Mystery cults were a parallel across Greek and Roman society and were based upon many myths, including the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, myth of Dionysus and other Orphic Hymns. These mystery cults were centred around a belief that human beings have a soul and that belonging to a mystery cult can affect what will become of the soul after death. In essence, mystery cults promised initiates a better afterlife. With the terrifying myths associated with the realm of Hades and it’s divisions, citizens of ancient Greece had a great desire to better their afterlife and avoid going to Tartarus; the most horrifying level of the underworld. This paper will explore the mystery cults of Orpheus, Dionysus, Artemis and Demeter and will discuss their significance and popularity in the Graeco-Roman world.
Mystery cults or religions in these ancient societies involved the intertwining of myth and religion. Those belonging to mystery religions worshipped specific Greek deities, participated in an initiation of some sort and were said to have exclusive knowledge that was not available to the general public. Although mystery religions were exclusive organizations, individuals were not limited to joining only one, there was not a limit on the number of cults one could be initiated into. By being members of these mystery cults, individuals participated in rituals specific to the cult such as taurobolium or tauroctony; baptism by bulls blood and killing of a bull. Members were promised a superior afterlife over those who did not participate in the religions. This was essentially the draw toward being a member of a mystery cult, the enticing notion of a better life after death.
Orphic mystery religions are credited with being the first of many mystery c...
... middle of paper ...
... popularity in the ancient societies due to the prevalence of this belief and the fear of what would become of the soul when it departs from the physical body.
Bibliography
Cosmopoulos, Michael B. Greek Mysteries: The Archaeology and Ritual of Ancient Greek Secret Cults. London: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2003
Euripides. The Tragedies of Euripides, translated by T. A. Buckley. Bacchae. London: Henry G. Bohn, 1850.
Homer. Homeric Hymn to Demeter. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1914.
Morford, Mark P.O., Robert J. Lenardon and Michael Sham. Classical Mythology. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2011.
Ovid. Metamorphoses. Translated by Brookes More. Boston: Cornhill Publishing Co., 1922.
Sokolowski, F. Harvard Theological Review: A New Testimony on the Cult of Artemis of Ephesus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1965
... burial places. Not only did it provide these individuals with an eternal essence, it was a demonstration of their wealth and taste. These burial practices are cultural dedications that engage with society. Though are not all the same, they provide the same type message. This message is in regard to the heavy presence of power at a certain time. The society of elites engages in the world, competes with each other and in this generates a sense of control. Creating tombs and spaces for themselves ensures them that their mark on the world lasts forever even when their body doesn’t. It is religious in that it provides space for someone who has died and ascended yet it is symbolic of the spirit where the individual can back to the high ether and be where the gods live.
Grant, M. (1962). Myths of the Greeks and Romans (1st ed.). Cleveland: World Pub. Co.
In Ancient Rome, life was vital in every aspect. Continuing to the afterlife was even more imperative to the Romans. The families were very superstitious and believed that passing on to the underworld was sacred and ideal. Life was not always as great as it was made out to be in Ancient Rome; many conditions and problems created quandary in people’s lives. The final days of family members were highly regarded as were the burial customs, illnesses, and treatments and results.
The term "mystery cults" comes from the Greek word musteria and initially only referred to the mysteries of Eleusis and signifies a secret celebration or secret worship that only initiates (mustai) who have become initiated (muein) participate in. "Originally, then, mysteries denotes a specific religious manifestation that is essentially different in character from other, official cultic functions; the mysteries are not open to everyone but require a special initiation" (Encyclopedia of Religion Vol. #10 pg. 230). Contemporary religion historians now use the terms "mystery cults" or "mysteries" to refer to secret cults or ceremonies of initiation. These ancient "secret cults" influenced the development of many religions with their sacred beliefs on the divine, the soul, transmigration and, most importantly, their stressed i...
For years, there have been problems surrounding the definition of the term 'cult'. The literal and traditional meanings of the word cult, which are more fully explored at the entry Cult (religion), come from the Latin cultus, meaning "care" or "adoration," as "a system of religious belief or ritual; or: the body of adherents to same." In French or Spanish, culte or culto simply means "worship" or "religious attendance"; therefore an association cultuelle is an association whose goal is to organize religious worship and practices. The word for "cult" in the popular English meaning is secte (French) or secta (Spanish). In formal English use, and in non-English European terms, the cognates of the English word "cult" are neutral, and refer mainly to divisions within a single faith, a case where English speakers might use the word "sect". Hence Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism are cults within Christianity. However, in common usage, "cult" has a very negative connotation, and is generally applied to a group in order to criticize it. Understandably, most groups, if not all, that are called "cults" deny this term. Some groups called "cults" by some critics may consider themselves not to be "cults", but may consider some other groups to be "cults". Although anti-cult activists and scholars did not agree on precise criteria that new religions should meet to be considered "cults," two of the definitions formulated by anti-cult activists are: Cults are groups that often exploit members psychologically and/or financially, typically by making members comply with leadership's demands through certain types of psychological manipulation, popularly called mind control, and through the inculcation of d...
Caldwell, Richard S. The origin of the gods : a psychoanalytic study of Greek theogonic myth
Grene, D., and Lattimore, R., eds. ?The Bacchae.? Greek Tragedies: Volume 3. The University of Chicago Press: Chicago, 1991. 195-262.
The panic and fear of cult activity in our country seems to continue to grow with the more unbelievable stories that hit the news. The first big news event that was cult related occurred in 1969. Five dead bodies were found by the maid at 10050 Cielo Drive. Beautiful actress Sharon Tate who was pregnant at the time, and her friends Steven Earl Parent, Abigail Folger, Voytek Frykowski, and...
It was Roman myths of origin which imparted the most quintessentially Roman qualities onto the city and its people. Since Rome’s founders first exhibited the desire for conflict, so too has Rome. The sense of divine protection of such importance to the city’s people, is a direct product of the creation myths. The myths also provided evidence of the honour found within rusticity, giving rise to the value Romans placed on thrift and simple living. The myths of origin also stipulated the nobility of Rome’s founders, who would come to reflect the nobility of later Romans. The broad implications of the creation myths on Roman society, were felt most sharply by women, who were subjugated throughout the city’s history. Rome is deeply reflective of its myths of origin, as it was the myths which shaped the city into what it became.
The depiction of the Greek and roman myths are given unique insights from different authors. The Hymn to Demeter and Ovid's Metamorphosis provide and insight to Demeter's love for her daughter, Persephone, and explores its affect on the surrounding environments. The theme of separation and isolation is present in both of these myths, however, in Ovid's Metamorphosis, he symbolizes the environment in important events, has characters playing different roles, and empowers female deities.
Ancient Greek mythology has made its way into public conscience and knowledge. So much so that any person on the street would be able to name at least one deity from their pantheon. From this public knowledge, much is known about the religions including its stories and mythologies. But less is known about a person’s role in Ancient Greek religion and even less about a woman roles in their religion. What roles the Ancient Greek people did play can be gathered from the Greek stories and myths. But more specifically what roles did Ancient Greek women play in their religion. The Ancient Greek myths and stories tell of priestess and women who remained virgins as a way of worshipping their gods. But more questions come from these, why did these women become priestess and what rituals did they perform? Both the reasons behind these motives and the process one goes through to become a priestess must be explored to better a woman’s role in Ancient Greek religion.
Society strives to feel a sense of belonging. We want to be a part of something that shares the same beliefs as us. We spend our time trying to place ourselves in a group to satisfy these needs, whether it is in a hobby club, a group of friends, or religion. Some people go to more extreme measures and find this in what we call a cult. According to Henslin, a cult is a new or different religion whose teachings and practices put it at odds with the dominant culture and religion. (2013:405) Cults are often identified with the ideas of mass murder, deviant behaviors, unusual beliefs, and extremely devoted members. Cults are also highly known for their leaders. The leaders of cults usually are the ones that portray the image for the entire group. Successful cults take a strong-minded and, according to Max Weber, charismatic leader.
meaningless rites and rituals - which also included sacrifices - from the minds of many people.
Ancient Roman mythology consisted of a combination of rituals, beliefs, and observances of supernatural occurrences. They were based heavily on the idea of Greek mythology. As legend has it, the gods resembled human figures but they were bigger stronger and much more beautiful than that of the ancient roman gods. Even though the Roman gods were not depicted to be as beautiful they still were thought of with high admiration by roman citizens. The roman’s paid homage to the gods, in doing so they expected protection, fertility, prosperity, and good health in return for their allegiance.
Gruss , Edmond . Cults and The Occult . Rev. ed . Phillipsburg, New Jersey: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing CO. , 1980 . 3. Print.