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μυστήρια. For the real meaning of these cf. Farnell, G. C. iii. 130-1. In Egypt and in Greece alike they were marked by the four elements of secrecy, sacrifice, dramatic mimicry, and the communication of a ἱερὸς λόγος. But some, including H. probably, and certainly Plutarch (I. et O. 35; Mor. 364), have thought that they contained also doctrines of great importance, e.g. as to immortality; this is very doubtful. Cf., for the relations of Greece and Egypt in this matter, Sourdille, R. pp. 305-6, and for the supposed derivation of the Eleusinian mysteries from Egypt, Farnell, iii. 141-2 (who rejects the view, cf. 42. 2 n. for a similar theory). For a description of Osiris rites cf. cc. 61, 62 nn.

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