Hierodule
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Sacred prostitution. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2010. |
In ancient Greece and Anatolia a hierodule, from the Greek ἱεροδούλη (ἱερόν "temple" + δούλη "female slave"), was a temple slave in the service of a specific deity, often with the connotation of religious prostitution. Her prostitution would technically be excused because of the service she provided to the deity. The priestesses of Inanna/Ishtar were known to be hierodules, or nadītu in the native Sumerian language[citation needed].
Among some neopagans, a hierodule may be a priestess who has sexual intercourse in the role of whichever goddess she serves in the divine union of hieros gamos.
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