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Difference between revisions of "Python"
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[[File:Apollo with Python.jpg|400px|thumb|Apollo killing Python. Engraving from ''Ovid's Metamorphoses Book I'']] | [[File:Apollo with Python.jpg|400px|thumb|Apollo killing Python. Engraving from ''Ovid's Metamorphoses Book I'']] | ||
In Greek mythology, '''Python''' (also called '''Pytho''') was the serpent, sometimes represented as a medieval-style dragon, living at the center of the [[Earth]], believed by the ancient Greeks to be at Delphi. Later traditions viewed Python as a [[demon]]. | In Greek mythology, '''Python''' (also called '''Pytho''') was the serpent, sometimes represented as a medieval-style dragon, living at the center of the [[Earth]], believed by the ancient Greeks to be at Delphi. Later [[Christianity|Christian]] and [[occult]] traditions viewed Python as a powerful [[demon]] connected with [[divination]] and prophecy. | ||
==Mythology== | ==Mythology== | ||
Much of the mythology surrounding Python has been described as an allegory for the dispersal of the fogs and clouds of vapor that arise from ponds and marshes (Python) by the rays of the [[Sun]] (the arrows of Apollo). | Much of the mythology surrounding Python has been described as an allegory for the dispersal of the fogs and clouds of vapor that arise from ponds and marshes (Python) by the rays of the [[Sun]] (the arrows of Apollo). | ||
Python presided at the Delphic oracle, which existed in the cult center for its mother, Gaia, "Earth," Pytho being the place name that was substituted for the earlier Krisa. Greeks considered the site to be the center of the Earth, represented by a stone, the omphalos or navel, which Python guarded. | Python presided at the Delphic [[oracle]], which existed in the cult center for its mother, Gaia, "Earth," Pytho being the place name that was substituted for the earlier Krisa. Greeks considered the site to be the center of the Earth, represented by a stone, the omphalos or navel, which Python guarded. | ||
Python became the chthonic enemy of the later Olympian deity Apollo, who slew it and took over Python's former home and [[oracle]]. These were the most famous and revered in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Like many monsters, Python was known as Gaia's son and prophesied as Gaia's son. In turn, Apollo had to eliminate him before he could establish a temple in Delphi. | Python became the chthonic enemy of the later Olympian deity Apollo, who slew it and took over Python's former home and [[oracle]]. These were the most famous and revered in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Like many monsters, Python was known as Gaia's son and prophesied as Gaia's son. In turn, Apollo had to eliminate him before he could establish a temple in Delphi. | ||
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There are various versions of Python's birth and death at the hands of Apollo. In the ''Homeric Hymn to Apollo'', now thought to have been composed in 522 BCE when the archaic period in Greek history was giving way to the Classical period, a small detail is provided regarding Apollo's combat with the serpent, in some sections identified as the deadly drakaina, or her parent. The god searching for a place to establish his shrine, reached Delphi and saw the Python, who was a bane to the people. He slew the serpent and declared himself as the owner of the Oracular shrine. | There are various versions of Python's birth and death at the hands of Apollo. In the ''Homeric Hymn to Apollo'', now thought to have been composed in 522 BCE when the archaic period in Greek history was giving way to the Classical period, a small detail is provided regarding Apollo's combat with the serpent, in some sections identified as the deadly drakaina, or her parent. The god searching for a place to establish his shrine, reached Delphi and saw the Python, who was a bane to the people. He slew the serpent and declared himself as the owner of the Oracular shrine. | ||
The version related by Hyginus holds that when Zeus lay with the goddess Leto, and she became pregnant with Artemis and Apollo, Hera was jealous and sent Python to pursue Leto throughout the lands, to prevent her from giving birth to the twin gods. Thus, when Apollo was born and was four days old he pursued Python, making his way straight for Mount Parnassus where the serpent dwelled and chased it to the oracle of Gaia at Delphi; there he dared to penetrate the sacred precinct and kill it with his arrows beside the rock cleft where the priestess sat on her tripod. Robert Graves, who habitually read into primitive myths a retelling of archaic political and social turmoil, saw in this the capture by Hellenes of a pre-Hellenic shrine. "To placate local opinion at Delphi," he wrote in ''The Greek Myths'', "regular funeral games were instituted in honor of the dead hero Python, and her priestess was retained in office." | The version related by Hyginus holds that when Zeus lay with the goddess Leto, and she became pregnant with Artemis and Apollo, Hera was jealous and sent Python to pursue Leto throughout the lands, to prevent her from giving birth to the twin gods. Thus, when Apollo was born and was four days old he pursued Python, making his way straight for Mount Parnassus where the serpent dwelled and chased it to the oracle of Gaia at Delphi; there he dared to penetrate the sacred precinct and kill it with his arrows beside the rock cleft where the priestess sat on her tripod. | ||
Robert Graves, who habitually read into primitive myths a retelling of archaic political and social turmoil, saw in this the capture by Hellenes of a pre-Hellenic shrine. "To placate local opinion at Delphi," he wrote in ''The Greek Myths'', "regular funeral games were instituted in honor of the dead hero Python, and her priestess was retained in office." | |||
==Oracle at Delphi== | ==Oracle at Delphi== | ||
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[[Category:Demons]] | [[Category:Demons]] | ||
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