I'm trying to figure out the life of Apollo's priestesses and priests for a book. I think in the Iliad it says that Apollo's priestesses were celibate . . . at least in Troy (poor Cassandra). Anyway, any help offered would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
2007-09-05 02:36:33 · 5 answers · asked by Kassy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
There were multiple cults (used in the anthropological sense of small ecstatic groups) to Apollon. Celibacy was not required of the bulk of them. I suggest discussing your book with one of shining Apollo's present day worshippers.
2007-09-05 03:06:13 · answer #1 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that they "should" be ceilbate. But like all other religions, especially the pagan ones "celibacy" could mean more of a political status rather then their actual condition. As far as I know phallic worship was highly promoted in those days to a degree where women's first intercourse would be using a stone phallos of the god, rather then an actual human one. Im not sure if it goes for the Appollo, but it can't be too far away from the truth.
2007-09-05 03:55:53 · answer #2 · answered by IggySpirit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering that Cassandra had some "fun" with Apollo, I'm not sure celibacy was required. Or maybe he was just the exception to the rule...
Sorry, I don't actually know much about it.
2007-09-05 02:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Read: Michael Wood "The Road to Delphi" or Walter Burkert's "Greek Religion." You will find these author's helpful.
2007-09-05 02:41:53 · answer #4 · answered by Timaeus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea but I do have a Hellenistic pagan as a contact. I starred you so she will see it.
2007-09-05 02:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋