Ancient Mysteries

Numerous ancient philosophers and poets who were initiated into the order of Eleusinian, Orphic or some other mystery, although they were under oath of silence, found ways to express some secret elements in their literary and philosophical works, without removing the seal of secrecy from them .

One such example is Plato’s famous allusion to the cave.

In the “Homeric Hymn” it is pointed out that those who are not initiated into the mystery ceremonies will be like a dead man in suffocating darkness.

Cicero said: “We are given reason not only to live in contentment, but also to die with greater hope.”

Pindar wrote: “Blessed was he who, observing this, set out on a journey under the earth; he knows the end of life and its beginning given by Zeus».

Sophocles said: «Three times blessed are those among men who, observing these rituals, descend into Hades. Only they will have life there; all others will meet an evil fate”.

Demosthenes confirmed: “I avoided evil, I found better.”

Sopatos wrote: “I left the hall of mystery feeling as if I were a stranger to myself.”

Diodorus Siculus said: “These gods appear to humanity and provide unexpected help to those of their initiates when they are called in the midst of danger.”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *