ORPHIC FRAGMENT 262

OTTO KERN

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

SUMMARY: This fragment is another excerpt from the Dodekaeteris.

Excerpt from the Δωδεκαετηρίς V (compare to Orphic Fragment 251):

<Διὸς Αἰγοκέρωτα περιπολεύοντος> [τὸ δὲ ἔτος, ὅπερ κρατήσει] ἡ γῆ οἶνον οἴσει ὡς ὕδωρ· καὶ τὰ πρωτογενῆ τῆς γῆς τότε οἴσουσι καρπόν, ὄψιμον δὲ καρπόν· γαῖαν μήποτε μίξηις*· κεραυνοβόλος δὲ ὀμίχλη τὰ πάντα μαρανεῖ· καὶ τὸ κρύος τῆς πάχνης ὀλέσει καρπούς.

“When Jupiter crosses Capricorn [and the year, the very one which will rule] (then) the earth will produce as much wine as water; and the first-born of earth will bear fruit at that time, but late in season; you should on no account mix* the earth; and the thunderbolt-hurling cloud will destroy all things; and the hoar frost will destroy the fruit.”

(trans. by the author)

*Translator’s note: I am translating μίξηις with the word “mix,” but perhaps “turn” is what is meant: “You should not plow the earth.”

Josef Heeg 29 fr. 11.

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.