Abaris: The Mythical seer, healer, and priest of Ancient Greece
Abaris, also known as Epimenides, is a legendary figure of ancient Greek lore, described as a seer, healer, and priest of Apollo. His story dates back to the 7th or 6th century BCE, and while his existence is shrouded in myth, there are historical references that suggest he may have been a real person. Abaris is often depicted as a mystical figure who traveled through the air on a golden arrow given to him by Apollo, living without the need for food, and performing miraculous healings and feats across Greece.
Main deity of the Hyperboreans: Apollo the Citharist. Painted plaster, roman work of the Augustan age. From the Scalae Caci on the Palatine. Antiquarian of the Palatine, Rome.
Origins and Hyperborean Mythology
Abaris was believed to originate from the mythical land of Hyperborea, a distant northern region described in ancient Greek sources as a paradise bathed in sunlight for six months each year. Hyperborea was often considered an ideal, utopian land, and some scholars have attempted to link it with the lost civilization of Atlantis, which, according to legend, was submerged over 11,000 years ago. Others have equated Hyperborea with various northern European locations such as Thule, Scandinavia, or even the broader regions of Northern Europe. Ancient writers like Aristotle and Strabo were among those who speculated about Hyperborea's location.
Abaris' Journey and Prophetic Powers
The earliest mentions of Abaris can be traced to the works of Herodotus, who tells of Abaris' origin in Proconnesus, a colony of Miletus located on the Propontis (now the Sea of Marmara). According to Herodotus, Abaris undertook a lengthy journey across Eastern and Northern Europe under the divine inspiration of Apollo. During his travels, he visited various tribes, including the Issedones, Arimaspians, Griffins, and Hyperboreans, leaving behind a poem that recounted his adventures.
Abaris' connection with Apollo was central to his identity; he was said to have sung verses that praised the god’s journey to Hyperborea, which earned him the role of Apollo’s high priest. As a reward for his devotion, Apollo bestowed upon him the gift of prophecy and a magical golden arrow that symbolized his divine favor. This arrow, which allowed Abaris to fly and travel across Greece, became a key part of his mythos, symbolizing both his connection to the divine and his shamanic powers.
Philosophical and Mystical Influences
Plato, in his dialogue "Charmides," described Abaris as one of the "Thracian physicians" who practiced a form of medicine focused on healing the soul through incantations. This approach was not just about curing physical ailments but was deeply connected to spiritual and psychological well-being, aligning with the practices of ancient shamans.
Abaris' association with shamanism is a recurring theme in his legend. Karl Meuli, a modern scholar, noted that Abaris' story reflects the beliefs and religious practices of the Scythians, suggesting that Abaris could be considered a shaman or a mythical archetype of one. This theory is supported by the characteristic traits often attributed to shamans, such as flying on a magical object (the golden arrow) and the ability to sustain oneself without food.
The Role of Abaris in Greek and Later Traditions
The Suda, a Byzantine encyclopedia, states that Abaris visited Athens as an official delegate from Hyperborea during the third Olympic Games. It also attributes several works to Abaris, including "The Scythian Oracles," a theogony in prose, a treatise on purification rituals, and a poem about Apollo's time among the Hyperboreans.
One intriguing aspect of Abaris' legend involves his interactions with the philosopher Pythagoras. According to the Neoplatonist philosopher Iamblichus, Abaris is said to have gifted his golden arrow to Pythagoras, who in return showed him his golden thigh—a symbol of his divine nature and possible allusion to the golden ratio. This exchange between the two wise men highlights their mutual respect and shared knowledge of divine and mystical sciences. Some scholars interpret this story as a symbolic representation of the exchange of philosophical and mathematical wisdom between ancient cultures.
Abaris' Role in Sacred Rituals and Healing
Abaris is also credited with various miraculous deeds, such as curing the plague in cities like Sparta and Knossos. His powers were so remarkable that he could predict earthquakes and avert pestilences through his rituals. In some versions of his story, Abaris is even said to have facilitated the arrival of the Palladium (a sacred statue believed to protect a city) in the temple of Athena in Troy, or constructed it from the bones of Pelops.
His legend suggests a deep involvement in the spiritual and religious practices of ancient Greece, where he was seen not only as a healer but also as a bridge between human and divine realms. His role in purification rituals and his expertise in animal sacrifices further solidified his status as a powerful figure in the realm of the mystical and the sacred.
Influence on Greek and Northern Shamanic Traditions
Abaris' legacy has been linked to the broader tradition of Greek and northern shamanism, a connection that highlights the cultural exchanges between the Greeks and other ancient civilizations, including those of Scythian and subarctic regions. His ability to travel on a golden arrow and his sustenance without food resonate with themes common in the lore of northern shamans, who were believed to have extraordinary abilities to transcend normal physical limitations.
Last update: October 19, 2024
DONATE Go to definitions: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
