Editing Balls (section)

=== 1. Eunuchs in religion and ritual ===

* In the ancient Mediterranean, especially in the cult of '''Cybele''' (the Great Mother goddess, originating in Phrygia and later adopted by the Romans), priests called the '''Galli''' castrated themselves as part of their initiation. This was seen as a total renunciation of male identity to serve the goddess. Roman writers describe this practice with both fascination and disgust.
* Some early Christian heretics or ascetic figures also practiced or advocated castration to avoid lust — the most famous example is '''Origen of Alexandria''' (3rd century), who reportedly castrated himself based on a literal reading of Matthew 19:12 ("there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven").