Polytheism

epithets make olympian gods almost infinitely

multiplied bc they become

• diff

• specific

according to epithets

(occurs between and within cities)

aswell as major gods there are also cults for

• minor gods

• heroes

• nymphs

• manifestations of local features (rivers or mountains)

may be more powerful bc they are local so relation to worshipper is stronger

homeric hymn to demeter

story of rituals played out at eleusis

(dememter looks for daughter persophone taken to UW)

this becomes basis for set of mysteries called eleusinian mysteries - near athens

cult calenders organise time

lists of sacrifices to gods/heroes by communities

(lots of detail - gods, when, how, where, who celebrate)