OVERVIEW
The majestic temple of Ephara rises like a tower in the center
from which the whole city of Meletis is organized, like an axis from
which emanates not only the urbanism, but also the ideals
of knowledge and civilization that it represents. The temple
has its main entrance in the form of a wide marble staircase
that goes into the sea, flanked by two fountains in the form of
Ephara amphorae, which serve to drain the waters of the river
Eradonis, channeled from the northeast under the city.
The north
entrance faces the Agora, the most magnificent of Theros and
its ever-busy marketplace. A platform in the form of a marble
walkway leads out from its gates and serves as an oratory for
the rulers of the polis, the priests of Ephara and Medomai
herself on her infrequent visits to the city.
The north pediment represents the confrontation of the first
kings with the tyrant Agnomakos, with the effigy of Ephara
and two amphorae throwing knowledge of Nyx in the form of
water at the top of the upper vertex, surrounding Kinaios, Tiro, and a prostrate Agnomakos. On both sides allegories
of the sciences and arts are emerging from the waters of
Ephara.
The south entrance's pediment holds sculptures representing
Ephara blessing Tyre and Kinaios with magic to end
the tyranny of the Archons. Other mythical heroes of the city
figure on the pediment, while at the ends, Heliod and Thassa,
lying relaxed, give their blessing to the heroes.
The outer frieze of the temple, divided into metopes,
represents the blessings of the goddess to different historical
figures of Meletis in the form of disciplines such as history,
magic, science, economics, and architecture. Other gods also
bring to the inhabitants of the polis their gifts, especially
Heliod and Purphoros, in the form of order, laws, metallurgy,
and ceramics.
With columns 60 feet high, the temple is surrounded
with the banners of Meletis on its walls behind the rows of
columns. Its entrances remain guarded by various members
of the Reverent Army, but in general anyone may enter the
temple to honor the goddess or seek knowledge.
The south entrance of the temple is the most spectacular
because of its direct access to the magnificent statue of
Ephara, with its large amphora from which pure water
emanates over a pool at the feet of the patron deity of the city.
This water serves as a form of blessing for the faithful, and it
is customary for priests to bless wine with a few drops from
the fountain. The 18-meter high statue of the goddess stands
majestic and serene, built in a white marble
of brilliant tones. The marble and gold crown of the goddess
was made to float with magic by her own sculptor, the great
master Pheridias, architect also of the temple
of the Kings. He built the temple with designs bestowed
by the goddess herself, whose scrolls are still in the Temple,
at the feet of the goddess, as her greatest relic. Every year on
spring, the maidens of Ephara weave a mantle of white silk
and sapphires and pearls to dress the goddess. It is an honor
for the young women of Meletis to be chosen for this task and
many take great pains to give their best embroidery to their
patroness. The ancient cloaks are used to clothe the priests
of the temple, as an heirloom, and their precious stones are
extremely valued as foci by devout magicians and priests.
The
interior of the temple is of splendid beauty in white marble, of
orderly forms decorated with blue silks. Two rows of columns
frame the effigy of Ephara, and behind them, on the walls,
high shelves for scrolls and papyri store the largest library
in Theros.
The upper floor, on either side, also overlooks
the main nave and has more shelves, crammed
with knowledge. Tables between the columns serve the avid
seekers of knowledge, and there are always dozens of priests
transcribing documents or studying some ancient scroll.
The
north entrance holds an altar for offerings and votive offerings,
decorated with blue silks, and with a sculpture of the goddess
in white gold, in front of a wall covered by a beautiful mosaic
of blue colors. The accumulated treasure is considerable and
the offerings are kept each month in the nearby Treasury building.
It is this sculpture that accompanies the high priestess
of Ephara in her boat procession each year as she enters the
bay and harbor. Tradition also has the sculpture mounted on
the captain ship of the polis fleet in times of war, considering
that the goddess protects her sailors and increases the morale
of the fleet.
The basement of
the Pyrgnos holds more stone shelves in narrow rows.
A round table in the center serves as a place of study and reference.
The effigy of Ephara’s face is repeated on each shelf,
and helps and blesses scholars to find the inspiration to attain
the knowledge they seek.
The entire complex is illuminated with magic, said to be summoned
by Ephara herself, in the form of balls of white light of
varying intensity and adapted to the different needs of each
worshipper. The sculpture and waters of the temple also emanate
a white glow that makes them a source of soft, soothing
light. High level discussions are allowed and well regarded inside
the temple, always based on respect and moderation of forms.
The image of the goddess also serves as a witness to any dealings,
peace or agreement of the polis and its rulers. New laws
must pass through the blessing in the temple, to the point
of not being considered valid without the endorsement of the
goddess. The Pyrgnos is considered the primary temple of Ephara, and it is not unusual to find important offerings
from other states such as the polis of Akros or Setessa.
Location Description
Outside
As you approach the heart of the city, the Pyrgnos looms before you, an architectural marvel dedicated to the goddess Ephara. Its towering presence dominates the skyline, with sunlight glinting off its majestic marble columns that stretch skyward like the bones of the earth. The air carries the scent of the sea, mingled with the fresh aroma of marble and the sound of the bustling Agora nearby.
The temple's grand staircase, carved from fine Iretian marble, descends gracefully into the shimmering sea, its steps met with the gentle lapping of waves. On either side, large fountains shaped like Ephara's amphorae cascade with water, their sound harmonizing with the murmur of the city. The northern entrance overlooks the marketplace, and the main southern entryway overlooks the enclosed harbour.
As you draw nearer, the temple's sheer size becomes overwhelming, its elegance a testament to the the power of Meletis. The air feels charged with a subtle energy, a sense of anticipation and reverence that seems to emanate from the very stones of the Pyrgnos.
Inside
Stepping inside the Pyrgnos, you are immediately enveloped in its majesty. The interior is a vast expanse of white marble that glows softly, illuminated by magical orbs emanating a white, pulsating light. High above, the ceiling arches gracefully, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols that whisper of ancient knowledge and divine secrets.
Columns line the hall, their smooth surfaces reflecting the ethereal light that fills the space. Between these columns, silken banners in shades of deep blue flutter gently, adding a touch of color to the pristine environment. The air is cool and carries a faint scent of incense, mingling with the crispness of the marble.
In the heart of the temple stands a towering statue of Ephara, her marble form exuding a sense of calm authority. Water flows from an amphora in her hands, pooling quietly at her feet. The sound of the trickling water is soothing, a gentle reminder of the goddess's presence.
Innumerable shelves laden with scrolls and ancient texts line the walls. Priests and scholars move quietly among the columns, their hushed tones a soft background murmur. The atmosphere is one of reverence and peace, a sacred sanctuary where the divine and the intellectual converge.
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