Metamorphoses: The Mysteries Of The Eleusinian Cult

Ovid once commented in his work Metamorphoses on the offering to the gods, “The prized oblations, given first to the gods of form and field, reached all the gods of heaven.” This observation exemplifies the importance of the mysteries of the Eleusinian cult, as showing the goddess of Demeter, or mother earth was the one first rewarded with sacrifice. This quote demonstrates the importance of this cult and the widespread influence it had. Starting out sometime around the fifteenth century, the cult spread quickly ending up in not only the state religion of Athens, but eventually in Roman royalty. The Eleusinian cult spread in this way because of its alluring rituals that had a hold of thousands of subjects.

In the religion the rituals were led by several important members, chosen from two families that through ancestry were deeply rooted within the mysteries themselves. The two families were the Eumolpids and the Kerykes. Eumolpids were thought to be the descendants of Eumolpos whom the goddess herself revealed her mysteries. This family held the most prestigious positions within the religion and held many rights within the cult. Most positions enjoyed hieronymy, meaning to be forbidden to speak their names, the right to erect statues in the Sanctuary

It was given it name from the God, Asklepios, Who was late coming to the ceremonies. Athens when he was late provided him with his own day so he could specially join the cult of Eleusis. The only difference between day two and day four are that the rituals performed in day four are directed by Archon-Eponymos. The festivities is important factor because it shows that important officials always had a chance to join in. For one of the cults that began thinking of the afterlife, it was important for these elite members to have been initiated. Furthering on in the celebrations the fifth day brought even