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

SUMMARY: This fragment explains the birth of the second Aphrodite, Pandemus, from Zeus and Dione.

183. (140) σχόλιον Πρόκλου επὶ Κρατύλου Πλάτωνος 406c, p. 110, 23 Pasqu.:

τὴν δὲ δευτέραν Ἀφροδίτην παράγει μὲν ὁ Ζεὺς ἐκ τῶν ἑαυτοῦ γεννητικῶν δυναμένων, συμπαράγει δ' αὐτῶι καὶ ἡ Διώνη· πρόεισι δ' ἡ θεὸς ἐκ τοῦ ἀφροῦ κατὰ τὸν αὐτὸν τῆι πρεσβυτέραι τρόπον. λέγει δ' οὕτως καὶ περὶ ταῦτης ὁ αὐτὸς θεολόγος (v. fragment 127)·

τὸν δὲ πόθος πλέον εἷλ', ἀπὸ δ' ἔκθορε πατρὶ μεγίστωι

αἰδοίων ἀφροῖο γονή, ὑπέδεκτο δὲ πόντος

σπέρμα Διὸς μεγάλου· περιτελλομένου δ' ἐνιαυτοῦ

ὥραις καλλιφύτοις τέκ' ἐγερσιγέλωτ' Ἀφροδίτην

ἀφρογενῆ.

“But indeed, Zefs (Ζεύς) brings forth the second Aphrodítî (Πάνδημος) from his own abilities of generation, and Dióhnî (Διώνη) herself also provides influence. The Goddess (Ἀφροδίτη) advances from the foam following in the same manner as her forebear (Οὐρανία). The same theologian (Ὀρφεύς) also speaks about her thus (v. fragment 127):

‘Then love seized him (Ζεύς) greatly, while from the mighty Father leapt forth

from his genitals the foamy seed; then the sea received

the seed of great Zefs; and having gone round a year,

in the season of beautiful begetting, he bore laughter-rousing Aphrodítî, the foam-born.’ ”

(trans. by the author)

Lobeck I 542.

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.

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Pronunciation of Ancient Greek

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