Kykeon

Kykeon (Greek κυκεών, mixture ',' batch ' of κυκάω mix ', ' stir ') in ancient Greece was a mixing rank of grain and water. An accurate composition can not be specified. In Homer it is composed of barley ( Ἀλφιτον ), grated goat's cheese and wine pramnischem. In prepared by the sorceress Circe to Odysseus Kykeon itself also was still honey. This preparation was rather plump and mushy, as it is called sitos ( σῖτος, edible ') and not, as in the Iliad potos ( πότος, drink ').

In the Homeric hymn it is the potion Metaneira the exhausted from the desperate search for the stolen by Hades Persephone Demeter enough. First Metaneira had offered to the goddess of wine, which she had refused and instead asked a Kykeon from water, barley and pennyroyal ( γλήχων or βληχων, it κυκεών βληχωνίας ). Because of this myth of the Potion of Demeter there was a corresponding Kykeon that took the initiates of the Mysteries of Eleusis, after fasting the first thing to him.

Karl Kerényi points to the significance of the rejection of the wine by Demeter way: It is yes according to Heraclitus Dionysus, the god of wine, the same as Hades, god of the underworld and the kidnappers daughter of Demeter:

And it would be really very inappropriate when Demeter her grief would break fast with the drink, which is the gift of the kidnapper 's daughter and her offender.

The Pennyroyal has been used in ancient times as an abortifacient. Aristophanes makes a corresponding hint. This effect, however, is probably not intended when Potion of Demeter, as Pennyroyal was also a normal part of the ancient cuisine and for example, mentioned several times in Apicius.

But it has speculated about other components of the drunk at Eleusis Kykeon, there was general consensus of an overwhelming experience of enlightenment that would be reliably adjusted to all participants of the Mysteries. Therefore, the theory has been discussed that the visions were a drug effect that related by the LSD, substances contained in the ergot fungus ( Ergin and ergometrine ) was caused. Other plants and other entheogenic substances were accordingly discussed, but ultimately can only remain speculation such arguments, as there is no corresponding tradition still physical evidence in the form of archaeological finds.

It was further argued that an indication of the use of entheogen substances in the Greek cult was the 415 BC brought against Alcibiades charge of profanation of the Mysteries of Eleusis. This was interpreted to mean that Alcibiades and his friends had a " drug party " celebrated in the house with the psychoactive substance used in Eleusis. However, the literally handed in Plutarch indictment contains nothing of the sort, but refers to the fact that Alcibiades and his comrades had aped the rite. Alcibiades had in appropriate clothing called himself high priest, another would have made the torch bearers, etc. Here, too, only speculation.