The Necromancy of Poseidon

Overview

The Necromancy of Poseidon is the site of the Delphion Tribute. The Bard Arion was cast into the sea by his shipmates, in an effort to claim his wealth. Prior to being thrown overboard he was given a chance to play one last song. In the song to Apollo, he was able to summon dolphins to surround the ship, and then used one of them to ride to safety.

The Bardic Spell (Arion's Dolphin) was created in honor of this.

Location Description

The Necromancy of Poseidon is in the remains of City Ruins on the Central Reach, and is commonly known as Darkholme. However, beyond the more recent ruins, lies the ancient Ruins of the temple and its surroundings.

North of the Necromancy Grotto is the Akrotainaron area – the tip of the cape.This is also known as the Tainaron Cape - The Gate to Hades.

Poseidon in this area was known by many names including Tainaro, Tainarios, Asphaleios, Gaiiochos and Pontius.

The sacred sanctuary of Poseidon was built in a cave. The path to the interior, carved into the rock, was preparing him who wanted to get into the psychopompeion. It also functioned as a necromancy and oneiromancy temple. The cave located inside the temple was connecting the Underworld to the Upperworld. This was believed to be the gates of Hades, guarded by the monstrous three-headed dog Cerberus. The temple was also established as a place for the persecuted to flee into, and is a universal Sanctuary.



According to the myth, a dolphin saved Arion from drowning and transferred him safely to the temple. So, at the entrance stood a bronze statue of Arion Citharoedus seated on a dolphin and a small fountain, that anyone who looked in it could see the sea and ships.

The carvings in the rock are all that remain of the Temple itself, above the ground. However, the entrance into the Psychopompeion (Inner Sanctuary for Oracles) is still functional. The sacred sanctuary of Poseidon was built in a cave. The path to the interior, carved into the rock, was preparing him who wanted to get into the psychopompeion. It also functioned as a necromancy and oneiromancy temple.


Hiking in Mani: the trail from Kenourgia Chora to Achillion
There is a single Oracle in the Cave, she uses Necromancy (Consulting the Dead) νεκρομαντεία (nekromanteía), and Oneiromancy (Dream Oracles).The cave located inside the temple was connecting the Underworld to the Upperworld. This was believed to be the gates of Hades, guarded by the monstrous three-headed dog Cerberus. The temple was also established as a place for persecuted who fled there for protection.

The Remains of the Entrance to Poseidion Temple

Direct Entrance way view - far

RUINED STRUCTURE
464 TT

Founding Date

unknown

Alternative Names

Poseidion, Tanairon, Tanairos, Arion's Road, Gateway to Hades, Cerberos Meet, Kharon's Port

Type

Temple / Church

Parent Location

Darkholme Ruins

Owning Organization

Priesthood of Poseidon

Poseidion Grotto Entrance - Near