11/28/2023 0 Comments Hades symbol scepterIn connection to the previously mentioned Eleusinian Mysteries, starting with the philosopher Heraclitus he states that Hades and Dionysus are merely the same deity with different aspects to them, the essence of life. Much of which is the connection of Dionysus’ death and resurrection symbolisms in myth. There’s plenty of evidence that has been left behind found through out all of southern Italy. While we don’t know as much about the Eleusinian Mysteries, the Orphic Mysteries are another matter as there have been plenty of surviving Orphic Hymns and texts that have been found and translated. The Mysteries concern more the worshiping of Demeter and Persephone. Hade’s role in the mysteries comes in the story of his abducting Persephone to the Underworld to be his wife and Queen. It is an important life and death ritual with Persephone in her role as a vegetation goddess and Demeter having important roles where they are worshiped together. Hades does have a part in the Eleusinian Mysteries, an annual religious celebration that predates the Olympian pantheon. Finally, there was a sacred grove to the Erinnyes in Athens and another grove in Olympia. Another temple is known to have been in Pylos Triphyliacus near Mount Menthe. This temple would only be opened once a year. It is known he had a sacred grove and temple in Elis. Temples – Hades was worshiped throughout Greece and Italy. Finally, every hundreds, festivals would be held to honor Hades. When propitiated, people would slap or hit the ground to make sure that Hades heard them. The person offering the sacrifice would turn away their face. The blood from the animal sacrifices would be dripped into a pit or cleft in the ground. Human sacrifices to Hades were outright rejected even though other sources will try to say that such human sacrifices were done. The sacrifices made to Hades were black animals like sheep. Such was the reluctance of any followers that people were hesitant to swear oaths in Hades’ name and would avert their gazes when performing sacrifices to him. Instead, Hades would be called by a few different euphemisms and epithets. As the god of the dead, one simply did not mention Hades by name lest they draw his attention and potentially an early death. Hades was a grim and fearsome seeming deity that living humans did not mention by name lightly. As Plouton, he is shown holding a cornucopia that represents the riches and fertility of the earth. When identified and represented as Plouton, Hades is seen in a more positive light. Hades is often thought of as being very dour and stern, unmoved by prayers. Hades is known to drive a chariot, drawn by four black horses, which makes for a fearsome and impressive sight. In Greek statuary, Hades is often shown with his three-headed dog Cerberus for quick and easy recognition. In Greek pottery, Hades is often shown having a dark beard and shown as a stately figure seated on an ebony thrown. Sometimes Hades is shown as looking away from the other gods to represent their disdain for him. The classical era of art, especially those that depict the Rape of Persephone will show Hades with varying ages depending on the artist. Most of Hades’ early representations in art are mostly pottery and statuary where he’s not always clearly defined. In early Greek art and even mythology, Hades doesn’t make many appearances as this is a deity whom the ancient Greeks didn’t want to attract the attention of. Symbols: Cerberus, Cornucopia, Scepter, Narcissus, Key of Hades Early Greek Depictions Plant: Asphodel, Cypress, Mint, Narcissus, Pomegranate, White Poplar Patron of: The Underworld, the Dead, Wealth AttributesĪnimal: Black Rams, Dog, Rooster, Screech-Owl, Serpents Hades is an ancient chthonic deity who best known as the God and Ruler of the Underworld, so much so, that the Underworld would come to be known by his name. Alternate Spellings & Other Names: Ἁιδης, Αιδωνευς, Áïdes (Ionic and Epic Greek), Aïdoneús, Áïdos, Áïdos, Áïda, Ais, Eubouteous, Háides, Klymenos, Pluto or Ploutos (“wealth” or “the rich one,”) Pluteus,Pluton, Ploutodótes, Ploutodotr (“Giver of Wealth”), Pylartes, Stygeros, ‘unseen’, Zeus Katachthonios (“Zeus of the Underworld”)Įpithets: Agesander, Agesilaos (“fetcher of men,” “carries away all” or “leader of men”), Chthonian Zeus, Clymenus (“notorious,”) Eubuleus (“good counsel” or “well-intentioned”), Hegesilaus, Polydegmon (“Reciever of Many Guests”)
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