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Chapter 2 - To the Netherworld and Back

Cognitive Aspects of the Descent to Trophonius

from Part I - Ritual

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2022

By
Yulia Ustinova
Edited by
Esther Eidinow ,
Armin W. Geertz  and
John North
Esther Eidinow
Affiliation:
University of Bristol
Armin W. Geertz
Affiliation:
Aarhus Universitet, Denmark
John North
Affiliation:
University College London
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Summary

We are fortunate to have detailed descriptions of both the ritual and the suppliant’s experience at the sanctuary of Trophonius in Lebadeia that provide an opportunity for a case study juxtaposing ancient evidence with the results of modern research in cognitive science. The paper explores changes in the suppliant’s body and mind, experienced during his stay in Trophonius’ sanctuary.<break/>The main rite was a descent into the artificial subterranean cave of Trophonius, who was believed to appear to the suppliants in person. In the subterranean chamber the inquirer experienced alteration of consciousness, induced by sensory deprivation and comprising vortex and out-of-body experiences as well as hallucinations and the sensation of unmediated communication with supernatural beings. The core experience was preceded by a series of preliminary rites, each of them involving a different cognitive and/or physiological mechanism.<break/>The ritual of descent to Trophonius combined characteristics of a mystery rite, such as secrecy, brush with death, utter distress, obliteration of memory, and personality change, and an oracular consultation, which was based on interpretation of hidden knowledge revealed in the sacred grotto.

Keywords

Trophoniusoraclemystery ritesalteration of consciousnesskatabasis
Type
Chapter
Information
Cognitive Approaches to Ancient Religious Experience , pp. 44 - 66
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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