The Orphic Fragments

We all know the Orphic Hymns; a collection of eighty-seven short religious poems composed in either the late Hellenistic or early Roman (first or second century AD) era. They are based on the beliefs of Orphism, a mystery cult or religious philosophy which claimed descent from the teachings of the mythical hero Orpheus. The Mysteries were mostly connected to Demeter, Persephone, life after death and reincarnation. From the Orphic Hymns also comes a list of which incenses to offer to which deity. For all Orphic Hymns, go here.

Beyond the Orphic Hymns, there are the Orphic Fragments, poems and lines connected to the Orphic school of thought. Many of these are a true treasure-trove of information and religious material. As I'm swamped today, I am leaving you with one of these poems on queue.

"Zeus is the first. Zeus the thunderer, is the last.

Zeus is the head. Zeus is the middle, and by Zeus all things were fabricated.

Zeus is male, Immortal Zeus is female.

Zeus is the foundation of the earth and of the starry heaven.

Zeus is the breath of all things. Zeus is the rushing of indefatigable fire.

Zeus is the root of the sea: He is the Sun and Moon.

Zeus is the king; He is the author of universal life;

One Power, one Dæmon, the mighty prince of all things:

One kingly frame, in which this universe revolves,

Fire and water, earth and ether, night and day,

And Metis (Counsel) the primeval father, and all-delightful Eros (Love).

All these things are United in the vast body of Zeus.

Would you behold his head and his fair face,

It is the resplendent heaven, round which his golden locks

Of glittering stars are beautifully exalted in the air.

On each side are the two golden taurine horns,

The risings and settings, the tracks of the celestial gods;

His eyes the sun and the Opposing moon;

His unfallacious Mind the royal incorruptible Ether."