Eleusinia (1836)

Eleusinia is a historical fiction novel written by Richard Trott Fisher and first published in 1836. The story is set in ancient Greece during the time of the Eleusinian Mysteries, a religious festival dedicated to the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. The novel follows the journey of a young Athenian named Ariston, who is chosen as a participant in the sacred rites of the festival.As Ariston travels to the city of Eleusis, he encounters a variety of characters and experiences that challenge his beliefs and understanding of the world. He meets a group of initiates who are also participating in the festival, including a young woman named Eurydice who captures his heart. Together, they navigate the trials and tribulations of the initiation process, which involves fasting, ritual purification, and a journey through dark tunnels.Throughout the novel, Fisher weaves in themes of love, faith, and the search for meaning in life. He also explores the tensions between the traditional religious practices of ancient Greece and the emerging philosophical and scientific ideas of the time. The novel culminates in a dramatic climax, as Ariston and his fellow initiates finally reach the inner sanctum of the temple and experience the ultimate revelation of the mysteries.Overall, Eleusinia is a richly detailed and engaging work of historical fiction that offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Greece. It is a must-read for anyone interested in mythology, philosophy, or the history of religion.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.