HIERODULE Meaning and
Definition
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A hierodule is a term derived from ancient Greek and refers to a female sacred servant or slave associated with religious rituals and temples. The word "hierodule" consists of two components: "hiero," meaning "holy" or "sacred," and "doulos," meaning "slave" or "servant." Thus, a hierodule is someone who is devoted to religious service, particularly as an attendant or servant within a temple complex.
Historically, hierodules were commonly found in various ancient cultures, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. These women were believed to have a special connection to the divine and acted as intermediaries between the mortal world and the gods. They often engaged in rituals, ceremonies, and other religious activities to honor the deities.
Hierodules typically lived within the temples alongside priests and other religious figures, receiving reverence and financial support from worshippers. While their exact responsibilities varied in different cultural contexts, they were primarily responsible for maintaining the temple's cleanliness, performing sacred dances, chants, or songs, and participating in religious processions.
Having a hierodule as part of the temple staff was considered crucial for maintaining the sanctity and spiritual power of the place. These women were treated with respect and held a significant role in religious practices. However, it is important to note that hierodules were often enslaved or dedicated to temple service by their families, limiting their personal freedom.
In the modern context, the term "hierodule" is primarily used in historical and archaeological discussions to refer to the ancient female religious servants and their roles within various ancient religious practices.
Common Misspellings for HIERODULE
- gierodule
- bierodule
- nierodule
- jierodule
- uierodule
- yierodule
- huerodule
- hjerodule
- hkerodule
- hoerodule
- h9erodule
- h8erodule
- hiwrodule
- hisrodule
- hidrodule
- hirrodule
- hi4rodule
- hi3rodule
- hieeodule
- hiedodule
Etymology of HIERODULE
The word "hierodule" derives from the Greek roots "hieros", meaning "sacred", and "doulos", meaning "slave" or "servant". In ancient Greece, hierodules were temple slaves or sex workers who were primarily associated with religious rituals and practices. The term "hierodule" has been used to refer to sacred prostitutes in various ancient cultures.
