Labrys () is, according to Plutarch ( Quaestiones Graecae 2.302a), the Lydian language for the double-bitted axe. In Greek it was called πέλεκυς ( pélekys). The plural of labrys is labryes (λάβρυες).
Etymology
Plutarch relates that the word labrys was a
Lydian language word for 'axe': Λυδοὶ γὰρ ‘λάβρυν’ τὸν πέλεκυν ὀνομάζουσι.
[ ("For Lydians name the double-edged axe 'Labrys). Many scholars including Arthur Evans assert that the word labyrinth is derived from labrys and thus implies 'house of the double axe'.]
In Crete the "double axe" is not a weapon, and it always accompanies female goddesses, not male gods, referring to the male bull god itself.[Nilsson, vol. 1, p. 277.] Robert S. P. Beekes regards the relation of labyrinth with labrys as speculative, and rather proposes a relation with laura (λαύρα), 'narrow street', or to the Carian theonym Dabraundos (Δαβραυνδος).
It is also possible that the word labyrinth is derived from the Egyptian, meaning: "the temple at the entrance of the lake". The Ancient Egypt labyrinth near Lake Moeris is described by Herodotus and Strabo.[For an overview, see]
A link has also been posited with the double axe symbols at Çatalhöyük, dating to the Neolithic age.
and
Minoan double axe
depicting cult of the seated poppy goddess, in which the labrys is central and prominent]]In ancient Crete, the double axe was an important sacred symbol of the Minoan religion.[ Small versions were used as and have been found in considerable numbers; the Arkalochori Axe is a famous and rather larger example. Minoan double axes have also recently been found in the prehistoric town of Akrotiri (Santorini Island) along with other objects of apparent religious significance.]
Ancient Thracian Odrysian Kingdom
The double axe apparently carried important symbolism the ancient Thracians Odrysian kingdom related to the Thracian religion and to royal power. It is argued that in ancient Thrace the double axe was an attribute of Zalmoxis. The double axe appears on coins from Thrace and is believed to be the symbol of the kings of the Odrysae, who believed they could trace their lineage to Zalmoxis.
Double axes in the Near East
In the Near East and other parts of the region, eventually, axes of this sort often are wielded by male divinities and appear to become symbols of the thunderbolt, a symbol often found associated with the axe symbol.[ The double-axe is associated with the Hurrian god of sky and storm Teshub. His Hittites and Luwian language name was Tarhun.]
Ancient Greece
In the context of the mythical Attic king Theseus, the labyrinth of Greek mythology is frequently associated with the Minoan palace of Knossos. This is based on the reading of Linear B da-pu2-ri-to-jo-po-ti-ni-ja as λαβυρίνθοιο πότνια ("mistress of the labyrinth"). It is uncertain, however, that labyrinth can be interpreted as "place of the double axes" and moreover that this should be Knossos; many more have been found, for example, at the Arkalachori Cave, where the famous Arkalochori Axe was found.
On Greek coins of the classical period (e.g. Pixodauros) a type of Zeus venerated at Labraunda in Caria that numismatists call Zeus Labrandeus (Ζεὺς Λαβρανδεύς) stands with a sceptre upright in his left hand and the double-headed axe over his shoulder.
Roman Crete
In Roman Crete, the labrys was often associated with the mythological Amazons.
Modern uses
Weapon
While double axes are common in modern high fantasy settings, in reality they were not commonly used in combat.
Sport
Double-bit axes were common in North American forestry: One blade would be sharp and used for felling, whilst the other was a little blunter for limbing. As the forest workers (lumberjacks) were often away from civilization for long periods of time they needed a way to amuse themselves. Thus the sport of double-bit axe throwing was born. In recent decades the sport has been formalised with Swedish company Gränsfors Bruk writing the rules most widely accepted. There are now multiple clubs across Europe that throw double-bit. The sport of double-bit was formalised in the 1990s, whereas hatchet throwing was formalised in 2006.
Symbolism
Religion and spirituality
The labrys is sometimes used as a symbol of Hellenic polytheism. As a symbol of the Modern Paganism Goddess movement, the labrys represents the memory of pre-patriarchal matristic societies.
Political
In Greece, the labrys was employed as a symbol of Metaxism.[ labrys symbol was also used prominently by the Vichy France regime, being featured on the personal flag of Chief of State Philippe Pétain, on coins, and in various propaganda posters.]
In the 1960s the labrys was also used by the Italian Neo-fascism and far-right movement Ordine Nuovo, most prominently on their flag.
Social movement
In feminist interpretations, the labrys is a symbol of matriarchy and female empowerment.
Lesbian symbol
In the 1970s, the labrys was adopted by the lesbian community, as a Lesbian feminism symbol, representing strength and self-sufficiency.[Lesbian symbol:]
The symbol is described to represent a butterfly and the labia, and is seen as an embodiment of the female spirit.
The lesbian flag, created in 1999 by Sean Campbell depicts a labrys superimposed on an inverted black triangle and set against a violet background.
The labrys is incorporated into the logo of The Charlotte Museum, a lesbian museum in Auckland, New Zealand.
Culture
The double axe is used by Cretan folklore preservation societies and associations both in Greece and abroad, on occasion with the spelling "lavrys" reflecting modern Greek pronunciation.
Film
In the film Lesbian Space Princess, the labrys is the "most powerful weapon known to lesbian kind". It serves as both a weapon and a symbol of lesbian power, which the protagonist is told to summon, and the villains tell her deliver it as a ransom so her ex-girlfriend isn't killed.
See also
Notes
Further reading
External links
