by Thomas West

Created on: August 04, 2009   Last Updated: October 19, 2009

The goddess Cybele, though less well-known than other ancient goddesses like Isis, was nevertheless one of the most important religious figures of the ancient world. Although her name has been largely lost to the modern mainstream, she was incredibly important to not only many cultures in the ancient Near East, but also to the Romans, who adopted her as their own and brought her sacred stone to Rome to stand watch over the Mother City. Even though some have forgotten her name, however, she is still present in some of today's most beautiful pieces of sculpture.

Originating in the Near East and what is commonly known as the Aegean Basin, Cybele was also known as the potnia theron or mistress of beasts. Many early depictions of her show her seated, often in a chariot or a throne, surrounded by large cats (usually either lions or tigers, depending on the location.) She is also frequently shown as being obese, which suggests that she was possibly an early fertility goddess. As with many ancient fertility goddesses (and frequently gods,) Cybele was often connected to the uncontrollable aspects of nature, including madness.

In the earliest myths, Cybele was accompanied by her consort Attis, who was also sometimes portrayed as her son (in ancient mythology, incest is not uncommon, as the gods were not held to the same moral expectations as mortals.) At some point in their relationship, a madness overcame Attis and he castrated himself and devoted himself entirely to the service of Cybele. In later centuries the priests of Cybele's cult would similarly castrate themselves, so she was always served by a caste of eunuchs.

Although the Romans abhorred such practices, the raw power of Cybele served some basic need in the popular psyche. Therefore, early in their republican history the Romans moved one of foremost statues of Cybele to Rome, where she would occupy an essential place in the pantheon and was served by her own cult. Like other cults, including that of Isis, Cybele was considered essential to the well-being of the city.

Like other goddesses of the ancient world, Cybele's presence can still be felt in the modern world. The city of Madrid, for example, contains the Plaza de Cibeles, which features a statue of Cybele seated in her trademark chariot, drawn by two magnificent lions. Clearly, although some have forgot this ancient goddess, her power still resounds in the architecture of one of the world's foremost capitals.

What is it, exactly, that makes Cybele and the goddesses of the ancient world a continuing source of fascination? From the ancients to the artists and writers of the Renaissance and even to our own times, the powers of the ancient feminine have symbolized something both irresistible and, because of that very trait, also incredibly dangerous. After all, any power that can induce men to mutilate themselves is deserving of both respect and fear. Her presence in the world today proves that, for all that some might have forgotten her name, her presence is still with us.

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