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Key Details
Type
IslandMythology
Greek Pantheon
Coordinates
40.48°N, 25.52°E
About This Location
Mysteries on the Argo's route
Apollonius has the Argonauts put in at Samothrace in Book 1 to be initiated in the rites of the Kabeiroi (Samothracian Mysteries), for protection at sea. The island's mystery cult is historically real and famously secret; the Argonautica uses it as a pious stop. Homer does not send Odysseus here. Do not invent the secret. What can be said: seafarers sought the Great Gods, and Apollonius parks Jason's crew in that queue.
Primary Sources
“They reached Electra's isle, where they were initiated in the sacred rites, that they might sail with greater safety.”
More from Greek Pantheon
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