Mythology

In the myths of the region are very oftenly met, except of the gods of mount Olympos, deities in animal forms. The worship of the wild dog is evidenced by the name that took the residents in northern Parnon (Kynourioi). Widespread was also the worship of the snake, wolf and the bear.

From the gods especially loved was Kronos (Mountain Kronion), Zeus (Temple of “Skotita Zeus” between Agios Petros and Karyes), Artemis (Temple of Artemis at Karyes, the temple “Knakiatidos Artemis” in Vervaina), Apollo(Temple of “Tyrita Apollo” in Tyro), Dionysus etc. Especially for the god Dionysus, one of the versions of the myth refers to that he grew up in a cave near the monastery of Sintza (Cave of “Dionysus”). It is said that a tomb, who came out on the coast of the ancient city Vrasiai, had inside the dead Semele and still alive the newborn Dionysos, the fruit of her love with Zeus. Ino, when wondering, came at Vrasiai and took the upbringing of Dionysos in the homonymous cave. The valley of Leonidio, with its great fruit and vegetable production, is referred to as “Garden of Leonidio”.

Arcadia, however, had its own deities, with the most important of all Pan, god of forests, hunters and shepherds.

The pastoral nature of Arcadians contributed to the creation of other dieties. Of Arcadian origin were the Satyrs and Silins, escorts of the god Dionysus and the Centaurs, many of whom found refuge in Parnon when hunted from the rest of Arcadia.

From the other inferior deities, particularly worshiped were the Nymphs, goddesses of forests, water and mountains, around which the Arcadians made romantic myths.

Finally, in the forests of Parnonas often hunted the beloved heroine of Arcadia,Atalanta, who with her arc wounded the dangerous boar of Kalydona.