While learning about Greek Mythology I have read several definitions, this one by Mark Cartright, stood out to my the most:
Greek mythology, as in other ancient cultures, was used as a means to explain the environment in which humankind lived, the natural phenomena they witnessed and the passing of time through the days, months, and seasons. Myths were also intricately connected to religion in the Greek world and explained the origin and lives of the gods, where humanity had come from and where it was going after death, and gave advice on the best way to lead a happy life. Finally, myths were used to re-tell historical events so that people could maintain contact with their ancestors, the wars they fought, and the places they …show more content…
This is one of the widest spread Greek mystery cults. The Eleusinian Mysteries were a huge festival that was held quinquennially. Something that I personally thought was very interesting is that anyone invited to the festival was sworn to secrecy. So little is known about them because of that. This festival was celebrating the return of Persephone after she had been abducted by her uncle, Hades. In an article by N.S. Gill he used a quote that I believe is important:
According to Helene P. Foley, in The Homeric hymn to Demeter: translation, commentary, and interpretive essays. She says that substantial remains of the cult begin in the 8th century B.C., and that the Goths destroyed the sanctuary a few years before the start of the fifth century A.D. The Homeric Hymn to Demeter is the oldest record of the Eleusinian Mysteries, but it is a mystery and we don't really know what transpired. An engrossing thing that I’ve found is a temple devoted to Demeter. In an article from an unknown source it says, “Until recently, there was very little to see - none of the temple was left standing. But a few years ago, it was discovered that most of the columns and stones of the original temple still remained on site, either buried or used in the ruined chapel.” The temple is built next to fertile ground because she is the goddess of
Greek mythology, as in other ancient cultures, was used as a means to explain the environment in which humankind lived, the natural phenomena they witnessed and the passing of time through the days, months, and seasons. Myths were also intricately connected to religion in the Greek world and explained the origin and lives of the gods, where humanity had come from and where it was going after death, and gave advice on the best way to lead a happy life. Finally, myths were used to re-tell historical events so that people could maintain contact with their ancestors, the wars they fought, and the places they …show more content…
This is one of the widest spread Greek mystery cults. The Eleusinian Mysteries were a huge festival that was held quinquennially. Something that I personally thought was very interesting is that anyone invited to the festival was sworn to secrecy. So little is known about them because of that. This festival was celebrating the return of Persephone after she had been abducted by her uncle, Hades. In an article by N.S. Gill he used a quote that I believe is important:
According to Helene P. Foley, in The Homeric hymn to Demeter: translation, commentary, and interpretive essays. She says that substantial remains of the cult begin in the 8th century B.C., and that the Goths destroyed the sanctuary a few years before the start of the fifth century A.D. The Homeric Hymn to Demeter is the oldest record of the Eleusinian Mysteries, but it is a mystery and we don't really know what transpired. An engrossing thing that I’ve found is a temple devoted to Demeter. In an article from an unknown source it says, “Until recently, there was very little to see - none of the temple was left standing. But a few years ago, it was discovered that most of the columns and stones of the original temple still remained on site, either buried or used in the ruined chapel.” The temple is built next to fertile ground because she is the goddess of