What are the sacred texts of Greek mythology?
The Greeks had no religious texts they regarded as “revealed” scriptures of sacred origin, but very old texts including Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and the Homeric hymns (regarded as later productions today), Hesiod’s Theogony and Works and Days, and Pindar’s Odes were regarded as having authority and perhaps being …
What did Hellenists believe?
Hellenism is, in practice, primarily centered around polytheistic and animistic worship. Devotees worship the Greek gods, which comprise the Olympians, divinities and spirits of nature (such as nymphs), underworld deities (chthonic gods) and heroes. Both physical and spiritual ancestors are greatly honored.
Who are the gods in Hellenism?
In Hellenistic times, Osiris was commonly known by the name Serapis. These gods became equated with Greek gods: Isis with Demeter and Aphrodite; Horus with Apollo and Helios; Serapis with Zeus, Dionysus, and Hades (Pluto).
What is the Greek word for sacred?
Hieros (ἱερός) is Greek for “holy” or “sacred”. It may refer to: Ancient Greek religion.
What is the influence of Hellenism on Christianity?
The Platonic Theory of Forms had an enormous influence on Hellenic Christian views of God. The Aristotelian view of God grew from these Platonic roots, arguing that God was the Infinite, or the Unmoved mover. Hellenic Christians and their medieval successors then applied this Form-based philosophy to the Christian God.
What is the concept of Hellenism?
Definition of Hellenism 1 : grecism sense 1. 2 : devotion to or imitation of ancient Greek thought, customs, or styles. 3 : Greek civilization especially as modified in the Hellenistic period by influences from southwestern Asia.
How many gods are in Hellenism?
Deities. The main Gods of Hellenism are the Dodekatheon, the twelve Olympian Gods. There are also numerous other Gods, many of them the sons and daughters of the Olympian Gods. Zeus: The chief and king of the Gods, renowned for wielding the mighty power of the thunderbolt.
What is the Hellenism symbol?
The dodecagram, or twelve pointed star, is one of the more widespread symbols of Hellenismos. The twelve points represent the twelve Olympic Gods and thus the symbol serves its purpose as a dedicational symbol well. Another version of this symbol is the Star of Vergina, a symbol with sixteen points.
What is the Hellenic religion?
The Hellenic religion builds on traditional religion and on a traditional way of life, revolving around the Greek Gods, and primarily focused on the Twelve Olympians and embracing ancient Hellenic values and virtues.
What is Hellenism in ancient Greece?
Hellenism (Ἑλληνισμός) represents the totality of Hellenic culture; understood as a “body of humanistic and classical ideals associated with ancient Greece” as well as “the language, culture, and values of the Greeks .”
What do Hellenic polytheists worship?
Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods, or the Hellenic pantheon, including the Olympians, nature divinities, underworld deities (chthonic gods) and heroes. Both physical and spiritual ancestors are honoured. It is primarily a devotional or votive religion, based on the exchange of gifts (offerings) for the gods’ blessings.
What are the offerings of Hellenismos?
In the rituals of Ællinismόs (Hellenismos; Gr. Ἑλληνισμός), the ancient Greek religion, we make offerings to our Gods. These offerings consist of various substances: leaves of bay laurel, fruit, flowers, incense, libations of wine and milk and honey, etc.