HOME GLOSSARY RESOURCE ART LOGOS CONTACT

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

SUMMARY: This fragment states that water is the Bedu (βέδυ) of the Nymphs.

219. (252) Λόγος Στρώματα Κλήμεντος του Ἀλεξανδρέως V 8, 46, 3 (II 357, 10 Staeh.):

ναὶ μὴν ἡ στοιχειωτικὴ τῶν παίδων διδασκαλία τὴν τῶν τεττάρων στοιχείων περιείληφεν ἑρμηνείαν. βέδυ μὲν γὰρ τοὺς Φρύγας τὸ ὕδωρ φησὶ καλεῖν, καθὰ καὶ Ὀρφεύς·

καὶ βέδυ Νυμφάων καταλείβεται ἀγλαὸν ὕδωρ.

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὁ θύτης Δίων ὁμοίως φαίνεται γράφων·

καὶ βέδυ λαβὼν κατὰ χειρῶν καταχέου καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ἱεροσκοπίην τρέπου.

ἔμπαλιν δὲ ὁ κωμικὸς Φιλύλλιος βέδυ τὸν ἀέρα βιόδωρον ὄντα διὰ τούτων γινώσκει· (It follows after Kock CAF I 787 fr. 20)

“And indeed the most elementary instruction of children embraces the interpretation of the four elements; for it is said that the Phrygians call water Bedu (βέδυ), as also Orpheus says: —

‘And bright water is poured down, the Bedu of the nymphs.’

“Dion Thytes also seems to write similarly:—

‘And taking Bedu, pour it on your hands, and turn to divination.’

“On the other hand, the comic poet, Philydeus, understands by Bedu the air, as being life-giver (βιόδωρος).” (It follows after Kock CAF I 787 fr. 20)

(trans. William Wilson, 1885)

Herm. fr. XIX vs. 9; Lobeck II 836. 883.

With regard to βέδυ v. P. de Lagarde Ges. Abhdlgn. 1866, 285.

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

PHOTO COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: The many pages of this website incorporate images, some created by the author, but many obtained from outside sources. To find out more information about these images and why this website can use them, visit this link: Photo Copyright Information

DISCLAIMER: The inclusion of images, quotations, and links from outside sources does not in any way imply agreement (or disagreement), approval (or disapproval) with the views of HellenicGods.org by the external sources from which they were obtained.

Further, the inclusion of images, quotations, and links from outside sources does not in any way imply agreement (or disagreement), approval (or disapproval) by HellenicGods.org of the contents or views of any external sources from which they were obtained.

For more information: Inquire.hellenicgods@gmail.com

For answers to many questions: Hellenismos FAQ

© 2010 by HellenicGods.org. All Rights Reserved.

HOME GLOSSARY RESOURCE ART LOGOS CONTACT