Religion
‹ 4 · Outline · 6 ›
5.Rites of sacrifice, vow and oath in antique religion
5a.Sacrifice, libation and divination
See also: Miracles 8a · Fate 7a · Prophecy 4a · Race and Nationality 2b
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 27–28Telemachus prays by the sea to Athene, who answers in the form of Mentor.read · scan
- p. 32The crew pour drink offerings to the deathless gods, chiefly Athene, during the night voyage.read · scan
- p. 33The people of Pylos sacrifice black bulls on the shore to Poseidon in public worship.read · scan
- p. 33–34Drink-offerings and prayers to Poseidon at his feast; Peisistratus says all men need the gods; Athene prays for Pylos.read · scan
- p. 35Agamemnon wishes to appease Athene with hecatombs; sacrifices offered at Tenedos and Geraestus.read · scan
- p. 41Libations and drink-offerings poured to Poseidon and the gods, tongues cast on the fire, before sleep.read · scan
- p. 43Nestor pours a libation and prays to Athene.read · scan
- p. 43–44Nestor prepares and performs a sacrificial rite to Athene: gilded heifer, washing of hands, barley meal, prayer and burning of the victim's hair.read · scan
- p. 44–45The sacrifice is completed: prayer, the blow, the women's cry, thighs burnt in fat with wine, then a feast.read · scan
- p. 58Proteus insists sacrifice to Zeus and the gods must precede a homecoming.read · scan
- p. 60He sacrifices hecatombs to appease the gods' anger, then gets a fair wind home.read · scan
- p. 92–94The Phaeacians pour the last cup to Hermes before rest; Odysseus prays the gods grant them happy life.read · scan
- p. 99–100Alcinous sacrifices sheep, boars and oxen to prepare the feast for the stranger.read · scan
- p. 129Odysseus sacrifices the ram to Zeus, who heeds not and plans the ships' destruction.read · scan
- p. 147Sacrifices to Poseidon and the immortals are prescribed as atonement.read · scan
- p. 170Odysseus prays to the gods, and Eurylochus proposes sacrifice and a promised shrine to Helios to excuse the theft.read · scan
- p. 170–171The men sacrifice with oak leaves and water instead of barley and wine, making a makeshift rite.read · scan
- p. 174Alcinous sacrifices an ox to Zeus, lord of all, before the feast.read · scan
- p. 175Libations are poured and prayers made to Zeus before the departure.read · scan
- p. 178Phaeacians sacrifice twelve bulls and pray at the altar to appease Poseidon and avert the mountain.read · scan
- p. 188Eumaeus sacrifices pigs and speaks of fear of the gods' wrath.read · scan
- p. 196–197Eumaeus performs sacrifice with prayers, first portions burned, and shares for nymphs and Hermes, praying for Odysseus's return.read · scan
- p. 197Burnt offerings and drink offerings to the everlasting gods precede the meal.read · scan
- p. 203–204Menelaus offers a drink-offering before departure.read · scan
- p. 205–206Telemachus prays and burns offering to Athene by the ship.read · scan
- p. 225Amphinomus urges seeking the gods' counsel and Zeus's oracles before killing Telemachus.read · scan
- p. 226–227Sacrifice of a swine and Athene's disguising of Odysseus.read · scan
- p. 243–244Telemachus tells Eumaeus to bring victims for sacrifice and leaves matters to himself and the deathless gods.read · scan
- p. 255–256The company ends with a libation poured to the blessed gods.read · scan
- p. 275–276Odysseus prays to Zeus for a sign and is answered.read · scan
- p. 279–280Eumaeus prays to the gods for Odysseus's return; the wooers sacrifice sheep and goats.read · scan
- p. 280–281A holy hecatomb is led for the gods, and the Achaeans gather in Apollo's grove.read · scan
- p. 290–291Antinous defers the contest for the holy feast of Apollo, proposing libations and goat offerings at his altar.read · scan
- p. 316–317Sacrifice to Poseidon and hecatombs to the gods are prescribed.read · scan
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 10Worship spirits as if present; sacrifice requires personal participation.read · scan
- p. 11The Master keeps the sheep offering for the rite's sake.read · scan
- p. 31–32Offerings made with all reverence even from coarse fare; sacrificial meat not kept.read · scan
- p. 33–34Question about serving spirits of the dead is deflected to human obligations.read · scan
- p. 66–67Sacrifice of a black steer and prayer to the Lord.read · scan
Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8
- p. 10–11Altars blaze to all the city's gods as Clytemnestra orders sacrifice.read · scan
- p. 29–30She sets sacrifices on shrines and heralds proclaim joy, with perfumes burned in the temples.read · scan
- p. 51–52Sacrificial blood of cattle on the altar failed to make heaven guard Troy's wall.read · scan
Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8
- p. 87–88Electra argues Zeus should save the race whose altar honors him with sacrifice.read · scan
Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8
- p. 122–123Priestess opens with a prayer naming gods in succession, describing Delphic worship and the order of consulting the oracle.read · scan
Aeschylus, Prometheus BoundVol. 8
- p. 184–186Chorus prays to keep up holy feasts and burnt offerings and never sin in speech.read · scan
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 287Altars defiled by carrion; gods refuse prayers and sacrifice because a corpse lies unburied.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 14Marea and Apis, burdened by rules forbidding cows' flesh, ask Ammon's oracle to be exempted.read · scan
- p. 24Describes the Egyptian testing of sacrificial bulls, the seal, the ritual of sacrifice and imprecations on the victim's head.read · scan
- p. 24The sacrifice to Isis, with fasting, mourning and offerings, and reverence for cows as sacred.read · scan
- p. 24–26Regional Egyptian sacrificial taboos on goats or sheep, and the annual ritual mourning and burial of a ram.read · scan
- p. 27Egyptian law forbids sacrificing men, refuting the Greek tale of Heracles.read · scan
- p. 28–29Egyptian sacrificial rites and taboos: goats reverenced at Mendes, swine abominated yet sacrificed to Moon and Dionysos, festival processions.read · scan
- p. 30–32Founding of sanctuaries and consultation of the oracle about adopting names of gods.read · scan
- p. 78Description of the oracle of Leto at Buto, its temples and altars, and the Egyptian myth of the floating island where Apollo was hidden.read · scan
Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2
- p. 27–28His divine sign, the familiar oracle, guides him and is silent about his fate.read · scan
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 113His last words ask that a debt of a cock be paid to Asclepius.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 80Aeneas addresses the disguised huntress as a goddess and promises altar sacrifices.read · scan
- p. 93Dido offers incense and proclaims a feast.read · scan
- p. 93Handmaids bear censers and adore the gods at the feast.read · scan
- p. 100Priests prepare sacrificial victim; Sinon claims the theft of Minerva's image polluted Greeks' fortune.read · scan
- p. 128Aeneas pays vows to Venus and Jove, sacrificing a bull on the altar when founding his city.read · scan
- p. 128Aeneas appeases the Dryads and Mars with prayers and vows to avert the omen.read · scan
- p. 128Aeneas prays at the god's shrine and the Trojans fall prostrate before the present god.read · scan
- p. 131Anchises sacrifices bulls and a ewe to Neptune, Apollo and the winds.read · scan
- p. 131Aeneas lifts his hands to heaven and casts incense on the flames.read · scan
- p. 131The Trojans call the gods, Jove included, as partners of their feast.read · scan
- p. 131Anchises sacrifices and prays to avert the omens; the Trojans pay vows to Jove and keep their country's customs.read · scan
- p. 137Sacrifice, pardon-seeking, and awe at Phoebus's shrine frame the prophet's rites and Aeneas's religious dread.read · scan
- p. 137Holy vows and sacrifice are performed with a veil against hostile faces.read · scan
- p. 137–142Aeneas must adore Juno with vows, gifts and prayers to soften her anger and secure his passage.read · scan
- p. 142–145Anchises pours a libation and prays to the gods; Trojans veil their heads and honor Juno and Pallas.read · scan
- p. 145–151As Helenus enjoined, they adore Diana, protectress of the shore.read · scan
- p. 152They sacrifice at every altar to Ceres, Bacchus, Apollo and Juno, goddess of marriage.read · scan
- p. 152Sacrifice, prayers and inspection of entrails are futile against a bleeding heart.read · scan
- p. 178Entellus sacrifices the bull to Eryx, offering his gauntlets as a nobler sacrifice and renouncing the field.read · scan
- p. 178The Trojans turn wonder into prayer at the portent.read · scan
- p. 197Juno sends Iris to mischief; the matrons implore the gods for a home and take Neptune's altar fire.read · scan
- p. 197Aeneas lifts hands and vows in prayer, and the gods are invoked in distress.read · scan
- p. 207Aeneas seeks the shrine of Phoebus, and the priestess orders sacrifice of bullocks and ewes.read · scan
- p. 210Aeneas prays to Venus and follows her doves as omens to the golden bough.read · scan
- p. 239Sacred laurel and rites; Lavinia at the altar fire before the gods.read · scan
- p. 239Latinus sacrifices sheep and sleeps on fleeces to consult the gods; Aeneas hails his household gods.read · scan
- p. 239–243Aeneas performs vows, adoring the genius of the place, Earth, nymphs, Jove and his ancestors; thunder answers.read · scan
- p. 245Trojans carry holy boughs and pray; Apollo sends fleet; Latinus invokes powers and augury.read · scan
- p. 268–270Aeneas prays to nymphs and Father Tiber, sacrifices the sow to Juno; Arcadians make offerings to Hercules.read · scan
- p. 282Evander performs rites of Hercules and offers sheep to household gods; matrons double their devotion.read · scan
- p. 340Juno cites Turnus's devout rites and daily incense at Jove's shrine as grounds for mercy.read · scan
Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12
- p. 17–18Human sacrifice of three captives to Bacchus demanded by the prophet and carried out by the crowd before the battle.read · scan
- p. 29The king prays to Arimanius and sacrifices to the gods.read · scan
Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12
- p. 50Minerva appears in a dream to Pericles, prescribing a cure and showing the goddess favored the work; he dedicates a statue.read · scan
Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12
- p. 89Supplications and sacrifices to Jupiter, Juno, Pan, nymphs and heroes prescribed to win victory; ancient temple of Ceres located.read · scan
- p. 95Sacrifice and prayer attend the battle; the Lydian attack on the sacrifice explains a Spartan ritual.read · scan
- p. 95Pausanias weeps and prays to Juno and the tutelar gods; the sacrifices turn propitious.read · scan
Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 148Castor and Pollux appear announcing victory; oak sacred to Jupiter; holiday established.read · scan
- p. 168–169Jupiter appears in a dream to Latinus, complaining of a bad dancer heading his procession; the senate investigates and renews the rites.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 280–282The senate votes sacrifices and festivals to the gods for the victory.read · scan
- p. 300Caesar performs devotions to the gods before battle.read · scan
- p. 315Sacrifice and omens are read as signs of impending danger.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 136Men anxiously petition augurs for escape instead of accepting divine will.read · scan
Tacitus, GermanyVol. 33
- p. 98Priests invoke the gods in divination and consider themselves ministers, horses privy to divine will.read · scan
- p. 114Semnones' sacred grove: human sacrifice, worshippers bound in ligatures, acknowledging the supreme God who governs all.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 240Sacrifice, prayer and oaths presuppose gods who are present and care.read · scan
BeowulfVol. 49
- p. 8The Danes in heathen fanes vow altar-offerings, asking the slayer-of-souls for help.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 239–241Utopian sacrifices and religions are among the practices More doubts.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 319Two brothers sacrifice at an altar; fire from heaven accepts the sincere shepherd's offering and not the reaper's.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 415The Philistines' festival sacrifice and praise of their idol-god for delivering their enemy.read · scan
John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18
- p. 26Priests order sacrifice and call on the gods to join the celebration.read · scan
Jean Racine, PhaedraVol. 26
- p. 142She builds a shrine and offers victims to Venus, but the worship only turns to adoring Hippolytus.read · scan
Walter Savage Landor, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 902–903Sacrifice to Artemis demanded by the goddess through the priest Calchas; daughter's prayer for her father.read · scan
John Keats, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 878–879Procession to sacrifice at a green altar, a town emptied of its folk.read · scan
George Long, The Philosophy of AntoninusVol. 2
- p. 340If gods determined nothing, sacrifice, prayer and oaths would be pointless.read · scan
5b.Vows, oaths and suppliants' sanctuary
See also: Hospitality 1a · Revenge 7c
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 30–31Telemachus says his purpose came from a god; the nurse swears a great oath by the gods.read · scan
- p. 42Nestor prays to Athene for fame and vows a gilded yearling heifer in sacrifice.read · scan
- p. 72–73Calypso swears the great oath by earth, heaven and the Styx, the most terrible to the gods.read · scan
- p. 79–80Odysseus prays to the river god as a suppliant, and the god answers by calming his stream.read · scan
- p. 94Libations poured to Zeus, who attends upon reverend suppliants; hospitality is a sacred duty.read · scan
- p. 121–122Odysseus appeals to Zeus as avenger of suppliants and strangers; the Cyclops scorns the gods, claiming to be stronger.read · scan
- p. 169–170Odysseus argues the flocks belong to Helios, who oversees and overhears everything, and a solemn oath binds the crew.read · scan
- p. 179–180He prays to Athene as to a god and invokes Zeus, protector of suppliants, who punishes transgressors.read · scan
- p. 187Eumaeus holds it impious to slight a stranger since all strangers and beggars are from Zeus.read · scan
- p. 195–196Gods called as witnesses to the covenant; Eumaeus prepares sacrifice for his guest.read · scan
- p. 219–220Telemachus promises sacrifices and golden gifts to the supposed god and prays for mercy.read · scan
- p. 226Suppliants have Zeus as witness; harming them is impious.read · scan
- p. 229–230Penelope vows hecatombs to the gods that Zeus grant requital.read · scan
- p. 231–232He swears by Zeus and the hearth; wooers sacrifice animals for feast.read · scan
- p. 304–305Phemius considers taking refuge at Zeus's altar, where Laertes and Odysseus burned offerings.read · scan
Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8
- p. 123–126Suppliant's right of refuge is reverenced by Zeus himself; Orestes is to clasp Athena's image.read · scan
- p. 131–132Orestes as suppliant clings to Athena's image, having roamed obedient to Apollo's command; Apollo swears to guard his suppliant.read · scan
- p. 138–140Orestes is a sacred suppliant clasping the statue, like Ixion cleansed by Zeus.read · scan
Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8
- p. 209Suppliants with boughs and incense at Zeus's altar, praying for relief from the plague sent by the god.read · scan
- p. 225–228Creon's oath calling on the gods is urged as reason to respect him.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 36Vows to the gods, shaved children's heads weighed against silver to feed sacred beasts.read · scan
- p. 54A temple of Heracles gives sanctuary to slaves and suppliants, an unchanged sacred custom.read · scan
- p. 89Ladike's vow to Aphrodite and her dedicated image; Amasis' offerings to Athene and Hera.read · scan
Hippocrates, The Oath of HippocratesVol. 38
- p. 3The oath is sworn by Apollo, Aesculapius and all gods, with purity and holiness.read · scan
Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2
- p. 22–24Swayed judges would perjure themselves and act impiously; Socrates believes in the gods and commits his cause to them.read · scan
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 45–46The annual pilgrimage to Delos vowed to Apollo makes the voyage a holy season.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On FriendshipVol. 9
- p. 22–23Scrupulous pious men could not ask or grant requests breaching oaths and religious obligation.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 91Trojans appeal to hospitable rites and to just gods who avenge wrongs; Aeneas praised as religious of his word.read · scan
- p. 93Dido invokes hospitable Jove with solemn rites to bless Trojan and Tyrian concord.read · scan
- p. 99Dido pours libations and invokes Bacchus and Juno to ratify peace.read · scan
- p. 111–113Cassandra is dragged from Minerva's shrine; sacred bands do not protect priest Pantheus, showing gods' withdrawal.read · scan
- p. 117Household gods and altar offer futile refuge to Hecuba and her women.read · scan
- p. 178Cloanthus vows a bull and wine to the sea gods, and they answer his prayer by speeding his ship.read · scan
- p. 207Aeneas vows temples, rites, festivals and shrines for Apollo and Diana and holy priests to guard the oracles.read · scan
- p. 293Turnus invokes the goddess and pours vows to heaven with water.read · scan
- p. 293–300Oaths by household gods, Vesta and country's deities.read · scan
- p. 325Pallas vows spoils to the Tiber if it guides his dart, and the god accepts the bribe.read · scan
- p. 366Metabus vows his daughter to Diana, invoking the goddess and dedicating the child to her service.read · scan
- p. 389Both sides raise altars, priests in white bring holy fire and water for the treaty rites.read · scan
- p. 389Sacrifice of beasts and Aeneas's prayer to the gods precede the treaty.read · scan
- p. 389Aeneas and Latinus swear solemn oaths by the gods on altars; victims are slain.read · scan
- p. 389Sacrifice is broken off and altars are desecrated; Latinus flees with his gods.read · scan
- p. 389Aeneas cites injured altars and broken vows; priests fight with altar brands.read · scan
- p. 406Aeneas lifts pious hands, calls the gods to witness his innocence and the profaned rites of peace.read · scan
- p. 412Turnus prays to Faunus and Mother Earth to hold the spear, appealing to his piety and the sacred olive tree.read · scan
Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12
- p. 26Themistocles supplicates Admetus at the hearth, the sacred Molossian form of supplication that cannot be refused.read · scan
- p. 31Themistocles vows to the Mother of the gods, builds her a temple and consecrates his daughter to her service in gratitude.read · scan
Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 178–179Women supplicate at the altar of Jupiter Capitolinus and ascribe their plan to divine prompting.read · scan
Plutarch, DemosthenesVol. 12
- p. 214Sanctuary in temples fails to protect the exiles; Demosthenes invokes Neptune and refuses to defile the sacred place.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 361–364Pliny wishes to offer public vows for the emperor from the duty of a priestly office.read · scan
- p. 377–378Annual vows to the gods for the emperor's welfare renewed by governor and people.read · scan
- p. 385–387Celebration of the emperor's accession with prayers to the gods and renewed oath of allegiance.read · scan
- p. 408–410Accession day is solemnized with pious zeal, vows and prayers to the gods.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 985–986Covenant with God is binding, and hypocrites doubt His promises.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 40–41Oaths sworn by the Most Great Name of God and appeal to scripture bind the 'Efrit.read · scan
- p. 108–109Oath on the Kur'an binds her faithfulness.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 112–114Oath sworn on relics in sword hilt and on the Saracen book of Mahound's law.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 213Christian princes should keep faith, and the pontifical authority compels them to abide by promises.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 30–32Fra Alessio gives sanctuary in his cell for the love of God, whatever the sins.read · scan
- p. 254–256He longs to be freed by a saviour, and would sing the Credo, Salve Regina and Paternosters and give alms.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, Preface to the History of the WorldVol. 39
- p. 86Papal advantage lets oaths on the Holy Evangelists be broken without scruple.read · scan
Edmund Spenser, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 243–244Invokes Cynthia, Juno and Hymen with prayer, patronizing the sacred rites of wedlock.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 147Asked if they are Christians, sailors must swear by the Saviour; the official gestures thanks to God.read · scan
- p. 147–148Oath is taken by the name of Jesus and his merits; the sailors invoke God's reward for kindness.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 841–843The Cardinal makes Julia swear on a book, perverting religious oath into murder.read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34
- p. 400–401An oath is valid only by the swearer's own rite and God; needless swearing profanes God's name.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 323–324His friends' Romish persuasion kept him from taking a degree because of the oath.read · scan
Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Life Is a DreamVol. 26
- p. 37Clotaldo swears by the sword as symbol and champion of the holy faith.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 415Rival worship of Dagon and Israel's God; Samson appeals to his vow and to God's pardon of the suppliant.read · scan
- p. 415Samson fears prostituting his consecrated strength to idols and staining his Nazarite vow.read · scan
Jean Racine, PhaedraVol. 26
- p. 186–188Plan to swear vows at a temple where perjurers are struck, invoking the gods as witnesses.read · scan
Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in FranceVol. 24
- p. 344Multiplying oaths weakens religious sanctions in men's minds; Burke mocks philosophes' sermons sent to soldiers.read · scan
Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26
- p. 426–427The oath includes trust in God Most High and not quailing before man.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 661–663She offers sacrifice and vows, imploring the infernal and celestial gods with faith.read · scan
John Keats, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 886–887Oaths by saints, holy days and prayer frame the exchange.read · scan
Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation of AmnestyVol. 43
- p. 417The oath is sworn before Almighty God, invoking divine witness.read · scan
5c.Funeral and purification rites
See also: Honor 11a · Life and Death 9b · Emotion 6e · Custom and Convention 8a
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 142–143Circe details rites: trench, libations of mead, wine and water, prayers, and sacrifices to the dead, Hades and Persephone.read · scan
- p. 145Ritual offerings, libations, prayers and vows of sacrifice to the dead, Hades and Persephone.read · scan
- p. 146–147Elpenor begs burial rites lest the gods' anger fall on Odysseus; a barrow and oar mark his grave.read · scan
- p. 308–309Odysseus purifies the hall with sulphur and fire to cleanse the pollution of slaughter.read · scan
- p. 321Funeral rites, sacrifices and dirge by Muses and sea-nymphs honor Achilles.read · scan
Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8
- p. 76–77Prayers to Hermes and Zeus, dedicated locks, and funeral libations to the dead.read · scan
- p. 79Electra hesitates over how to consecrate offerings to her father's grave, then invokes Hermes and Earth.read · scan
- p. 79–83Libations poured and dirge sung at the grave, calling on the dead father and on heaven and earth.read · scan
- p. 89–91Dirge and invocation of the dead father and gods at the grave.read · scan
- p. 93–95They call on the dead father to hear and rise to aid.read · scan
- p. 95–96Prayers and libations to the dead and to gods below; promised rites and altar offerings in return for aid.read · scan
Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8
- p. 133Purification by shrines and by the sacrifice of swine; Orestes invokes Athena as champion.read · scan
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 267Antigone pours three libations over the dead, performing burial rites.read · scan
- p. 287Creon insists man cannot pollute the gods, refusing burial despite the omens.read · scan
- p. 294Burial rites for Polynices, with prayers to Pluto and the goddess of pathways, and washing with holy water.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 36–37Cats seem divinely possessed; sacred burial of animals in temple cities.read · scan
- p. 40Wool is barred from temples and burial by religious rule, agreeing with Orphic, Bacchic and Pythagorean rites.read · scan
- p. 42Impiety to name the god or man associated with the best method of embalming.read · scan
- p. 42–44Those killed by crocodile or Nile are buried by priests as more than man; temple of Perseus with games and appearances.read · scan
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 112Socrates asks to pour a libation and prays to the gods to prosper his journey.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 117Aeneas cannot touch the sacred household gods while bloody from battle until he is cleansed in running water.read · scan
- p. 167Dido prepares magical funeral rites: priestess, altars, invocation of Hecate and the powers below, sacrifice and offerings.read · scan
- p. 167Iris devotes Dido to the infernal gods with the ritual cutting of the hair.read · scan
- p. 178Aeneas institutes annual rites for Anchises: offerings of wine, milk and blood at the tomb, prayer, garlands.read · scan
- p. 178Aeneas renews sacrifices at the tomb after the serpent's appearance, uncertain if it is the place's genius or guardian.read · scan
- p. 210The golden bough must be plucked by holy rites and offered to Proserpine; funeral rites and sheep sacrifice are prescribed.read · scan
- p. 210Funeral rites, sacrifices to Hecate, Proserpine and Pluto, and priestess's rites open the descent.read · scan
- p. 355Aeneas performs victor's vows, dedicates a trophy to the God of War and orders funeral rites for the dead.read · scan
- p. 355Pious rites and animal offerings for the dead.read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 470Paul reports God's work among the Gentiles and performs purification in the temple.read · scan
Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12
- p. 98Oracle of Apollo requires extinguishing polluted fires and relighting from Delphi; Euchidas runs and dies.read · scan
- p. 98–99Plataeans perform yearly sacrifice, libations and supplication to Jupiter and Mercury at the graves of the fallen.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 299–300Caesar sacrifices to the gods to purify his army before battle.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 311Proper burial ceremonies appease the ghost and end the haunting.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 430–431The Imam and mosque ministers attend the burial and recite prayers.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 153–154Turpin urges reconciliation in God's name and expects Franks to bury the martyred dead in hallowed earth.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 70–72Requests for bells rung, mass sung and gold given at kirks for her burial.read · scan
- p. 72–74Church bells, mass and alms mark the funeral procession.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 190–191Christian burial and scripture cited by clownsread · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 612–614A Christian psalm and funeral bell will mark her burial.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1317The priest performs the burial service of sorrow, promising later sacred burial in the churchyard.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 432Heathen burial with wooden images of gods, contrasted with Christian converts.read · scan
5d.Mystery cults and ecstatic worship
See also: God 10d · Wisdom 4c · Madness 3b · Tyranny 5a
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 287–292Choral hymn invokes Bacchus, guardian of Thebes, praising his worship and dwelling places.read · scan
- p. 292–293Choral hymn to Bacchus, guardian of Thebes, invoking his rites, dances and cleansing presence against the plague.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 29Herodotus traces Greek Dionysiac rites and the phallic procession to Egypt through Melampus, rejecting chance coincidence.read · scan
- p. 30Worship, sacrifice, prayer and mysteries pass from Egyptians and Pelasgians to Greeks.read · scan
- p. 62Egyptian festival rites of the priests, the robe and the wolves at Demeter's temple, in observance of Rhampsinitos' descent to Hades.read · scan
- p. 64–66An annual rite carries the cow into daylight and the Egyptians beat themselves in mourning for a god.read · scan
- p. 83–84Royal tombs in Athene's temple; night-time mystery rites on the lake showing the sufferings of a god.read · scan
- p. 84–85Herodotus withholds mystic rites of Demeter out of piety; the rite came from Egypt via Danaos' daughters.read · scan
Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8
- p. 368–369He spreads his mysteries, dances and rites through the world; Thebes must learn to adore him.read · scan
- p. 370–371The chorus sings its worship of Dionysus; the blessed are those whose souls are near God and sins lifted.read · scan
- p. 371–373Bacchic chorus describes ecstatic worship of Bromios: dance, timbrels, ivy wands, and flight to the mountains.read · scan
- p. 373–375Bacchanals summoned to the hills with music; ecstatic worship bringing milk, wine and torchlight.read · scan
- p. 375–377The old men join Bacchic worship, which honours all alike, young or old, regardless of age.read · scan
- p. 377–378Pentheus denounces the new Bacchic rites as rascaldom and blasphemy and threatens to suppress them by force.read · scan
- p. 378–379He urges Pentheus to receive the god, pour libations, pray and wreathe his brow.read · scan
- p. 379–381Old men take up ivy and dance in Bacchic rite; Pentheus scorns the worship as contagion and orders the stranger seized.read · scan
- p. 382–384Chorus celebrates Dionysus' worship of dancing, music and wine, which banishes care and pain, and condemns the king's scorn.read · scan
- p. 384–385Prayer and joyful devotion to the god; miracle of freed maidens whose chains fell off.read · scan
- p. 385–389Dionysus describes his mysteries, revealed to the elect and closed to sin-lovers, worshipped by night; Pentheus calls it craft and rottenness.read · scan
- p. 389–392Chorus invokes Dirce and recalls the god's mysterious birth, praying to Dionysus.read · scan
- p. 392–394Maenads pray, adore the god and praise his dancing, mystery and joy across lands.read · scan
- p. 395–397Maidens prostrate themselves before the arriving god and rejoice at their priest's return.read · scan
- p. 399Messenger describes the Bacchae's worship on the mountain, with wands and miraculous springs of water, wine, milk and honey, and urges Pentheus to adore the god.read · scan
- p. 399Bacchae pray and worship the wand, crying to Iacchos and Bromios; the mountain and wild things join in ecstatic rite.read · scan
- p. 399–405Dionysus' gift of the grief-assuaging vine; better to yield prayer and sacrifice than resist.read · scan
- p. 410–411Faith and reverence contrasted with proud disbelief in the god.read · scan
- p. 415–417Worship of Dionysus by the Maids of God against the spy who defies it.read · scan
- p. 417–419Maenads' devotional rites in the glen, with wands, ivy and mystic song.read · scan
Hippocrates, The Law of HippocratesVol. 38
- p. 5Medical knowledge treated as sacred mystery reserved for initiates.read · scan
Aristophanes, The FrogsVol. 8
- p. 439–449The chorus of initiates hymns Iacchus and Demeter in mystic revel and bars the impure and profane from their rites.read · scan
- p. 449–451The mystic chorus excludes the unworthy and hymns Demeter and Iacchus, praying for protection of the city and joy in the festival.read · scan
- p. 451–452The happy mystic chorus dances in blessed sunshine, claiming it alone strove with holy, pure endeavour.read · scan
Plato, CritoVol. 2
- p. 42–43The laws' voice hums in his ears like the flute to the mystic, silencing other voices.read · scan
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 57–58Socrates cites the mysteries and initiation and purification as figures for the true philosophers' fate.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 197Pyrgo recognizes the goddess by her divine mien; the matrons are seized with divine rage and snatch food and fires from the altars.read · scan
- p. 248Amata feigns Bacchic rites and leads the women in orgiastic worship to delay the match.read · scan
- p. 248Latin women follow Amata in Bacchic orgies and nocturnal rites in the mountains.read · scan
Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12
- p. 121–122Alcibiades is accused of profaning the sacred mysteries of Ceres and Proserpine in mock ceremony.read · scan
- p. 124–126The indictment charges him with mocking the holy mysteries against Eleusinian institutions.read · scan
- p. 140Athenians read the goddess's veiled rites as an omen; Alcibiades restores the Eleusinian procession, acting as priest and general.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 240–241Clodius profanes the women's secret sacrifice, entering in disguise, and is prosecuted for profaning holy rites.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 270Describes the Bona Dea rites: women's secret night festival, male exclusion, differing myths of the goddess among Romans, Greeks and Phrygians.read · scan
- p. 271Clodius profanes the women's sacred rites disguised as a singing woman; Aurelia halts the ceremony and covers the sacred things.read · scan
Plutarch, AntonyVol. 12
- p. 368–369Antony claims descent from Hercules and imitates Bacchus; the temple of Hercules and Bacchus's figure suffer omens.read · scan
- p. 380Night music is read as Bacchus, the god Antony imitated, forsaking him.read · scan
Tacitus, GermanyVol. 33
- p. 115Worship of Mother Earth: priest attends the goddess's chariot, festivals, and slaves drowned after the ritual washing, inspiring terror.read · scan
Abraham Cowley, Of AgricultureVol. 27
- p. 65Dancing originated in heathen ceremonies of mummery and madness accounted divine inspiration.read · scan
George Long, M. Aurelius AntoninusVol. 2
- p. 305The emperor conformed to established rites, was initiated at Eleusis, yet was not superstitious.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-SoulVol. 5
- p. 140Religious enthusiasm and ecstasy recur through history, from Paul and Fox to Methodists and Quietists, as awe before the divine.read · scan
5e.Priesthoods and temples of the ancient world
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 119–120Maron, priest of Apollo, gave splendid gifts in return for reverent protection of him and his family.read · scan
- p. 176–177The cave is sacred to the nymphs, and its south portal is the way of the immortals.read · scan
- p. 232–233Altar to the Nymphs by the spring where wayfarers make offering.read · scan
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 11–12Shrines of guardian spirits: jest not over holy matters.read · scan
- p. 36Ch'ih would humbly serve at the Ancestral Temple rites.read · scan
Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8
- p. 162–164A ceremonial procession escorts the Furies to their shrine with torches, robes and reverence.read · scan
- p. 164–165Closing procession honoring the Furies with prayer, sacrifice, libations and torches as they are installed in their temple.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 313–315David's vow to find a dwelling for Jehovah; worship at the tabernacle, priests clothed with righteousness, blessing from Zion.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 23Egyptians are excessively religious, with rites of cleanliness, priestly purity, taboos and endowed hereditary priesthoods.read · scan
- p. 27He describes the rich temple of Heracles at Tyre and compares priests' accounts.read · scan
- p. 33–35Ritual stick-fight at Papremis for Ares and Egyptian rules of temple purity: no intercourse in temples, bathing required.read · scan
- p. 39Animals held sacred and buried in temples; ibis honoured by Egyptians for killing the winged serpents.read · scan
- p. 53Pheros recovers his sight and dedicates obelisks and offerings at temples, notably the Sun's.read · scan
- p. 63Cheops shuts the temples and forbids sacrifice, bringing evil upon the people.read · scan
- p. 64Temples are closed by the bad kings and opened again by Mykerinos, restoring sacrifices.read · scan
- p. 64Incense is burned daily and a lamp lit nightly before the cow, which bears the sun's disc.read · scan
- p. 69The Bubastis temple of Artemis with its grove and image of the goddess.read · scan
- p. 85He neglects temples of gods whose oracles absolved him and builds magnificently for Athene.read · scan
- p. 85Amasis dedicates statues and temples to Isis and Hephaistos.read · scan
- p. 87–88Greek sacred enclosures and altars granted at Naucratis; contributions to the Delphi temple.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On FriendshipVol. 9
- p. 39–40Cicero notes religion won an easy victory over Crassus's plausible speech on priestly elections.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 85–86Aeneas rescues his household gods; Venus's temple at Paphos smokes with altars, vows and prayers.read · scan
- p. 87Dido builds and consecrates Juno's temple; the omen of the horse's head foretells prosperity.read · scan
- p. 100Sinon says the horse was dedicated to appease Minerva; violating it would bring destruction.read · scan
- p. 100Trojans wrongly hail Laocoon's death as divine punishment, admit the horse as offering to Pallas, and adorn the temples in festival.read · scan
- p. 109Hector entrusts the household gods and sacred fire of Vesta to Aeneas; Pantheus the priest flees with relics.read · scan
- p. 152Hyarbas's temples, altars, priests and sacrifices to Ammon are offered as claims on Jove.read · scan
- p. 197–202Aeneas adores household gods and Vesta, makes sacrifices, builds a temple to Venus, and deifies Anchises with priest and rites.read · scan
- p. 243–245Trojans come with banished gods, seeking a place for them; Dardanus became a god.read · scan
- p. 259The gates of Mars are worshipped with religious fear and guarded by Janus.read · scan
- p. 260The priest Umbro with wand and holy words calms serpents' venom.read · scan
- p. 270The people institute annual rites and worship at Hercules' shrine with garlands, wine and priests, as custom prescribes.read · scan
- p. 270The Salii sing and offer sacrifice at the altar of Hercules, in hymn praising his labors.read · scan
- p. 282–287He prays to Jove; a sacred grove is dedicated to Silvanus with annual devotions.read · scan
- p. 287Salian priests, Luperci and matrons bearing vows and gums display Roman ritual.read · scan
- p. 287Caesar gives thanks by building three hundred temples, with altars, sacrifices and festivals.read · scan
- p. 293Cybele recalls the sacred grove on Ida where she was worshipped and pleads for the pine ships.read · scan
- p. 325The priest Emonides is killed and sent as an offering to the shades; Anxur's magic charms fail.read · scan
- p. 366Latin matrons process to Pallas' temple with incense and gifts, praying to the goddess to break the invader's lance.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 353Priestly service, incense offering in the temple and the praying multitude.read · scan
Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12
- p. 12–13Athenians reluctant to forsake the temples of their gods and ancestors' tombs.read · scan
- p. 32He visits the temples at Sardis and sees the statue of the water-bringer dedicated to the Mother of the gods.read · scan
Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12
- p. 87Priests to anathematize anyone treating with the Medes; temples profaned by Persians.read · scan
Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12
- p. 126–127Priestess Theano refuses to curse Alcibiades, saying her holy office obliges her to pray, not to execrate.read · scan
- p. 133–135He takes priests and priestesses captive but releases them without ransom.read · scan
- p. 138–139Priests absolve him of the curses; the high-priest Theodorus refuses, since he never cursed an innocent man.read · scan
Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 169–170Romans repeat sacrifices and processions for any defect; Numa's herald warns people to attend the sacred action, showing Roman reverence and caution.read · scan
- p. 176–177Rome sends its priests and diviners in procession to Marcius as a last sacred resort; it fails.read · scan
- p. 181Romans open temples, crown themselves with garlands and sacrifice; the women's temple to Female Fortune honors the gods.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 232–233Women celebrate the rites of the Good Goddess in the consul's house.read · scan
- p. 233–234The vestal virgins at the sacrifice interpret the portent and send word to Terentia.read · scan
- p. 243–244Cicero dedicates a statue of Minerva on the capitol as patroness of Rome before leaving.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 286Caesar leaves his captured sword in the temple, regarding it as consecrated.read · scan
Tacitus, GermanyVol. 33
- p. 96Only priests may punish, as commanded by the deity; sacred images from groves carried into battle.read · scan
- p. 116Naharvalian sacred grove with a priest dressed as a woman; worship of young brothers without images.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 248He builds a temple at his own expense and regards delaying its dedication as impiety.read · scan
- p. 251Pliny's appointment as augur, an ancient sacred priesthood held for life, unlike other removable offices.read · scan
- p. 253Vestal Virgins tend the sacred fire under vows of chastity; violation is a prodigy threatening Rome and punished by burial alive.read · scan
- p. 319Temple of the river-god Clitumnus and chapels to various gods, with inscriptions celebrating the divinity of the fountain.read · scan
- p. 361He builds a temple as a work of piety and adorns it with the emperor's statue.read · scan
- p. 384–385Whether an unconsecrated temple of the mother of the gods may be removed; Trajan says foreign ground cannot receive Roman consecration.read · scan
- p. 394Removing relics of the dead requires the priests' college at Rome; Trajan spares provincials that burden.read · scan
- p. 395–396Trajan asks whether the temple to Claudius was dedicated, since dedicated ground remains consecrated.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 206Such a man is like a priest and minister of the gods.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 229Priests are consecrated, left to God's judgment, few and virtuous, and honoured by all nations for their reverence.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 342Rites, sacrifices and the Tabernacle with the Ark establish worship.read · scan
- p. 342Returned exiles rebuild the temple; priestly strife pollutes it.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 254Zerubbabel and the high priest are exhorted to work on the second temple and not fear.read · scan
John Dryden, Dedication of the AeneisVol. 13
- p. 19–21Aeneas takes charge of country gods and the high-priesthood, as Augustus held the office making him sacred.read · scan
John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18
- p. 23–24Priests of Isis in the temple; Alexas mocks the vision as fear-mongering of priesthood and holy luxury.read · scan
Edmund Burke, A Philosophical Inquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and BeautifulVol. 24
- p. 50Heathen temples, American idols and Druid rites used darkness to inspire awe.read · scan
- p. 67Describes the high priest's glory at the sanctuary and altar with the sons of Aaron.read · scan
John Keats, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 881–882Too late for antique vows, yet he will serve as priest with shrine, incense and oracle for the neglected goddess.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 453Stonehenge is visited as the oldest religious monument in Britain.read · scan
- p. 454Stonehenge described as primeval temple, origin of British ecclesiastical structures, revered by the race and placed astronomically.read · scan
‹ 4 · Outline · 6 ›