(11 Jul 2017) LEADIN:
Inspired by the ancient gods, several hundred people are making an annual pilgrimage to Mount Olympus in Greece.
They're on a journey guided by Greek mythology.
STORYLINE:
Silver haired and softly spoken, George Klonis worked as a bus driver into his sixties, but found his life's purpose at the foot of Mount Olympus.
Now, with his arms outstretched and toes touching cold spring water, he's offering his devotion to Greece's ancient god.
Behind him, about 50 men and women stand in silence with their eyes closed.
Several hundred devotees of ancient religion and traditions make this annual trip to Mount Olympus every July.
Home of the gods of ancient Greece, Olympus is the country's highest peak at just under 3,000 metres (9,600 feet).
The annual pilgrimage started back in 1996 and draws a diverse following that includes history enthusiasts, marathon runners, fantasy gamers, nationalists, or young people seeking a taste of counterculture.
Events include blessing ceremonies for civil weddings or the adoption of an ancient nickname, craft and theatre workshops, and discussions on aspects of ancient life ranging from cooking to sexuality.
For Klonis, who comes from the nearby city of Thessaloniki, being close to nature was a major reason for his participation.
"I speak to you as a person who lived most of his life in a city, deprived and cut off from the magic and beauty of nature," he says.
"I would urge (anyone interested) to take in this magical scene, this sense of calm, this sacred gift to man, and the beauty. And if he would wish to follow the footsteps of the ancients what we are honouring here today that would be his choice."
Ancient Greece's epic myths of creation and celestial power are almost dreamlike supernatural tales of heroism, violence, lust, jealousy, monsters and magic.
The gods made their stronghold at Mount Olympus, led by Zeus who fired lightning bolts in anger down the mountain.
The names of ancient gods have inspired everything from the planets in our solar system to U.S. sportswear maker Nike, the goddess of victory.
While Greece has been overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian for centuries, reminders of the more distant past are everywhere.
Mythology is taught from an early age in elementary schools, it's in street names, on coins and the ancient temples in Greek cities.
After centuries of Ottoman rule ended nearly 200 years ago, ancient Greek history helped the emerging modern country rebuild a national identity.
Events at the annual pilgrimage to Olympus begin at the ancient archaeological site of Dion, where a small group runners head to the nearby mountain town of Litohoro.
Many athletes dress as ancient warriors, wearing costumes once on sale as novelty items to tourists, now held together with staples and duct tape.
Retired telecoms worker Dimitrios Kalantzis, brought his bright blue tunic and mock torso armour and carries a round shield.
"We came for this event, for the runners, that starts here (Dion) and finishes 10.5 kilometres away in Litohoro," he says.
"They are waiting there for the procession in the village that's a beautiful event. The runners also receive an award. I've been taking part here for 15 years and I really enjoy it because it's something that is truly Greek."
In Litohoro, the runners are greeted by several hundred more devotees who hold a sombre torchlit procession around the town, in step to slowbeating drums and tunes played on a recorder.
Excited children run around them during the hourlong rally, while older residents look on, some with discreet amusement.

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