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

SUMMARY: This fragment states that, according to the Orphics, Hecate is born from Demeter.

41. (260) σχολιαστής επί Ἀπολλωνίου Ῥοδίου III 467 p. 463, 9:

πότνα θεὰ Περσηί] τινὲς αὐτήν φασι Διὸς εἶναι παῖδα. ἐν δὲ τοῖς Ὀρφικοῖς Δήμητρος γενεαλογεῖται·

καὶ τότε δὴ Ἑκάτην Δηὼ τέκεν εὐπατέρειαν.

Βακχυλίδης δὲ Νυκτός φησιν αὐτὴν θυγατέρα·

‘Ἑκάτα δαιδοφόρε, Νυκτὸς µεγαλοκόλπου θύγατερ.’

(fr. 40 Bergk; 31 Blass – Suess). Μουσαῖος (cf. fr. 6 Kern, fr. 16 Diels) δὲ Ἀστερίας καὶ Διός, Φερεκύδης (fr. 10 FHG I 72) δὲ Ἀρισταίου τοῦ Παίονος v. fr. 42.

“The Mistress Perseid (daughter to Πέρσης) Goddess], some say is herself a daughter of Zefs (Ζεύς). And in the Orphics, her lineage is traced from Dîmítîr (Δημήτηρ):

‘And at that time Dîmítîr begot Ækátî (Ἑκάτη), daughter of a noble father.’

“But Vakkhylídîs (Βακχυλίδης) says that she is the daughter of Nyx:

‘Torch-bearing Ækátî, daughter of full-bosomed Nyx.’

“But Mousaios, (says she is born) of Astæría (Ἀστερία) and Zefs; and Phærækýdîs (Φερεκύδης) (says she is born) of Aristaios (son) of Paiôn (Παίων).” (trans. by the author)

Herm. 503 n. 6; Lobeck I 544; Reitzenstein Ined. poet. Graec. fragm. III (Ind. Rostoch. 1892/93) 23; Malten Arch. Religionsw. XII 1909, 439 n. et Herm. XLV 1910, 549.

The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Rhapsodic 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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