Lykaia
Archaic Arcadian festival with werewolf transformation and human sacrifice.
The Lykaia was an ancient Greek festival held on Mount Lykaion in Arcadia, centered on a secret ritual for adolescent males that involved the threat of cannibalism and the possibility of werewolf transformation. It is notable for its connection to Zeus Lykaios and for the myth of Lycaon, who served human flesh to Zeus and was punished. The festival occurred yearly, probably at the beginning of May.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Mount Lykaion, Arcadia
- Deity
- Zeus Lykaios
- Frequency
- Yearly (ancient); every four years (modern)
- Modern revival
- 1973
- Modern motto
- Laurels, not prizes
- Modern games held
- Ano Karyes
- Modern torch-bearer
- An athlete named as torch-bearer
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- A sanctuary of Pan was located on Mount Lykaion.
- According to tradition, Evander of Pallantium introduced the cult of Pan Lýkaios and the Lykaia festival to Rome, where it became the Lupercalia.
- The philosopher Porphyry reported that Theophrastus compared the sacrifice at the Lykaia with Carthaginian sacrifices to Moloch.
Apollo Lykaios
On Mount Lykaion, Apollo was honored with the title Apollo Lykaios. What this epithet truly means, beyond its link to that place and its worship, is still debated. Claims that Apollo once took the form of a wolf are guesswork, resting on shaky word origins. This Apollo Lykaios is not the same as the Apollo Lyceus statue from Athens’ Lyceum, nor the Lycian Apollo from Anatolia.
Modern Lykaia
The motto is "Laurels, not prizes," meaning the purpose is moral perfection rather than monetary reward. The games usually begin in early August with the lighting of a flame on the sacred peak. The Estiades of Mount Lykaion bring the Arcadian's eternal flame from the north; the first Estiada walks to the southern pillar base and lights a torch. The head priestess recites the Lycean Ode by Pindarus and gives the torch to an athlete named torch-bearer, who runs into the stadium and lights an altar. The closing ceremony includes cultural events, lowering the flag, and playing Greece's national anthem. Winners receive an olive branch, cup, tripod, medal, or diploma; all participants receive a certificate. The 9th Lykaia were held from 29 July to 7 August 2005, the 10th in summer 2009, the 11th from 27 July to 4 August 2013, the 12th in summer 2017, and the 13th from 31 July to 7 August 2022.
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