Nekyia

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In Greek poetry, Nekyia refers to the 11th book of the Odyssey, which describes the descent of Odysseus to the underworld (the geographical location of this descent is controversial). Odysseus descends to the world of the dead in order to consult the soul of the priest and prophet Teiresias about the means to return home. He sacrifices a lamb into a pit in order to let Teiresias drink from its blood. Furthermore, he meets and talks to the souls of dead heroes. The Nekyia relates customs, and beliefs belonging to the cult of Necromancy, that is the consultation of the dead as a means of divination. Extensive remains of what was probably the most important Temple of Necromancy (Nekromanteion) are situated in an archaeological site on a hill overviewing the river Acheron in northwestern Greece. This site is also known as Nekyiomanteion.

Nekyia is also a popular name assumed by numerous art projects and performance or music groups.

Nekyia

See also