Eleusinian Mysteries
conceptThe most famous secret religious rites of ancient Greece, held annually at Eleusis in honour of Demeter and Persephone, promising initiates a blessed afterlife.
The Myth
The Eleusinian Mysteries traced their origin to Demeter's search for Persephone, who had been abducted by Hades to rule as queen of the Underworld. When Demeter arrived at Eleusis disguised as an old woman, the daughters of King Celeus welcomed her. In gratitude for their hospitality, Demeter revealed her rites to Triptolemus, son of Celeus, commanding him to spread agriculture across the earth. The Lesser Mysteries were held each spring at Agrae near Athens, purifying candidates through fasting and sacrifice. The Greater Mysteries followed in autumn with a sacred procession along the Sacred Way from Athens to Eleusis. Initiates drank the kykeon, re-enacted Persephone's descent, and witnessed sacred objects revealed by the hierophant in the Telesterion.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Demeter Thesmophoros
godAn epithet of Demeter as bringer of divine law and civilised customs, honoured at the Thesmophoria,...
Demeter (Grain)
godDemeter was the goddess of grain, harvest, and fertility whose grief over Persephone's abduction...
Eleusis
placeEleusis was a sacred city near Athens, home to the Eleusinian Mysteries — the most important secret...
Mysteries of Samothrace
conceptSecret rites on the island of Samothrace that promised initiates protection at sea, attracting...
Sacred Band of Thebes
conceptAn elite Theban military unit of 150 male couples who fought alongside their lovers, undefeated for...
Demeter
godGoddess of grain, harvest, and the fertility of the earth. When her daughter Persephone was...
Persephone
godDaughter of Demeter and queen of the underworld. Her annual return from Hades brings spring; her...
Athens
placeAthens was the city sacred to Athena, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, drama, and Western...
Cerberus (Labour)
conceptThe twelfth and final labour of Heracles: descending to the Underworld and bringing back Cerberus,...
Eleusis (Site)
placeThe Telesterion at Eleusis was the great hall where thousands were simultaneously initiated into...
Eumolpus
heroThe mythical founder of the Eleusinian priestly clan of the Eumolpidae, who served as hierophants...
Hades
godRuler of the underworld and lord of the dead. Despite his fearsome reputation, Hades was not evil —...