
audiobook
OPHIOLATREIA, OR SERPENT WORSHIP.
PREFACE.
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
Delve into a sweeping exploration of humanity’s oldest and most enigmatic devotion: the worship of the serpent. Drawing on sources from Babylon to Mexico, the work untangles how this reptilian symbol seeped into myths, temples, and earthworks across continents, often linked to themes of fertility, power, and the divine. Alongside vivid illustrations of famous serpent mounds and rites, the author presents competing theories—whether the cult arose from fear, reverence, or a deeper phallic symbolism—while letting the evidence speak for itself.
The narrative balances scholarly rigor with vivid storytelling, guiding listeners through the strange rituals of ancient priests, the startling art of serpent‑adorned altars, and the curious ways different cultures portrayed the creature as both benefactor and bane. By the end of the first act, you’ll have a clear map of the serpent’s global footprint, the cultural forces that nurtured its veneration, and enough intriguing questions to keep you riveted for the journey ahead.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (242K characters)
Release date
2012-02-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

d. 1866
A restless Victorian figure who moved from army service in India into writing, translation, and illustration, he became known for some of the era’s most notorious erotic books. His work also shows a strong interest in religion, folklore, and sexual customs, giving it an unusual place in 19th-century print culture.
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