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Samothracian Mysteries

The most famous cult of the Cabeiri existed on Samothrace, where initiation rites were performed that became widely respected in the Greek world. These Samothracian mysteries were believed to provide protection, especially for travelers and sailors.

Ancient sources frequently emphasize that the rites were secret. Even writers discussing them directly admit that the actions and revelations of the gods were concealed from the uninitiated. This secrecy contributed greatly to the uncertainty surrounding the nature of the Cabeiri.

Initiation into the Samothracian rites was thought to grant divine protection, particularly from dangers at sea. This reputation attracted many initiates, including prominent historical figures.

Odysseus

a section from the Orphic fragments talking about the Samothracian mystery, and purple garments.

308 ΚΑΤΑΖΩΣΤΙΚΟΝ ΚΟΡΥΒΑΝΤΙΚΟΝ ΚΡΑΤΗΡ
I 917 καὶ Ὀδυσσέα δέ φασι μεμνημένον ἐν Σαμοθράκηι χρήσα- σθαι τῶι κρηδέμνωι ἀντὶ ταινίας. περὶ γὰρ τὴν κοιλίαν οἱ μεμνημένοι ταινίας ἅπτουσι πορφυρᾶς. καὶ Ἀγαμέμνονα δέ φασι μεμνημένον, ἐν ταραχῆι ὄντα πολλῆς κατὰ Τροίαν, ἀκατα- στασίαν τῶν Ἑλλήνων παῦσαι πορφυρίδα ἔχοντα v. Kernium RE X 1429 et Radermacherum Sitzungsber. Wien. Akad. CLXXXVII 3, 135 n. 2. Cf. supra s. ΙΕΡΟΣΤΟΛΙΚΑ p. 300.

"And they say Odysseus, having been initiated into the mysteries at Samothrace, consulted the Gods with a veil instead of a fillet (ribbon/ sash). For the initiates fasten purple fillets around their abdomen. Moreover, they say Agamemnon, having also been initiated into the mysteries, being in much turmoil concerning Troy, was wearing purple garments to stop the instability of the Hellenes."

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