ORPHIC CRITICAL TESTIMONY 111

OTTO KERN

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For links to many more fragments: The Orphic Fragments of Otto Kern.


AGRICULTURAE ET MORUM AUCTOR (Progenitor of Agriculture and Mores)

SUMMARY: This testimony, from the poet Horace, says that Orpheus turned men away from living like brutes, for which reason it is said in fables that he tamed tigers and lions.

ORPHIC CRITICAL TESTIMONY 111.

Ars Poetica Quinti Horatii Flacci 391:

silvestris homines sacer interpresque deorum caedibus et victu foedo deterruit Orpheus, dictus ob hoc lenire tigris rabidosque leones.

“Orpheus, the holy messenger of the Gods, discouraged savage men from murders and base living, for this reason it has been said that he tamed tigers and fierce lions.”

(trans. by the author)

V. nr. 144 βαρβάρους ἔτρεψε “he changed the minds of barbarians.”


The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

Introduction to the Thæí (the Gods): The Nature of the Gods.

How do we know there are Gods? Experiencing Gods.