Sanctuary of Kosmos
The Sanctuary of Kosmos, also referred to as the Temple of Kosmos and the Cave of Gaia, was the main hideout and meeting place of the Cult of Kosmos that was located beneath the Sanctuary of Delphi in Phokis, Greece.
Though the entry into the sanctuary was inconspicuous, beyond it lay a natural cave, touched up by human architecture, leading ultimately into a grand hall with a platform surrounded by water. In the middle of the platform was a glowing artifact, and above it was a large bronze sculpture of a snake, coiled around the stalagmites and stalactites, its jaws wide open, referencing the legend of the Python and the Omphalos.[1] On the platform was also a bowl for blood sacrifices. A treasury of the Cult was located on one side of the cavern.[2]
History[edit | edit source]
Dedicated to the Greek goddess Gaia, the original possessor of the oracle of the site,[3] Herodotos mentioned that the Temple of Apollo was by the cave.[4] According to the acting Pythia in 431 BCE, the Cult of Kosmos met in an ancient chamber, below the Temple of Apollo.[4]
That year, on the advice of Herodotos, the Spartan misthios Kassandra infiltrated the Sanctuary, wearing the robes and mask she had taken from the slain Cultist Elpenor.[5] Within, Kassandra met and spoke with the other Cultists, though she was unable to identify any of them due to their disguises. Notably, she witnessed one member of the Cult interrogating and threatening people. Kassandra also encountered Deimos, the weapon of the Cult, and discovered his identity as her long-lost brother when they both touched the Cult's pyramidal artifact at the same time.[2]
Following this, Kassandra promptly left the Sanctuary,[2] but she would return nine years later, after eliminating every member of the Cult with the exception of its leader, the Ghost of Kosmos. Inside, she again came into contact with the Pyramid and received visions of the future, learning about the conflict that would be waged for centuries between the Assassins and Templars. Kassandra was then greeted by Aspasia, the Ghost, who explained her own visions received from the Pyramid and how she had secretly aided Kassandra in dismantling the Cult, which had become corrupt. After a brief confrontation, Aspasia left while Kassandra destroyed the Pyramid with the Spear of Leonidas.[6]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
In The Art of Assassin's Creed: Odyssey the Sanctuary is called the 'Temple of Gaia'.
Though the cave is specifically mentioned in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, its location is unverifiable. That said, historically a sanctuary of Gaia was located within the Sanctuary of Delphi, preceding its association with the god Apollo.[7]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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Concept art of the Sanctuary -
The Cultists meeting in the Sanctuary -
The guards -
The gathered Cultists -
The main hall of the Sanctuary -
The giant serpent coiled in the hall -
The artifact alone on its pedestal -
The Cultists surrounding the artifact -
The central floor -
The side chamber used to store correspondence -
The side chamber used for torture -
The empty sanctuary
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The Art of Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – The Serpent's Lair
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Historical Locations: Attika: Temple of Themis
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – The Truth Will Out
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Snake in the Grass
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – A Fresh Start
- ↑
Delphi on Wikipedia