# Religion and Mythology in The Jewels of Aptor

> Theme guide for The Jewels of Aptor by Samuel R. Delany.

The narrative constructs a complex pantheon with Argo and Hama, exploring how religious rituals, statues, and conflicting interpretations (e.g., Argo as mother vs. death) influence society and conflict.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/chapters/ii): The chapter delves into the religious conflict between the white Goddess Argo and the dark god Hama, with the jewels as sacred artifacts central to their power.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/chapters/vi): The discovery of parallel rituals and poems suggests a shared mythological origin among the different cults.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/chapters/xii): Jordde's religious fanaticism and the manipulation of his faith by the priestesses of Argo are central to his actions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/themes/religion_and_mythology
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/themes