Quite often in historical and fiction we encounter incomprehensible words that are already obsolete or simply rarely used. In such cases, you can refer to the explanatory dictionary. One of these words is the butler. Here is a slightly more detailed explanation of the term.
What does the word butler mean?
Now this word is used mainly in a humorous tone. Apply it to a person who pours drinks during a feast. However, in Russia until the 18th century the cupbearer was the name of the post. That was the name of the person in charge of drinks and serving them at the table during feasts. Who is the chief butler? This was a very influential man at the court who disposed of the wine cellars and had a staff of servants subordinate.
A similar position was in more ancient states. It is known about the butchers of the Egyptian pharaohs. Among other duties, these courtiers were charged with ensuring that drinks served at the royal table were not poisoned.
History Mentions
Perhaps the very first mention in the literature of the butchery is the Jewish papyrus scroll, which tells of a conspiracy against Pharaoh Ramses the Second.
This profession is also mentioned in the Bible. One of the Jews served with the Persian king Artaxerxes as the chief cupbearer. This allowed him, having learned about the difficulties of his fellow tribesmen that had arisen during the construction of Jerusalem, to take advantage of his position and enlist the support of the king.
Similar references are in the myths of ancient Hellas.
The most famous Greek butler is Ganymede. A young man of extraordinary beauty, whom Zeus took to heaven. Ganymede was called the most beautiful boy among all who lived at that time. Zeus, seduced by his beauty, sent an eagle for him to take Ganymede to Olympus. There he became the butler of the gods and served them nectar.