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Cybele

Originally a Phyrgian goddess, Cybele ("she of the hair") (Roman equivalent: Magna Mater) also grew to be worshipped in Greece. She was an earth mother, goddess of caverns, walls, fortresses, nature, fertility, wild animals (especially bees) and mountains. He is a life-death-rebirth deity. Her consort was Attis[?]. She was supposed to have been born on Mt. Ida[?] in Asia Minor; this is the source of an epithet, Idaea.

Zeus raped her when she was disguised as a rock called Agdistis. The result was a hermaphrodite named Agdistis.

Her priests were eunuchs called Corybantes, and led the people in orgiastic ceremonies with wild music and drink. She was associated with the mystery religion concerning her husband, Attis, who was resurrected. The dactyls were part of her retinue.

Cybele, with Gordias, adopted Midas.

Atalanta and Hippomenes were turned into lions by Cybele after having sex in one of her temples.

Her Greek counterpart was Rhea.

A monumental statue of Cybele is to be found in one of the principle traffic circles of Madrid.


65 Cybele is an asteroid.



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