Note 1154 — Chapter XX · THE WORSHIP OF THE OAK

Strabo, Frag. vii. 3; Stephanus Byzantius, s.v. Δωδώνη; Suidas, s.vv. Δωδωναῖον χαλκεῖον and Δωδώνη; Apostolius, Cent. vi. 43; Zenobius, Cent. vi. 5; Nonnus Abbas, Ad S. Gregorii orat. ii. contra Julianum, 19 (Migne’s Patrologia Graeca, xxxvi. 1045). The evidence on this subject has been collected and discussed by Mr. A. B. Cook (“The Gong at Dodona,” Journal of Hellenic Studies, xxii. (1902) pp. 5-28). The theory in the text is obviously consistent, both with the statement that the sound of the gongs was consulted as oracular, and with the view, advocated by Mr. Cook, that it was supposed to avert evil influences from the sanctuary. If I am right, the bronze statuette which, according to some accounts, produced the sound by striking the gong with a clapper would represent Zeus himself making his thunder.