![]() Some early Christian writers were eager to disclose it, but their testimony must be used with great caution. The outline of this myth has been the subject of much modern debate, for ancient authors, not unexpectedly, have little to say about it. In the course of the Mysteries worshippers viewed a myth enacted in dramatic form - a phenomenon foreign to the vast majority of Greek cults, including the Thesmophoria. The Mysteries are similar to the Thesmophoria in that they too are directed toward agrarian prosperity (Ploutos), but they aim to fulfil for the initiate a hope which is largely irrelevant to the Thesmophoria: a better lot in the underworld. ![]() This homage to the Mysteries, piously appended by the poet to a traditional story that reflects the ancient Thesmophoria, allows him also to honour the newer cult without making significant alterations to the traditional story or taking the risk of betraying secrets. This more recent festival (the very newness of the Mysteries receives emphasis in the Hymn) is Demeter’s generous gift to the Eleusinians for the return of her daughter. First, why are the Mysteries mentioned in the Hymn at all? We should keep in mind that the Mysteries are not necessary to the story: it could just as well end without mentioning them, that is, it could end with the Return of Kore and the rebirth of the grain. It now becomes possible to propose answers to the questions raised earlier. Second, Kalligeneia, featuring Kourotrophos (Demophon episode: Demeter’s awesome powers of nursing are highlighted and stymied by distrust).One ancient author, in recounting the Rape of Kore, specifically links the lambe episode not to the Mysteries but to the Thesmophoria: ‘ Because of this they say that the women in the Thesmophoria make jokes addition, Hyginus, after recounting a ver- sion of the myth in which again the episode of Demeter’s nursing a boy is the central element, concludes the story with the founding of a cult: the Thesmophoria.^^ So the ancient festival reflected in the main story of the Hymn, which also puts nursing at its centre, is surely the Thesmophoria. ![]() ![]() Demeter in her search for Kore) sitting on the ground next to a well aischrologia (lambe episode). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |