OVERVIEW
Away from the rest of the temples and surrounded by the
forges of the city is the vaulted entrance to the temple of Purphoros
Polymeton, the one of the many techniques. Attached
to a hill, the temple reveals only the outer tholos, as it goes
deep into the earth, where multiple forges are set up, and only
the priests of the god are allowed to work in the deep inner
heat of the mountain.
The outer dome and the columns
supporting it are made of a reddish bronze, constantly
heated, and with drawings worked into the metal depicting the
creation of the weapons of the gods by Purphoros, with the
figure of the god’s torso above its entrance, holding his hammer in his
right hand. Areas of the structure still appear to be of molten
metal and shine brightly over the entire blacksmiths’ square
surrounding the temple.
Inside are displayed several magnificently
carved bronze warrior figures, said to come to life to
protect the temple. Just beyond, carved directly into the mountain rock, a sculpture of Purphoros emerges, forming around it a pool of molten metal. On the sides, two
entrances in the same stone, from which constant clicks and
hammer blows emerge, go deep into the mountain. Priests
reside and work here.
Their creations, from jewelry or weapons
to machines, are exhibited in the temple protected by the
sculptures for a year, after which they are melted in the pool in
a rite that represents Purphoros' divine cycle, creation and destruction. During the festivities of the god,
the square around it hosts his rites, among which is to save
from destruction one of the works exhibited by the priests.
This work becomes the property of the city and is considered
the work of the god himself. Also the priests give small jewels
and weapons to people of worth or to those that the oracle of
Purphoros has chosen. Following this tradition, the
craftsmen also choose their
apprentices, establishing their bond of master and pupil in
those days in front of the statue of the god.
Location Description
Outside
Set apart from the city's other temples and encircled by the clanging forges of Meletis, the Temple of Purphoros Polymeton emerges with a raw, elemental power. The temple, built into the side of a hill, reveals only its outer tholos, hinting at the vast, subterranean expanse beneath. This dome, crafted from reddish bronze that seems to radiate constant heat, gleams under the sun, casting a fiery glow across the blacksmiths' square.
The outer surface of the temple is a canvas of intricate metalwork, depicting Purphoros's creation of the gods' weapons. Over the entrance, a formidable depiction of the god's torso, hammer in hand, commands awe and respect. Some parts of the structure give the illusion of still being molten, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that dances across the square.
The air is heavy with the smell of heated metal and coal, mixed with the persistent sound of hammering from the surrounding forges, creating an atmosphere of ceaseless industry and creation.
Inside
As you step inside the temple, you enter a realm where the divine meets the forge. The interior is a grand hall displaying several magnificent bronze warrior sculptures. These figures, rumored to come to life to defend the temple, add an air of mystique and reverence to the space.
In the background, a massive sculpture of Purphoros himself emerges from the mountain's rock, surrounded by a pool of molten metal. This striking feature serves as a stark reminder of the god's dual nature of creation and destruction.
On either side of the hall, two stone entrances lead deeper into the heart of the mountain. From these passages, the rhythmic sound of clicks and hammer blows echo, as the priests of Purphoros diligently work on their sacred crafts. Here, they create everything from intricate jewelry and formidable weapons to complex machines, each piece a testament to their devotion and skill.
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