ORPHIC FRAGMENT 196

OTTO KERN

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SUMMARY: This fragment explains why Aphrodite is associated with autumn, and that the abduction of Core also occurred in this season.

196. σχόλιον Πρόκλου επὶ Πολιτείας Πλάτωνος II 62, 6 Guilelmus Kroll:

τὴν δὲ μετοπωρινὴν (sc. τῶν ὡρῶν) Ἀφροδίτης· ἐν ταύτηι γὰρ ἡ καταβολὴ γίνεται τῶν σπερμάτων εἰς γῆν, τοῦτο δὲ Ἀφροδίτης ἔργον τὰ γόνιμα μιγνύναι καὶ εἰς κοινωνίαν ἄγειν τὴν τῆς γενέσεως αἰτίαν --- καὶ διὰ ταῦτα ἄρα καὶ ὁ μῦθος τὴν Κόρην ἁρπασθῆναί φησιν ἐν τῆι ὥραι ταύτηι (v. ὕμνος Ὀρφέως 29.14, the last quotation of fragment 195), τῆς ζωιογονίας τῶν μερικῶν πάντων προϊσταμένην, προσθεὶς ὅτι καὶ ἐν τῆι ἱστοποιίαι (v. fragments 192 and 193) τὸν σκορπίον ὑφαίνουσα, τὸν τὰ μέσα τῆς ὥρας εἰληχότα ταύτης, ὑπομείνειεν τὴν ἁρπαγήν·

“And the autumnal (that is, of the seasons) is of Aphrodítî (Ἀφροδίτη); for in it, the sowing of the seeds into the earth comes about, and this is the work of Aphrodítî, to mingle the fruitful seeds and to bring partnership to the cause of generation --- and through this also the myth then says that Kórî (Κόρη) was snatched away in this season (v. ὕμνος Ὀρφέως 29.14, the last quotation of fragment 195), set over the production of all partial living things, adding that and in weaving (v. fragments 192 and 193), embroidering a scorpion, obtaining by lot the middle of this season, which she submitted to in being snatched away.”

(trans. by the author)


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.

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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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