Corybants: the “first people” of the Earth or supernatural beings of antiquity

IN ancient greek mythology Corybantes occupy a special place. According to one tradition, they were considered “the first people”that appeared on Earth.

According to another, they were supernatural beingswhich arose even before the birth of the Olympian gods.

In the sources, the Corybantes are mentioned in different ways: as nine or ten, as three, and sometimes as one character – Corib or Kirbfrom whose name their family is derived.

Origin of the Corybantes

One version claims that the Corybantes were “tree-born”, that is, arising from nature, which is sometimes compared with ideas of the origin of man.

According to another tradition, they were born from tears of Zeusthat is, from the rain that fertilizes the earth. In other sources, the Corybants are called descendants Idean dactyls or sons Rhea.

Since they were closely associated with the cult Cybelethey were often considered her children. In different regions they were attributed a different origin: in Rhodes – from Helios And Athensin Samothrace – from Apolloin other places – from Zeus And Calliope.

Cult and state of ecstasy

The veneration of the Corybantes was accompanied ecstatic rituals. Members of the cults called “Corybanthiontes“, performed wild dances, made loud cries and beat drums and cymbals to the sound of a flute.

During these rituals, believers fell into a state that the ancients called “filling” – divine ecstasy. Sometimes this was accompanied by self-torture and loss of self-control.

Initiation into the cult took place through a special ritual “tronization”: the initiate sat on the throne, and the ritual participants danced around him.

Regional centers of worship

The homeland of the Corybantes was most often considered Asia Minor. In the 7th century BC. e. their cult spread to Ionia and Aeolis, where they became close to the cult Kabirov.

Later the Corybantes were revered Rhodes And Cretewhere they were identified with Kurets. In mainland Greece they also had sanctuaries, including Athens and Arcadia.

Connection with Cybele and Dionysus

The strongest connection of the Corybantes was established with the cult Cybele. During the Roman era, they began to be perceived as priests and dancers of the goddess. According to legends, the lions harnessed to her chariot were considered transformed Corybantes.

Leader of the Corybantes – Corib – identified with Attis and occupied a high position in the religious hierarchy.

Over time, the Corybantes were also associated with the cult Dionysusas well as with mythical Telkhinami Rhodes, which further expanded their mythological image.

Historical meaning of the image

The Corybantes are an example of an ancient syncretic cult, combining elements of nature, mystical initiation, ecstasy and collective ritual.

In different traditions, they could be perceived as the first people, spirits of nature, priests of the mother goddess, or intermediaries between the world of people and gods. It was this multi-layered nature that made them one of the most mysterious figures of ancient mythology.

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