Earth Gods & Goddesses
Left.Serpent Goddess
In the ancient era of 2700 BC, Earth goddesses were represented bearing aloft snakes, old symbols of healing and fertility. However, when male-dominated Gods began to encroach on Earth-centered beliefs, the serpent goddesses were dethroned.
The oracle at Delphi, identified with the Earth goddess Gaia, was looked after by a priestess called the Pythia, who recieved the oracles while seated on a tripod around which a snake called Python entwined itself. After a great battle, Apollo killed Python and took over the shrine.
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