Attis

Attis is a figure from ancient Phrygian and Greek mythology, closely associated with the goddess Cybele (also known as Kybele). His story is one of love, madness, and self-sacrifice. Here are some key points about Attis:

Origins and Myth

• Phrygian Deity: Attis was originally a local semi-deity of Phrygia, associated with the city of Pessinos. His myth involves themes of vegetation and rebirth.
• Parentage: According to one version of the myth, Attis was born from an almond tree that grew from the severed genitals of the daemon Agdistis. His mother, Nana, was impregnated by an almond from this tree.
• Love and Madness: Attis was loved by Cybele, the Great Mother of the Gods. However, he was also betrothed to the daughter of the king of Pessinos. When Cybele appeared during the wedding ceremony, Attis went mad and castrated himself under a pine tree.

Symbolism and Cult

• Vegetation Deity: Attis’s self-mutilation, death, and resurrection symbolize the cycle of vegetation, representing the death and rebirth of plants. His blood was said to have turned into violets, and he was often depicted as a pine tree.
• Cult Practices: The cult of Attis and Cybele included rituals of self-castration among the priests, known as the Galli. These priests re-enacted Attis’s myth as part of their devotion to the goddess.

Influence and Legacy

• Spread to Greece: The cult of Attis and Cybele spread to Greece and became a significant feature of Greek religious practices.
• Festivals and Mourning: The death of Attis was mourned annually in a festival that included lamentations and rituals to honor his sacrifice.

Attis’s story is a powerful example of the themes of love, madness, and rebirth that are prevalent in many mythological traditions.