This festival is named after the Telkhines – the mythical first inhabitants of the island of Rhodes. They were said to be the inventors of metalwork and sometimes malignant sorcerers. Strabo depicts the Telkhines as inspired individuals engaged in Bacchic frenzy, participating in sacred rites involving war-dances, noise, and musical instruments. As noted by Stabo, these rituals share similarities with those of other groups, such as the Korybantes, the Kabeiri, the Idaean Dactyli, and the Kouretes.
The Telkhina was perhaps an ancient festival of shapeshifting, metalwork, and mystic rites. As a festival associated with metal working, it would be appropriate to honour not only the Telkhines, but also gods such as Hephaistos. Due to mythic connections, Poseidon, Zeus and/or Dionysos may also be appropriate.
The exact date of the festival is unknown, except that it likely follows Theoxenia, and proceeds Dioskoureia. The 9th of Theoxenia has been chosen because:
Other options that were considered:
However, the Telkhines themselves were worshipped, and since this festival is named for them alone, it makes some sense to focus on that aspect for this festival.
The Telkhinia was a festival that may have been celebrated in honour of the Telkhines; or perhaps it was in honour of the gods Hera, Athena, Hephaestus, and Poseidon.
The parentage of the Telkhines varies in different myths, but they are often said to be the children of Pontus and Gaia or Tartarus and Nemesis. In some accounts, the Telkhines are described as the children of Poseidon – an important deity in the local Delphic traditions of the 5th century. In a myth mirroring that of Zeus of the Kouretes, the Telkhines are stationed as Poseidon’s protectors when he is an infant.
In another myth the Telkhines are the dogs of Actaeon turned into men [Eustathius (ad Hom. p. 771)]. Himerius presents an alternative account of Dionysos' death, in which the Titans are referred to as Telkhines$^{94}$.