The Eleusinian Mysteries: A Forbidden Revelation to Outsiders

In this article, you are going to learn about

• What are Eleusinian Mysteries?

• Mythological Gods involved in these mysteries

• Why they were forbidden for outsiders?

• Why it is important to Greeks?

• The important historical figure who was executed for disclosing these mysteries

What are Eleusinian Mysteries

Eleusis is a city in Greece located about 14 miles west of Athens and as the name shows Eleusinian mysteries belong to Eleusis.

These mysteries have actually been in Eleusis city for thousands of years as a religious festival. The origin of these mysteries is based on the central Gods of Greece known to be Demeter and Persephone.

Mythological Gods involved in these mysteries

Demeter

Demeter Goddes is known to be a holder and sustainer for fertility, harvesting and bringing green agriculture in Greek mythology

Persephone

Persephone was known to be the daughter of Demeter. According to Greek Mythology, Persephone was abducted by the Underworld

God named Hades. Persephone's mother Demeter looked for her for 9 days and luckily she reunited with her daughter on 10th day when Persephone was allowed to return to earth each year. On this account, Greek people celebrate certain rituals that are kept secret from outsiders.

Why they were forbidden for outsiders?

There is not much to know about what those rituals are though it was settled that whoever would reveal this secret would certainly taste death. But the historians claim that they observed a series of purification rituals, fasting, animal sacrifices, and sacred dances and songs.

Why it is important to Greeks

These mysteries on which they celebrated, remind them about their Goddess who is accountable for bringing greenery for their land. Also it is believed that the festival strengthens their social bonds and promoted unity among the people of Greek.

The important historical figure who was executed for disclosing these mysteries

Pausanias, a Greek travel writer who lived in the 2nd century CE, was sentenced to death for disclosing the Eleusinian Mysteries. Pausanias wrote a book about his travels around Greece, and in one passage, he described the Eleusinian Mysteries in some detail. This angered the Eleusinians, who were very protective of the secrecy of the Mysteries. They reported Pausanias to the Roman authorities, and he was sentenced to death.

But luckily, Pausanias flew away somewhere and was not executed. However, his books were torn up and fired to protect secrets.