Lecture 18

Question 1

Charter Myth

Answer 1

A myth believed to be true and used to justify or rationalize a continuing custom, e.g. the foundation of worship of Demeter at Eleusis being started by the abduction of Persephone

Question 2

Celeus

Answer 2

King of Eleusis, husband of Metaneira, father of Demophoon

Question 3

Metaneira

Answer 3

Wife of Celeus and mother of Demophoon

Question 4

Eleusis

Answer 4

Town 14 miles west of Athens, known for its worship of Demeter and the Eleusinian Mysteries

Question 5

Epopteia

Answer 5

Third stage of initiation in the Eleusinian Mysteries, involves participation in the highest rites

Question 6

Hiera

Answer 6

The sacred objects, possibly male and female genitalia, possibly antiques and relics

Question 7

Hierophant

Answer 7

‘He who reveals the Hiera’, highest priest in the Eleusinian Mysteries

Question 8

Iambe

Answer 8

Servent of Celeus and Metaneira, cheers up Demeter with jokes

Question 9

Kore

Answer 9

Epithet for Persephone meaning ‘girl’

Question 10

Kykeon

Answer 10

Sacred drink ordained by Demeter, drank by members of the Eleusinian Mysteries

Question 11

Lesser Mysteries

Answer 11

First level of initiation into the Eleusinian mysteries

Question 12

Greater Mysteries

Answer 12

Second level of initiation into the Eleusinian mysteries, entails full initiation into the cult

Question 13

Myo

Answer 13

Greek word meaning ‘to squint’

Question 14

Mystai

Answer 14

Greek word meaning ‘squinters’ or ‘initiates’

Question 15

Persephone

Answer 15

Daughter of Zeus and Demeter, abducted by Hades, becomes Queen of the Underworld

Question 16

Phaenomena

Answer 16

A poem by Aratus in hexameters

Question 17

Telesterion

Answer 17

Hall of initiation in the temple of Demeter, a place for the celebration of the mysteries

Question 18

Triptolemus

Answer 18

Messenger for Demeter