5.1 The Eleusinian Mysteries Flashcards
What was the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (c7th)?
The story of Persephone/Kore being taken by Hades and Demeter’s search. The hymn ends with promises of happiness on earth and in the afterlife an wealth.
how is this connected to the mysteries?
Demeter rests at King Keleus’ palace at Eleusis. Mother and daughter reunite and Demeter reveals herself to Keleus. Orders him to build her a temple; teaching him the rituals of the mysteries.
What are the problems of evidence?
Due to it being a mystery cult with a possible punishment of death (as mentioned by Aristotle about Aeschylus), there is very little evidence of what the secrets were about. Later Christians have no respect for the cults so reveal the secrets, but are misleading as use it to show cults as bad.
What is the Telesterion?
A window-less hall, the oldest feature, contained stands for initiates, had a platform in the middle (the Anaktoron).
what is the Callichoron Well?
Where Demeter rested.
