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Nympholepsy: The Role of Water in Frenzy and Other Alterate States. Nymphaea in Hispania: From Greece Caves to Moroccan Ribats

Author(s): Flor Herrero Valdes

Linked Author(s): Flor Herrero Valdés

Keywords: Water; Divine Intoxication; Nympholepsy; Marabouts

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study the role of water in rites and proccesses of alteration of conciousness, related to two types of monuments of the Spanish patrimonic landscape: Roman nymphaea and Andalusian marabouts. The essence around which both sorts of architectures was developed is divine inspiration. And both show the same structural features: a place for recollection with facilities for other purposes added later on; and closeness to water or even a concious use of its qualities. We shall see the relationship between water in movement, naturally or artificially, and divine intoxication, fundamental characteristics shared by the cults we intend to research: Greek nympholepts and Muslim eremites. In order to do so, we shall sumarize the most interesting sites: ancient shrines to the nymphs in karstic grottos; Roman fairy-tale-like fountains and gardens; hydraulic buildings in Roman Hispania; Christian assimilation of such activities and powerful places in monasteries and chapels; and Moroccan marabouts, of which there is a spectacular example in Granada.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-39WC2521711920221574

Year: 2022

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