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A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 2 (of 6)

Note 1194 — ANTIENT HEROES.

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The true history is this. These two personages were here enshrined in a temple, or Petra: and worshipped under the symbol of a serpent. Scylax Caryandensis, speaking of this part of Illyria, says, [1194]Καδμου και Ἁρμονιας ὁι λιθοι εισιν ενταυθα, και ἱερον. In this region are two stones sacred to Cadmus, and Harmonia: and there is likewise a temple dedicated to them. Lucan, who calls the place Encheliæ, speaks of the name as of great antiquity. It undoubtedly was of long standing, and a term from the Amonian language. Encheliæ, Εγχελιαι, is the place of En-Chel, by which is signified the fountain of heaven; similar to Hanes, Anorus, Anopus in other parts. The temple was an Ophite Petra: which terms induced people to believe, that there were in these temples serpents petrified. It is possible, that in later times the Deity may have been worshipped under this form: whence it might truly be said of Cadmus, and Harmonia, that they would one day be exhibited in stone.

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