ORPHIC CRITICAL TESTIMONY 133

OTTO KERN

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


SUMMARY: This testimony, from the Astronomica of Hyginus, says that the head of Orpheus was carried down from the mountain into the sea, and the waves cast it upon the island of Lesbos.

ORPHIC CRITICAL TESTIMONY 133

Hygini De Astronomica 2.7.4:

cuius caput in mare de monte perlatum, fluctibus in insulam Lesbum est reiectum; quod ab his sublatum et sepulturae est mandatum. pro quo beneficio ad musicam artem ingeniosissimi existimantur esse.

“His head, carried down from the mountain into the sea, was cast by the waves upon the island of Lesbos. It was taken up and buried by the people of Lesbos, and in return for this kindness, they have the reputation of being exceedingly skilled in the art of music.”

(trans. Mary Grant, 1960)


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.