Cybele

Originally a Phrygian goddess, Cybele (Greek Κυβέλη, sometimes given the etymology "she of the hair" if her name is Greek, not Phrygian, but more widely considered of Luwian origin, from Kubaba) (Roman equivalent: Magna Mater or 'Great Mother') was a manifestation of the Earth Mother goddess who was worshipped in Anatolia from Neolithic times. Like Gaia or her Minoan equivalent Rhea, Cybele embodies the fertile earth, a goddess of caverns and mountains, walls and fortresses, nature, wild animals (especially lions and bees). Her title 'Mistress of the Animals' (potnia theron) which is also associated with the Minoan Great Mother, alludes to her ancient Paleolithic roots. She is a life-death-rebirth deity. Her consort, whose cult was introduced , is her son Attis.

Related Topics:
Phrygia - Greek - Phrygian - Luwian - Kubaba - Roman - Magna Mater - Earth Mother - Anatolia - Neolithic - Gaia - Minoa - Rhea - Life-death-rebirth deity - Attis

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Cybele was supposed to have been born on Mount Ida in Asia Minor; this is the source of her epithet Idaea.

Related Topics:
Mount Ida - Asia Minor - Idaea

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Cybele's most ecstatic followers were males who ritually castrated themselves, after which they were given womens clothing and assumed female identities, who were referred to by contemporary commentator Kallimachos in the feminine Gallai , and who other contemporary commetators in ancient Greece and Rome reffered to as Gallos or Galli. Her Priestesses led the people in orgiastic ceremonies with wild music, drumming and dancing and drink. She was associated with the mystery religion concerning her son, Attis, who was castrated and resurrected. The dactyls were part of her retinue. Other followers of Cybele, Phrygian kurbantes or Corybantes expressed her ecstatic and orgiastic cult in music especially drumming, clashing of shields and spears, dancing, singing, shouts, all at night.

Related Topics:
Castrated - Kallimachos - Gallai - Gallos - Galli - Attis - Dactyls - Corybantes

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Atalanta and Hippomenes were turned into lions by Cybele after having sex in one of her temples.

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