Pausanias Analysis

Passage 9.39.7

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Passage 9.39.7: Ritual purification at the river Hercyna

Historical Non-skeptical

Greek Text

πρῶτα μὲν ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ αὐτὸν ἄγουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν ποταμὸν τὴν Ἕρκυναν, ἀγαγόντες δὲ ἐλαίῳ χρίουσι καὶ λούουσι δύο παῖδες τῶν ἀστῶν ἔτη τρία που καὶ δέκα γεγονότες, οὓς Ἑρμᾶς ἐπονομάζουσιν· οὗτοι τὸν καταβαίνοντά εἰσιν οἱ λούοντες καὶ ὁπόσα χρὴ διακονούμενοι ἅτε παῖδες. τὸ ἐντεῦθεν ὑπὸ τῶν ἱερέων οὐκ αὐτίκα ἐπὶ τὸ μαντεῖον, ἐπὶ δὲ ὕδατος πηγὰς ἄγεται· αἱ δὲ ἐγγύτατά εἰσιν ἀλλήλων.

English Translation

First, during the night, they lead him to the river Hercyna. After guiding him there, two boys, citizens about thirteen years old, whom they call "Hermae," anoint him with oil and bathe him. These boys bathe and attend the one descending into the sanctuary, taking care of whatever is needed by virtue of their youth. Next, he is led from there by the priests, not immediately to the oracle, but to the springs of water, which are located very close to each other.

Proper Nouns

Hermes (Ἑρμῆς) deity
Herkyna (Ἕρκυνα) place Q106496258
Also in: 9.39.2 9.39.5
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