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

SUMMARY: In this fragment, according to Orphic literature, it is said that the children of Hecuba are called piglets and are addressed by the name “Hecabae.”

46. (261) σχολιαστής επί τῇ Ἑκάβῃ τοῦ Εὐριπίδου 3 (I 11, 19 Schw.):

τὰ περὶ τῆς Ἑκάβης διαφόρως ἱστόρηται. Φιλόχορος μὲν γὰρ ἐν τῶι περὶ τραγωιδιῶν συγγράμματι (FHG IV 648) Χοιρίλην αὐτήν φησι καλεῖσθαι, ἴσως δὲ διὰ τὸ πολύπαιδα γεγενῆσθαι· ἡ γὰρ χοῖρος πολλὰ τίκτει, καὶ ἐν τοῖς Ὀρφικοῖς οἱ χοῖροι [1] ἑκάβαι προσαγορεύονται. οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ τῶι κυρίωι αὐτὴν ὀνόματι προσηγόρευσαν.

“The things concerning Ækávî (Ἑκάβη) are accounted for variously. For indeed, Philókhoros (Φιλόχορος) says, according to the book On Tragic Poets, that she herself is called Hirílî (Χοιρίλη, “sow”), perhaps because she produced many children; for the pig produces many (piglets), and in the Orphic poetry the piglets are addressed as “Ækávai” (Ἑκάβαι). But the others called her by the name “Mistress.” (trans. by the author)

[1] αἱ χοῖροι Platt Journ. phil. Lond. XXVI 1899, 232.

Sittig RE² VII 2659.

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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