ORPHIC CRITICAL TESTIMONY 71

OTTO KERN

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

SUMMARY: This testimony, from the poet Horace, says that while Orpheus was in the Underworld, even the torments of famous evil-doers were relaxed for a period of time because they became enchanted while Orpheus played his lyre.

ORPHIC CRITICAL TESTIMONY 71.

Carmina Quinti Horatii Flacci III 11, 21 on the lyre of Orpheus:

quin et Ixion Tityosque voltu risit invito; stetit urna paullum sicca, dum grato Danai puellas carmine musces.

“Ixion too and Tityos smooth'd

Their rugged brows: the urn stood dry

One hour, while Danaus’ maids were sooth’d

With minstrelsy.”

(trans. John Conington, 1882)

v. nr. 70. 72.

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.