Eleusinian Mysteries. The Eleusinian Mysteries were the most famous of the secret religious rites of ancient Greece.
They consisted of the Lesser Mysteries and the Greater Mysteries. These were ceremonies for the cult of Demeter and Persephone based at Eleusis in ancient Greece. Of all the mysteries celebrated in ancient times these were held to be the ones of greatest importance. The Lesser Mysteries were held annually and it is known that these contained rites of cleansing. The Greater Mysteries were held every fourth year. Eleusis (modern-day Elefsina) was a small town located about 30 km NW of Athens. The Mysteries were based on a legend revolving around Demeter. Her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped by Hades, the god of death and the underworld.
During this time Demeter taught the secrets of agriculture to Triptolemus. Persephone was unfortunately unable to stay permanently in the land of the living, because she had eaten six seeds of a pomegranate that Hades had given her. 1. 2. Norse Mythology: Freyja. Freyja Freyja is the goddess of love.
She is the sister of Freyr. Like Freyr, she is a Vanir, and was one of the hostages exchanged at the end of the war between the Æsir and the Vanir. Perhaps a more accurate description would be to say the Freyja is the goddess of sex and lust. She is sought after by giants (the mason who rebuilds the Wall of Ásgarð; by Hrungnir who duels with Þór; and by Þrym who steals Þór's hammer). In addition, Freyja is associated with war. Freyja travels in a chariot drawn by cats. Freyja left Ásgarð early one morning before dawn.
Freyja was dazzled by the brilliance of the furnace. She tried to buy the necklace from the dwarves. The dwarves conferred and said they would give Freyja the necklace if she agreed to spend one night with each of them. Freyja spent four days and four nights with the dwarves. Freyja returned to Ásgarð, but Loki returned faster and headed straight to Óðin's hall and told him of Freyja's prostitution. Heimdallr. Heimdallr brings forth the gift of the gods to mankind (1907) by Nils Asplund In Norse mythology, Heimdallr is a god who possesses the resounding horn Gjallarhorn, owns the golden-maned horse Gulltoppr, has gold teeth, and is the son of Nine Mothers.
Heimdallr is attested as possessing foreknowledge, keen eyesight and hearing, is described as "the whitest of the gods", and keeps watch for the onset of Ragnarök while drinking fine mead in his dwelling Himinbjörg, located where the burning rainbow bridge Bifröst meets heaven. Heimdallr is said to be the originator of social classes among humanity and once regained Freyja's treasured possession Brísingamen while doing battle in the shape of a seal with Loki. Heimdallr and Loki are foretold to kill one another during the events of Ragnarök. Heimdallr is additionally referred to as Rig, Hallinskiði, Gullintanni, and Vindlér or Vindhlér. Eleusinian Mysteries.
Votive plaque depicting elements of the Eleusinian Mysteries, discovered in the sanctuary at Eleusis (mid-4th century BC) The rites, ceremonies, and beliefs were kept secret and consistently preserved from a hoary antiquity.
The initiated believed that they would have a reward in the afterlife.[5] There are many paintings and pieces of pottery that depict various aspects of the Mysteries. Since the Mysteries involved visions and conjuring of an afterlife, some scholars believe that the power and longevity of the Eleusinian Mysteries came from psychedelic agents.[6] Mythology of Demeter and Persephone[edit] The Mysteries are related to a myth concerning Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility as recounted in one of the Homeric Hymns (c. 650 BC). According to the myth, during her search Demeter traveled long distances and had many minor adventures along the way. Mysteries[edit] Participants[edit] Oddity Central - Weird Places, Odd Events, Bizarre News, Strange People and A Lot More. Family tree of the Greek gods.
Key: The essential Olympians' names are given in bold font.
See also List of Greek mythological figures Notes External links Media related to Family trees of Greek mythology at Wikimedia Commons. Elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. Reasons To Believe : Where Modern Science & Faith Converge. Thylacine's Lair - Home Page.
Global One TV - Spiritual TV. PBS: Religion & Ethics. Council on Spiritual Practices. Ancient Words of Wisdom « Deep Spirits. Make full use. PARALLAX. NATO cauta in Romania legendara apa a nemuririi.