The Mysteries of Demeter and Kore (chapter)
Chapter in The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion
Book •
Kevin Clinton's chapter 'The Mysteries of Demeter and Kore' in The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion provides a careful analysis of the Eleusinian mysteries, combining literary and archaeological evidence to reconstruct ritual practices.
Clinton discusses the historical development of the cult, stages of initiation, sacred objects, and the experiential impact on participants.
He evaluates ancient testimonies and modern hypotheses—such as pharmacological theories—and argues for the significance of theatrical presentation and secrecy in shaping meaning.
The chapter places Eleusis within broader frameworks of Greek ritual and religious behavior and addresses methodological challenges in studying secret rites.
It serves as a concise, authoritative reference for students of ancient religion.
Clinton discusses the historical development of the cult, stages of initiation, sacred objects, and the experiential impact on participants.
He evaluates ancient testimonies and modern hypotheses—such as pharmacological theories—and argues for the significance of theatrical presentation and secrecy in shaping meaning.
The chapter places Eleusis within broader frameworks of Greek ritual and religious behavior and addresses methodological challenges in studying secret rites.
It serves as a concise, authoritative reference for students of ancient religion.
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Robert Lamb
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