his personality to the fore. By calling him "mild" or "kindly", his worshipers expressed their hopes rather than their fears. Because they governed the fruitfulness of the earth, chthonian deities had the power to be givers of good things if properly propitiated.”

“Personal or family offerings to Zeus Meilichios were the rule in the Greek world, but in Athens there was an important public festival for this god, the Diasia. In early spring, people gathered just outside the city at the banks of the river Ilissos for the rites, which involved bloodless offerings of agricultural produce and pastries shaped like animals. For the average citizen, the festival was a time to gather with family members and to enjoy a fairground atmosphere.”

“Yet Meilichios was also an awesome and somber deity. On votive reliefs, he usually appears not in human form, but as a huge coiling snake, rearing up to meet his worshipers. (In Greek art, the snake as companion or attribute often indicates that the deity or hero in question belongs to the underworld. Such theriomorphic epiphanies, in which the gods took animal form, were unusual among the Greeks.)”

Ancient Greek Cults: A Guide by Jennifer Larson.

(Zeus Chthonios was also an epithet for Hades, but Athanassakis means that Hesiod's passage above refers to Zeus, since a few lines later "the lord of Olympos" is connected with a good harvest.)

[lonelygueen]

Statue of Zeus…

The greatest festival of the ancient Greeks was the Olympic Games, held in honor of Zeus, the King of the Gods. Athletes from Anatolia, Syria, Egypt, Greece and Sicily competed in these competitions, which were similar to today's Olympic games. The Olympics were first held in BC. It started in 776. The Games were held every 4 years and helped to ensure the unity of the Greek city-states. The Greeks had a temple built in the name of Zeus at Olympos in the region called Peloponnesus on the west coast of Greece. During the holy games, the wars between the city-states were stopped and a safe passage was provided for those going to Olympia for the games. In the place where the games were held, there was a stadium and a sacred grove. The Greeks wanted to build a new temple worthy of the name of the king of the gods, as the importance of games increased over time, instead of the temple, which had a simple structure at first. For this, Libon of Elis started to build a new temple and BC. The temple of Zeus was finished in 456. The temple was built on a rectangular platform. 13 large columns on the sides of the building supported the ceiling. Each corner had 6 columns. The triangular ceiling was filled with sculptures. The pediments on the columns were decorated with statues of Heracles. Inside the temple was a magnificent statue of Zeus, the king of the gods.The statue was made by Phidias, who made the statue of Athena for the Parthenon temple in Athens. The statue was placed at the western end of the temple. It was 7 meters wide and about 12 meters high. Zeus was sitting on his carefully crafted throne. His head was almost touching the ceiling. He was holding the goddess of victory Nike in his right hand. In his left hand, he held a scepter with an eagle on it, inlaid with various metals. The throne of Zeus, made of gold, ebony, ivory and inlaid with precious stones, was more impressive than the statue itself. On it were carved figures of Greek gods and mystical animals such as the sphinx. The statue of ivory skin, beard, hair and clothes underneath. The design was made by attaching sheets of gold and ivory to a wooden frame. The air in Olympos was very humid. Therefore, in order to prevent the ivory plates from cracking, they were constantly lubricated with an oil kept in a special pool under the temple. The Roman emperor Theodosius I stopped the Olympics in 255 A.D. on the grounds that it was an irreligious custom. Later, the wealthy Greeks carried the statue to Byzantium. The statue was destroyed in a fire in 462 AD. Some of the sculpture pieces found in Olympos by the French in 1829 are exhibited in the Louvre museum in Paris. Today, the stadium in the area has been restored. Nothing remains of the temple of Zeus, except for a few columns. The statue has completely disappeared. However, clues about the shape of the temple could be obtained from the pictures on the coins found at that time.

[littlesparklight]

In the aftermath of the war, what would be of Simoeis and Scamander? If Ganymede went back to where Troy once was, would it be to visit the river gods?

Well, they're still there, at least! Since they would've been around before they started to marry in their daughters into the line of Dardanos.

And yeah, at first, when Ganymede did go back to the area, if not up to the city/citadel hill itself, it would be to visit Xanthos and Simoeis where they live (instead of up on Olympos). Potentially his probable great-grandmother as well (the mountain nymph/goddess-nymph Idaea of Mount Ida), but definitely the river gods. It probably took Ganymede a lot more time before he actually could stomach going anywhere near the actual ruins of the city or the citadel hill - like, considering that it got resettled/rebuilt for a time during historical ancient time, that would undoubtedly be even rougher than just the earlier ruins and the later overgrown/bared ruins of modern day.

The city when it's inhabited later are, after all, now inhabited by people who isn't his, and the city is even less Troy as it was back then. That must have hurt a lot.

(Like, this is of course a mytho-realistic Troy, because in our plain reality, while the city was at least partially destroyed approximately, but earlier than the traditional date, of the Trojan war, it was resettled very shortly after, then a hiatus, and then resettled again by Greek colonists in the Archaic/Classical era, as an example. If we go with a mytho-realistic take, though, I'd imagine the city would be kept uninhabited until the later colonists, for everyone's peace of mind.)

I have a lot of feelings about Ganymede still, at least, having his river god relatives after the war, even if that isn't the same as the mortal ones. They're at least closer to the mortal part of Troy since they're the local river gods, and the royal family was still (if more distant by the time of the war) relatives as well.

[taleoftalespod]

Tale of Tales | episode: 1.08 “Risen (Part 2)”

Once there was a god who rose from the dead...

In this (year late) episode of Tale of Tales, we'll explore problematic ancient Roman wedding rituals, a couple imaginative uses for woodworking, and some really questionable baby-rearing techniques.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/800948/8270755-1-08-risen-part-2.mp3?download=true

Tales on this episode:

“Demeter and Persephone”, adapted from the Homeric Hymn 2 to Demeter, trans. Sarah Ruden

“Isis and Osiris”, adapted from Roger Lancelyn Green, Tales of Ancient Egypt

All Music Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Track list:

"Tranquil Fields - Tense" by Alexander Nakarada

"Burnt Spirit" by Kevin MacLeod

"Satiate Strings" by Kevin MacLeod

"Lord of the Land" by Kevin MacLeod

"Ritual" by Kevin MacLeod

"Afterlife" by Kevin MacLeod

"Decline" by Kevin MacLeod

"Desert City" by Kevin MacLeod

"Ancient Rite" by Kevin MacLeod

"Tabuk" by Kevin MacLeod

"The Sky of Our Ancestors" by Kevin MacLeod

"Reign Supreme" by Kevin MacLeod

"Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod

"Tribal Joy" by Alexander Nakarada

"Dawn" by Alexander Nakarada

"Return of the Mummy" by Kevin MacLeod

"River Flute" by Kevin MacLeod

"On the Shore" by Kevin MacLeod

"Oppressive Gloom" by Kevin MacLeod

"Reawakening" by Kevin MacLeod

"Unsafe Roads" by Alexander Nakarada

Episode Bonus: Reborn

The Greek god Dionysos has some of the earliest roots of any of the Greco-Roman gods, appearing in the Mycenaean and Etruscan cultures which preceded classical Greece and Rome. His worship, however, was consistently spoken of in the language of the mystery cult — his rituals were called the Bacchic mysteries, which one had to be initiated into, and he was always spoken of as a god from far away, either from Thrace, Asia Minor, or even India. And like the gods of mystery cults, Dionysos was also intimately connected with death and resurrection. In perhaps the most common myth about his origins, he was conceived by the god Zeus and the mortal princess Semele. Zeus’ angry wife Hera disguised herself as an old woman and convinced the pregnant Semele to ask Zeus to appear to her as he appeared to Hera on Olympos, to prove his identity and his love for her. When Zeus reluctantly did so, appearing to her wreathed in thunder and lightning, she was burnt to death in an instant, and with Hermes’ help Zeus quickly performed a C-section and saved the still-living fetus by sewing it up inside his thigh until it was finally ready to be born. Another myth, however, tells of a baby Dionysos whom Hera tried to kill by unleashing the Titans on the condition that they rip him to shreds, resulting in the godling having to be pieced back together and resuscitated. Ever afterward, Dionysos had to travel everywhere in disguise to avoid her wrath. It may be this myth in particular that was recounted at the Dionysia, the annual festival in honor of Dionysos in Athens and the surrounding countryside. Along with the standard libations of wine one might expect, the procession that kicked off this festival also involved baskets and phallic objects such as dildos and baguettes, perhaps hinting at some contact with the Egyptians and their myth of Osiris’ pieces being put back together. At the end of the procession they would sacrifice a bull or a billy-goat (tragos in Greek), and the drunken revelry would spill out into the rest of the city in komoi, mini-parades of orgiastic fervor.

The festival continued for several days afterward with the first dramas, in which people would dress up in costumes like the little Dionysos and reenact famous myths, typically in rhythmic verse. Those that ended gravely for the protagonists were called tragoidai, “goat-songs”, likely in honor of those goats that were killed early on in the festival’s history. Those that ended happily (and often featured raucous, bawdy antics) were called komoidai, or “komos-songs”. One such komoida or comedy by Aristophanes titled The Frogs told a story about Dionysos traveling all the way down to the Underworld to resurrect the playwright Euripides out of despair for the sorry state of theatre — itself a parody of an existing myth in which the god went down to Hades to bring back his mother Semele from the dead. In the play, the typically effeminate Dionysos becomes a drag king, borrowing the hero Herakles’ lion skin in hopes that the creatures of the Underworld will shrink from him in fear—leading to predictable and somewhat unpredictable antics as he inevitably proves not only his own buffoonishness but also his theatrical acumen.

[asklepiad-apollon]

A Guide to Greek Alphabet Divination (Runes)

As many may already know, Runes are a popular form of divination in order to communicate with the gods! However, aside from the popular Norse runes (elder futhark) that everyone might be aware of, did you know that there’s also a form of “rune casting divination” for the Greek alphabet?

First found inscribed in Olympos, a city in ancient Lycia, the Greek alphabet divination system uses the 24 letters from the Greek language and assigns them meanings, and based on what rune you pull, can give you advice from the gods on your current situation!

There were many Alphabet Oracles in ancient Greece, and the idea of reading the Greek alphabet for signs of the gods is one of the oldest divination methods that we know of.

How do I create my “runes?” 

To create your runes, any way of making them works! Historically, they would be painted onto pottery shards, but any way you can think of to have them accessible to throw/draw is completely okay. I have personally used black stones with gold paint on them.

You create one piece per letter, and in total there will be 24. Each letter will be listed and elaborated on later on in the post!

I’ve made my alphabet set. How do I use them?

In order to call upon the Theoi to get an answer, you can firstly call upon them in an invocation. After you have called upon them or asked your gods to give you an answer (sometimes no formal structure is needed) you can reach into a bag which contains the letters and pull out one at a time and read that, or you can grab them and throw them and look for patterns or groups of letters that are clumped together. 

THE LETTER MEANINGS

Α - Alpha - “The God Apollo [Apollon] says you will do everything successfully.” With his luck and good fortune, the current thing you are working on will turn out well and you will be the leader of your situation and have good transactions with others.

Β - Beta - “With the help of Tyche, you will have an assistant [Boêthos], who is the Pythian Apollon.” You might be at a time in your life where you’re struggling, but this divine-coded letter tells you that the gods that you worship are going to help you soon, so the signs you get might be more prophetic in nature. 

Γ - Gamma - “Gaia [Gê] will give you the ripe fruit of your labors.” It is time for you to take a break and admire the hard work you have put in. Gaia will reward you, and you will have abundance in happiness, emotional fulfillment, food, or all of the above. 

Δ - Delta - “In customs inopportune strength [Dunamis] is weak.” Timing is everything. Wait for the right time to act, and do not act to hastily. Wait for your time, but at the same time, use your strength for good to make a change in your situation.

Ε - Epsilon - “You desire [Eraô] to see the offspring of righteous marriages.” You need to surround yourself with good friendships, romances, allies, or relationships in general in order to get the most out of it. Surround yourself with positive people or situations to bring yourself up in a righteous way.

Ζ - Zeta - “Flee the very great storm [Zalê], lest you be hindered in some way.” If you’re already struggling, know when to pick your battles. Sometimes flight is better than fight, and only you know your own limitations. 

Η - Eta - “Bright Helios [Hêlios], who watches everything, watches you.” Helios knows that in the past you feel like you have been wronged. As the enforcer of oaths and promises, if you are honest with yourself and the situation the truth will come out and you will be aided.

Θ - Theta - “You have the helping Gods [Theoi] of this path.” If you are taking a plan of action do not worry! The Gods are guiding your way and you are in good hands. 

Ι - Iota - “There is sweat [’idrôs]; it excels more than everything.” Within your situation, there is going to be a lot of work. The gods recommend you buckle down and work as hard as you can, and it will not be easy. But it will be worth it.

Κ - Kappa - “To fight with the waves [Kuma] is difficult; endure, friend.” Now is not the time. You should wait until the vicious waves die down, and then take action.

Λ - Lambda - ““The one passing on the left [Laios] bodes well for everything.” Something that may seem really bad currently or in the future is actually going to turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Pay attention to your intuition!

Μ - Mu - “It is necessary to labor [Mokhtheô], but the change will be admirable.” You might feel distressed right now and that nothing is going right. But keep working to change either your situation or yourself, and the results will be in your favour.

Ν - Nu - ““The strife-bearing [Neikêphoros] gift fulfils the oracle.” Something will be given to you and enter your life. While it might not be obvious at first, this is the first domino in a line of changes that will happen in your life and make prophecy come true. 

Ξ - Xi - “There is no fruit to take from a withered [Xêros] shoot.” Being bitter and angry is not the way to go about things. Don’t keep trying to pull water out of a well that is empty, and know when to let go. 

Ο - Omicron - “There are no [Ou] crops to be reaped that were not sown.” In order to get things out of the situation, you have to plan ahead. What goes around comes around. 

Π - Pi - “Completing many [Polus] contests, you will seize the crown.” After many trials, you will achieve your goal. Persistence will give you your rewards, and do not be afraid to use your talents. 

Ρ - Rho - “You will go on more easily [Rhaion] if you wait a short time.” You should act, and quickly. Now is the best time and waiting longer is not a good idea. The stars are aligned and while it not be easy, there is no better time than the present. 

Σ - Sigma - “Phoibos Apollon speaks plainly [Saphôs], ‘Stay, friend.’” The gods want to inform you to wait for more information before you make any decisions. In this time, relax, and let the signs come to you.

Τ - Tau - “You will have a parting from the [Tôn] companions now around you.” Soon, people in your life might not stay the way they are. Friends might leave or enemies might leave. You might grow apart or distance or travel might force you away. Be wary of this, and act accordingly. 

Υ - Upsilon - “The affair holds a noble undertaking [Yposkhesis].” The task at hand is certainly a grand one, but with confidence, you, the hero of your own story, can pull through. You must acknowledge your strength, but also acknowledge the size of the task. 

Φ - Phi - “Having done something carelessly [Phaulos], you will thereafter blame the Gods.” Something is going wrong, and you may be trying to blame other things than the cause of the problem. Don’t resort to pointing fingers. The Gods will help you if you do not take out your anger on them or others needlessly. 

Χ - Khi - “Succeeding, friend, you will fulfill a golden [Khruseos] oracle.” Luck is on your side, and by mere chance, things might fall into place. The answer is positive, and you might be pleasantly surprised at all the riches that the world gives you in addition to your solution.

Ψ - Psi - “You have this righteous judgment [Psêphos] from the Gods.” Truth will be brought forwards, so be careful in your actions. The Gods are watching, and they will be fair, honest, and unforgiving to those who deserve it. This includes those who might be harming you, as well.

Ω - Omega - “You will have a difficult [Ômos] harvest season, not a useful one.” The times will be rough, and you will not get what you wish for at the end. You also might be forced to make tough decisions that you are not ready to make.

And those are the letters! Happy letter-casting!