The Pyrgnos
The majestic temple of Ephara rises like a tower in the center from which the whole city is organized, like an axis from which emanates not only the urbanism, but also the ideals of knowledge and civilization that it represents. The temple has its main entrance in the form of a wide marble staircase that goes into the sea, flanked by two fountains in the form of Ephara amphorae, which serve to drain the waters of the river X, channeled from the northeast under the city. The north entrance faces the Agora, the most magnificent of Theros and its ever-busy marketplace. A platform in the form of a marble walkway leads out from its gates and serves as an oratory for the rulers of the polis, the priests of Ephara and Medomai herself on their unflattering visits to the city.
At the south entrance its pediment holds sculptures representing Ephara blessing Tyre and Kinaios with magic to end the tyranny of the Archons. Other mythical heroes of the city figure on the pediment, while at the ends, Heliod and Thassa, lying relaxed, give their blessing to the heroes.
The north pediment represents the confrontation of the first kings with the tyrant Agnomakos, with the effigy of Ephara and two amphorae throwing knowledge of Nyx in the form of water at the top of the upper vertex, surrounding with Kinaios and Tiro a prostrate Agnomakos. On both sides allegories of the sciences and arts are emerging from the waters of Ephara. The outer frieze of the temple divided into metopes, represents the blessings of the goddess to different historical figures of Meletis in the form of disciplines such as history, magic, science, economics, architecture... Other gods also bring to the inhabitants of the polis their gifts, especially Heliod and Purphoros, in the form of order, laws or metallurgy and ceramics.
With columns 60 feet high, the temple stretches huge surrounded with the banners of Meletis on its walls behind the rows of columns. Its entrances remain guarded by various members of the Reverent Army, but in general anyone may enter the temple to honor the goddess or seek knowledge.
The south entrance of the temple is the most spectacular because of its direct access to the magnificent statue of Ephara, with its large amphora from which pure water emanates over a pool at the feet of the patron saint of the city. This water serves as a form of blessing for the faithful, and it is customary for priests to bless wine with a few drops from the fountain.
The 18-meter high statue of the goddess stands majestic and serene on the north wall, built in a white marble of brilliant tones. The marble and gold crown of the goddess was made to float with magic by her own sculptor, the great master Pheridias, architect also of the temple and contemporary of the Kings, who built the temple with designs bestowed by the goddess herself, whose scrolls are still in the Temple, at the feet of the goddess, as her greatest relic. Every year on spring, the maidens of Ephara weave a mantle of white silk and sapphires and pearls to dress the goddess. It is an honor for the young women of Meletis to be chosen for this task and many take great pains to give their best embroidery to their patroness. The ancient cloaks are used to clothe the priests of the temple, as an heirloom, and its precious stones are extremely valued as foci by devout magicians and priests.
The interior of the temple is of splendid beauty in white marble, of orderly forms decorated with blue silks. Two rows of columns frame the effigy of Ephara, and behind them, on the walls, high shelves for scrolls and papyri store the largest library in Theros. The upper floor, on either side, also overlooks the main nave and has more and more shelves, rammed with knowledge. Tables between the columns serve the avid seekers of knowledge, and there are always dozens of priests transcribing documents or studying some ancient scroll.
The north entrance holds an altar for offerings and votive offerings, decorated with blue silks, and with a sculpture of the goddess in white gold, in front of a wall covered by a beautiful mosaic of blue colors. The accumulated treasure is considerable and the offerings are kept each month in the nearby Treasury building. It is this sculpture that accompanies the high priestess of Ephara in her boat procession each year as she enters the bay and harbor. Tradition also has the sculpture mounted on the captain ship of the polis fleet in times of war, considering that the goddess protects her sailors and increases the morale of the fleet, fighting alongside her goddess.
The basement of the sacred precinct holds more stone shelves in narrow rows. A round table in the center serves as a place of study and reference. The effigy of Ephara’s face is repeated on each shelf, and helps and blesses scholars to find the inspiration to attain the knowledge sought.
The entire complex is illuminated with magic, said to be summoned by Ephara herself, in the form of balls of white light of varying intensity and adapted to the different needs of each worshipper. The sculpture and waters of the temple also emanate a white glow that makes them a source of soft, soothing light. High level discussions are allowed and well seen inside the temple, always based on respect and moderation of forms. The image of the goddess also serves as a witness to any dealings, peace or agreement of the polis and its rulers.
The laws must also pass through the blessing in the temple, to the point of not being considered valid without the endorsement of the goddess. The Pyrgnos is considered the temple of reference of the goddess, and it is not unusual to find important offerings from other states such as the polis of Akros or Setessa.
At the south entrance its pediment holds sculptures representing Ephara blessing Tyre and Kinaios with magic to end the tyranny of the Archons. Other mythical heroes of the city figure on the pediment, while at the ends, Heliod and Thassa, lying relaxed, give their blessing to the heroes.
The north pediment represents the confrontation of the first kings with the tyrant Agnomakos, with the effigy of Ephara and two amphorae throwing knowledge of Nyx in the form of water at the top of the upper vertex, surrounding with Kinaios and Tiro a prostrate Agnomakos. On both sides allegories of the sciences and arts are emerging from the waters of Ephara. The outer frieze of the temple divided into metopes, represents the blessings of the goddess to different historical figures of Meletis in the form of disciplines such as history, magic, science, economics, architecture... Other gods also bring to the inhabitants of the polis their gifts, especially Heliod and Purphoros, in the form of order, laws or metallurgy and ceramics.
With columns 60 feet high, the temple stretches huge surrounded with the banners of Meletis on its walls behind the rows of columns. Its entrances remain guarded by various members of the Reverent Army, but in general anyone may enter the temple to honor the goddess or seek knowledge.
The south entrance of the temple is the most spectacular because of its direct access to the magnificent statue of Ephara, with its large amphora from which pure water emanates over a pool at the feet of the patron saint of the city. This water serves as a form of blessing for the faithful, and it is customary for priests to bless wine with a few drops from the fountain.
The 18-meter high statue of the goddess stands majestic and serene on the north wall, built in a white marble of brilliant tones. The marble and gold crown of the goddess was made to float with magic by her own sculptor, the great master Pheridias, architect also of the temple and contemporary of the Kings, who built the temple with designs bestowed by the goddess herself, whose scrolls are still in the Temple, at the feet of the goddess, as her greatest relic. Every year on spring, the maidens of Ephara weave a mantle of white silk and sapphires and pearls to dress the goddess. It is an honor for the young women of Meletis to be chosen for this task and many take great pains to give their best embroidery to their patroness. The ancient cloaks are used to clothe the priests of the temple, as an heirloom, and its precious stones are extremely valued as foci by devout magicians and priests.
The interior of the temple is of splendid beauty in white marble, of orderly forms decorated with blue silks. Two rows of columns frame the effigy of Ephara, and behind them, on the walls, high shelves for scrolls and papyri store the largest library in Theros. The upper floor, on either side, also overlooks the main nave and has more and more shelves, rammed with knowledge. Tables between the columns serve the avid seekers of knowledge, and there are always dozens of priests transcribing documents or studying some ancient scroll.
The north entrance holds an altar for offerings and votive offerings, decorated with blue silks, and with a sculpture of the goddess in white gold, in front of a wall covered by a beautiful mosaic of blue colors. The accumulated treasure is considerable and the offerings are kept each month in the nearby Treasury building. It is this sculpture that accompanies the high priestess of Ephara in her boat procession each year as she enters the bay and harbor. Tradition also has the sculpture mounted on the captain ship of the polis fleet in times of war, considering that the goddess protects her sailors and increases the morale of the fleet, fighting alongside her goddess.
The basement of the sacred precinct holds more stone shelves in narrow rows. A round table in the center serves as a place of study and reference. The effigy of Ephara’s face is repeated on each shelf, and helps and blesses scholars to find the inspiration to attain the knowledge sought.
The entire complex is illuminated with magic, said to be summoned by Ephara herself, in the form of balls of white light of varying intensity and adapted to the different needs of each worshipper. The sculpture and waters of the temple also emanate a white glow that makes them a source of soft, soothing light. High level discussions are allowed and well seen inside the temple, always based on respect and moderation of forms. The image of the goddess also serves as a witness to any dealings, peace or agreement of the polis and its rulers.
The laws must also pass through the blessing in the temple, to the point of not being considered valid without the endorsement of the goddess. The Pyrgnos is considered the temple of reference of the goddess, and it is not unusual to find important offerings from other states such as the polis of Akros or Setessa.
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