Pausanias Analysis

Passage 8.5.11

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Passage 8.5.11: Sanctuary of Artemis Hymnia at Orchomenus, served by a virgin priestess.

Mythic Non-skeptical

Greek Text

Ἀριστοκράτης δὲ ὁ Αἴχμιδος τάχα μέν που καὶ ἄλλα ἐς τοὺς Ἀρκάδας ὕβρισεν· ἃ δὲ ἀνοσιώτατα ἔργων ἐς θεοὺς ἐργασάμενον οἶδα αὐτόν, ἐπέξεισί μοι ταῦτα ὁ λόγος. ἔστιν Ἀρτέμιδος ἱερὸν Ὑμνίας ἐπίκλησιν. τοῦτο ἐν ὅροις μέν ἐστιν Ὀρχομενίων, πρὸς δὲ τῇ Μαντινικῇ· σέβουσιν ἐκ παλαιοτάτου καὶ οἱ πάντες Ἀρκάδες Ὑμνίαν Ἄρτεμιν. ἐλάμβανε δὲ τὴν ἱερωσύνην τῆς θεοῦ τότε ἔτι κόρη παρθένος.

English Translation

Aristocrates, the son of Aichmis, likely committed other offenses against the Arcadians as well; however, I will relate those deeds of his against the gods which I know to have been most unholy. There is a sanctuary of Artemis surnamed Hymnia situated within the territory of Orchomenus, close to Mantinean land; from very ancient times all Arcadians have revered Artemis Hymnia. The priesthood of the goddess was at that time always held by a virgin maiden.

Proper Nouns

god (θεός) deity
Artemis (Ἄρτεμις) deity
Hymnia (Ὑμνία) deity
Also in: 8.13.5
Aichmis (Αἴχμις) person
Aristocrates (Ἀριστοκράτης) person
Arcadians (Ἀρκάδες) person
Mantinice (Μαντινική) place Q1160195
Also in: 8.7.1 8.8.7 8.12.7
Orchomenians (Ὀρχομένιος) place
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