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

SUMMARY: This fragment states the opinion of Orpheus concerning the role of Cronus.

136. (103) σχολιαστής επὶ Θεογονίας Ἡσιόδου 209 (Gaisford II 491):

(Τιτάνες) παρὰ τὸ τετάσθαι καὶ ἐξαπλωθῆναι. ἢ ὅτι - ὡς λέγει οὗτος (sc. Ἡσίοδος) ἀπὸ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Ὀρφέως τοῦτο λαβὼν τοῦτο - ὅτι πάλιν τιμωρῆσαι μέλλει ὁ Κρόνος τοὺς θεούς, καὶ λαβεῖν τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ· ἤγουν πάλιν ἐπικρατῆσαι μέλλει τὸ σκότος ἐκεῖνο τὸ ἀρχαιότατον τοὺς ζωιδιακοὺς κύκλους, τοὺς ἔχοντας τοὺς ἀστέρας.

“(The Titans [are so named]) from being stretched (τετάσθαι) and unfolded (ἐξαπλωθῆναι). Wherefore he (Ἡσίοδος) says this, having taken it from the opinion of Orphéfs (Ὀρφεύς), that Krónos (Κρόνος), in turn, intends to punish the Gods again, and seize his kingdom; that is to say, he intends that ancient darkness, to rule the zodiacal circles, those possessing the stars.”

(trans. by the author)

Lobeck II 793

For τὸ σκότος ἐκεῖνο τὸ ἀρχαιότατον (see above) compare Pliny Epist. VI 20 p. 162, 22 Kuk.:

multi ad deos manus tollere, plures nusquam iam deos ullos aeternamque illam et novissimam noctem mundo interpretabantur.

(From a letter to the Emperor Tacitus describing a natural catastrophe:) “Many were lifting up their hands to the Gods, but more were declaring that now there were no more Gods, and that this night would last for ever, and the end of all the world.”

(trans. J. B. Firth, 1900)

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this website, you will find fascinating stories about our Gods. These narratives are known as mythology, the traditional stories of the Gods and Heroes. While these tales are great mystical vehicles containing transcendent truth, they are symbolic and should not be taken literally. A literal reading will frequently yield an erroneous result. The meaning of the myths is concealed in code. To understand them requires a key. For instance, when a God kills someone, this usually means a transformation of the soul to a higher level. Similarly, sexual union with a God is a transformation.

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.

SPELLING: HellenicGods.org uses the Reuchlinian method of pronouncing ancient Greek, the system preferred by scholars from Greece itself. An approach was developed to enable the student to easily approximate the Greek words. Consequently, the way we spell words is unique, as this method of transliteration is exclusive to this website. For more information, visit these three pages:

Pronunciation of Ancient Greek

Transliteration of Ancient Greek

Pronouncing the Names of the Gods in Hellenismos

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