Parnassus
（
Παρνασσός). A name applied
1.
to a range of mountains extending from Oeta and Corax southeast through Doris and Phocis,
and terminating at the Corinthian Gulf between Cirrha and Anticyra where it was called
Cirphis (
Κίρφις); and
2.
to the highest part of the range a little north of
Delphi (q.v.), where it attains an elevation of some 8000 English feet. Its twin
peaks are called Tithorea (
Τιθορέα) and Lycorea (
Λυκώρεια). Here the mountain forms a crescent-shaped curve of
cliffs, known as
Φαιδριάδες or “the
resplendent,” since they face south and receive the full rays of the sun during the
heat of the day. On the southern slope of Parnassus lay Delphi. The modern name is
Liákoura.
On the sides of Parnassus were many caves, romantic grottoes, and ravines, and it was
regarded as a principal abode of Apollo and the Muses. On Mount Lycorea was the Corycian cave
of the latter, and just above Delphi lay the famous Castalian spring flowing from
between the two cliffs known as Nauplia and Hyamplia. Between Parnassus proper and Mount
Cirphis was the valley of the Plistus, with the sacred road which ran from Delphi to Daulis
and Stiris. At the branch of this road where the two ways parted, Oedipus slew his father
Laïus. See
Oedipus.
3.
A town in northwestern Cappadocia, between Ancyra and Archelaïs.
