Orphic Hymns
edited and translated by
Tiberius Caelius Quadratus
for Orphicaeum © MMXXVI
All Rights Reserved
ORPHEUS TO MOUSAIOS
Use with good fortune, friend
Learn indeed, Mousaios, a ritual most reverend,
a prayer, which indeed for you is better than all.
Zeus the King and Gaia and heavenly pure flames
of Helios, and the sacred light of Mēnē and all the Astra;
And you, Poseidon the earth-holder, blue-haired,
pure Phersephone and Demeter of glorious fruit,
and arrow-pouring Artemis, the maiden, and Eios Phoibos,
who inhabits the sacred ground of Delphi; And you who the greatest
honors among the blessed ones have, Dionysos the dancer;
And Ares strong-spirited and Hephaistos' pure strength
and the foam-born Goddess, allotted glorious gifts;
And you, King of those below the earth, great superior daimon,
Hebe and Eileithyia and Herakles' noble might;
And that great benefit of Righteousness and Piety;
I call upon the famous Nymphs and Pan the greatest,
and Hera, aegis-bearing Zeus' vigorous wife;
And loving Memory and the pure Muses I call upon,
nine, and the Graces and also the Seasons and the Year,
and Leto with beautiful braids, Theia and revered Dione,
Kouretes in armor and Korybantes and also Kabeiroi,
and the great Saviors together, Zeus' imperishable children,
and Idaean Gods and the herald of the Heavenly,
Hermes, and Themis, prophetess of men,
and eldest Nyx I call, and light-bringing Day,
Faith and also Justice and the blameless Lawgiver,
Rheia and also Kronos and Tethys of-blue-peplos,
and Okeanos the great and also Okeanos' daughters,
and of the so-superior strength of Atlas and of Aion
and ever-flowing Chronos and that splendid stream of the Styx;
And gentle Gods, and in addition to them good Foresight,
and the Daimon most holy and the Daimon baneful to mortals,
Daimons of the heavens and the skies and the seas
and the earth and the underworld and fire-walking,
and Semele and of Bacchos' every reveler,
Ino, Leukothea, and Palaimon giver of bliss,
and sweet-speaking Victory and Queen Adrasteia,
and the great Lord Asklepios the cure-giver,
and Pallas the battle-rousing maiden, and the whole of the Winds
and Thunderclaps of the cosmos and its four-pillared parts I call;
And the Mother of the immortals, Attis and Mēn I call,
and Ourania the Goddess, plus pure and undying Adonis,
and the Principle and the Limit (for this proved greatest to all),
come kindly, having a happy heart,
to this sacred sacrifice and solemn sponde.
1. Hekate
Roadside Hekate I call, of the three ways, lovely,
of the heavens, of the earth, and also of the sea, saffron-cloaked,
sepulchral, with souls of the dead, reveling among them,
Perseian, loving loneliness, delighting in deer,
nocturnal, dog-loving, unconquerable Queen,
animal-roaring, unbound, having an irresistible form,
bull-herder, key-keeping Queen of the whole cosmos,
guide, bride, child-rearing, mountain-roaming,
I beg the maiden to our sacred initiations attend,
being forever favorable to the herdsman, with a happy heart.
2. Of Prothyraia
storax incense
Hear me, O much-revered Goddess, many-named daimon,
who helps with birth-pangs, welcome sight to women in labor,
women's sole savior, child-loving, mild-minded,
speedy in birth, present to young mortal women, Prothyraia,
keeper of keys, approachable, loving nourishment, gentle to all,
you who occupies the homes of everyone and rejoices in festivities,
unbinder, unseen, but in action you shine to all,
you sympathize in birth-pangs and rejoice in easy births,
Eileithyia, undoing pain in dreadful necessities:
for you alone women in labor call the soul's repose;
for in you the troubles of child-bearing are soothed,
Artemis Eileithyia, solemn maiden, Prothyraia,
hear me, happy one, and grant children, acting as ally,
and save them, as your nature is always savior of all.
3. Of Nyx
aromatic herbs incense
I will sing of Nyx, genetrix of the Gods and of mankind,
Nyx, origin of all things whom also we call Kypris.
Hear, blessed Goddess, blue-beaming, star-shining,
taking pleasure in peacefulness and in sleep-filled stillness,
Good-cheer, delightful, friend of all-night rites, mother of dreams,
Freer of care and of troubles and of toils and bringing respite,
giver of sleep, friend to all, horse-driver, glowing in the dark,
mid-way, of earth and of heaven she's one and the same,
cyclical, playful in sky-wandering pursuits,
you who dispatches light below the depths then in turn you depart
into Hades: for dreaded Necessity governs all things.
Now you, happy one, I call, much blessed, longed for by all,
approachable, hearing the suppliant sound of speech
may you come, being benevolent and banishing dark-glowing dread.
4. Of Ouranos
frankincense incense
Ouranos the all-father, part of the cosmos ever unfailing,
eldest-born, the principle of all things and of all things the completion,
father of the cosmos, spherically spinning around the earth,
home of the happy Gods, with the rhombos' rotations journeying,
celestial and terrestrial, sentry surrounding it all,
in your chest bearing Nature's unbearable necessity,
cerulean, unsubdued, all-shimmering, shifting-shape,
all-seeing, son of Kronos, happy one, the most-high daimon,
Listen, granting pious life to the initiate newly-revealed.
5. Of Aither
saffron incense
O holder of Zeus' high-vaulted strength, always unwearied,
the stars' and sun's and moon's division,
all-tamer, fire-breathing, the spark of every living thing,
above-shining Aither, finest cosmic element,
O glorious off-shoot, bearing brightness, star-shining,
summoning, I pray you to be temperate, serene.
6. Of Protogonos
myrrh incense
I call Protogonos of dual-natures, great, roaming the aither,
egg-born, taking glory in your golden wings,
bull-roaring, genesis of the blessed ones and of mortal mankind,
much-remembered seed, of many mysteries, Erikepaios,
ineffable, hidden whirler, all-shining off-shoot,
you who from sight obscured the shadowy mist,
whirled everywhere by beating wings throughout the cosmos
leading radiant sacred light, since then Phanes I call you,
and also Priapos the king, and Antauges quick-glancing.
But, blessed one, of many counsels, fruitful, step cheerfully
to our sacred initiation, manifold revealer of mysteries.
7. Of the Astra
aromatic herbs incense
The heavenly Astra's sacred shine I summon
with hallowed sounds hearkening holy spirits:
Astra of heaven, black Nyx's beloved children
in circular whirls wheeling around the throne,
reflecting light, fiery, always generators of everything,
destined sign-givers of the fate of every being,
managing mortal mankind's divine path,
seven-shining zone overseers, air-roaming,
celestial and terrestrial, fire-coursing, always unwearied,
ever illuminating night's dusky peplos,
with glimmers glistening, benevolent and nocturnal;
Come to this sacred initiations' much-learned labors,
bringing the noble path of glorious deeds to completion.
8. To Helios
francincense-manna incense
Hear blessed one, all-seeing, having eternal eye,
Titan gold-gleaming, Hyperion, heavenly light,
self-grown, unwearying, of living things sweet to the sight,
on the right indeed parent of dawn, well-named of night,
having the mixture of seasons, with four-stepping feet dancing,
running-well, buzzing one, blazing, bright-faced, charioteer,
of the limitless rhombos by whirlings the way driving,
for the pious guide of beautiful things, irate to the impious,
golden-lyred, of the cosmos that harmonious path pulling,
signaler of good deeds, season-feeding boy,
ruler of the cosmos, piper, fire-running, cycle-revolving,
light-bearer, swift-showing, life-bearing, fruitful Paian,
ever-blooming, untainted, father of time, immortal Zeus,
good-day, all-illuminating, the cosmos' around-running eye,
being extinguished and shining with beautiful rays radiant,
revealer of righteousness, lover of streams, master of the cosmos,
guardian of truth, always most-high, to all helper,
eye of justice, light of life; O horse-driver,
with whip whistling the four-yoked chariot driving,
hear the words, and sweet life to the initiates shine forth.
9. To Selene
aromatic herbs incense
Hear me, Goddess Queen, light-bearer, divine Selene,
bull-horned Mene, night-runner, air-roamer,
of-the-night, torch-bearer, maiden, well-starred Mene,
waxing and waning, both female and male,
illuminator, lover-of-horses, mother of time, bringer-of-fruit,
amber, heavy-spirited, shining-down, nocturnal,
all-seeing, lover-of-wakefulness, brimming with beautiful stars,
rejoicing in peace and in blessed-fated kindly-time,
lustrous, grace-giver, completion-bearer, night's agalma,
star-ruler, with-long-peplos, spiral-runner, all-wise maiden,
come, blessed one, kindly, well-starred, with three-fold light
shining, saving your suppliants, noble-maiden.
10. Of Physis
aromatic herbs incense
O Physis, all-mother Goddess, many-skilled mother,
heavenly, eldest, much-establishing daimon, Queen,
all-tamer, untamed, steerswoman, all-shining,
ruler-of-all, always honored, all-highest to all,
undecaying, first-born, spoken-of-old, glory-bringing,
of-the-night, many-starred, light-bearer, dread-holding,
with astragaloi the track of noiseless feet rolling,
pure, orderer of Gods and incomplete completion,
common indeed to everyone, but unshared alone,
self-fathered, fatherless, virtue, much-gladdened, the greatest,
well-flowered weaving, love, much-mingled, knowing,
commander, accomplisher, bearing-life, all-feeding maiden,
self-sufficiency, justice, the Graces' many-named persuasion,
of-the-aither, of-the-earth and of-the-ocean ruling,
bitter indeed to the wicked, but sweet to the persuaded,
all-wise, all-giver, caretaker, all-Queen,
growth-feeding rich one and of-ripening-things the loosener.
Of all things indeed you are father, mother, nourisher and nurse,
swift-birthing, blessed one, many-seeded, seasonal impulse,
all-artful, sculptor, much-establishing, open-sea's daimon,
eternal, motion-bearing, much-experienced, prudent,
with ever-flowing whirl the swift stream spinning,
all-flowing, cyclical, living-in-different-shapes,
well-throned, honored, alone that-which-was-judged fulfilling,
of scepter-bearers above the heavy-thundering strongest,
intrepid, all-tamer, fated-one, destiny, fire-breathing,
eternal life and also immortal providence;
everything you are, Queen; for you alone create these things.
But, Goddess, I pray you in blessed seasons
to bring peace, health, growth of all things.
11. Of Pan
various incense
Powerful Pan I call, pastoral, that totality of the cosmos,
the sky and the sea and the all-ruling soil
and deathless fire; for these are the limbs of Pan.
Come, blessed one, leaper, around-runner, enthroned with the Seasons,
goat-limbed, Bacchic reveler, lover-of-enthusiasm, dwelling-in-the-stars,
harmony of the cosmos, weaving with fun-loving song,
helper of fantasies, terrifying-one of mortal fears,
with goat-herds rejoicing up fountains and also cowherds,
sharp-sighted, hunter, Echo's friend, dance-partner of the nymphs,
all-growing, parent of everything, many-named daimon,
ruler-of-the-cosmos, increaser, light-bearer, fruitful Paian,
delighting in caves, heavy-in-anger, that true Zeus the-horned-one.
For in you the earth's limitless foundation is established,
and submits of the untiring open sea that deep-flowing water
and Okeanos around in whirlpools winding the earth,
and the airy division of nourishment, the spark for the living,
and of the highest point from above the eye of lightest fire.
Since proceeds these divine things much-decided by your commands;
and you change the natures of all things by your forethought
tending the generation of mankind down the limitless cosmos.
But, blessed one, Bacchic reveler, lover-of-enthusiasm, come to the libations
much-holy, and grant a good completion of life
sending out panic madness towards the ends of the earth.
12. Of Herakles
frankincense incense
Herakles strong-spirited, great-in-might, valiant Titan,
strong-handed, untamed, abounding in mighty struggles,
shifting-shape, time's father, undying and also well-minded,
ineffable, savage-spirited, much-prayed-to, all-ruling,
having all-powerful heart, great strength, archer, seer,
all-consuming, all-father, most-high, helper to all,
who for mortals calmed savage tribes having driven them out,
desiring youth-nurturing peace, of-splendid-honor,
self-grown, unwearied, earth's best off-shoot,
having flashed with first-born scales, great-named Aion,
you who around your head bear dawn and black night,
the twelve labors from east to west traversing,
immortal, much-experienced, limitless, immovable,
come, blessed one, bringing all soothings for diseases,
and drive out evil ruins brandishing a branch in your hand,
and with winged venom-throwing sending away harsh dooms.
13. Of Kronos
storax incense
Ever-blooming, father both of the blessed Gods and also of men,
varied-in-counsel, undefiled, of-great-strength, valiant Titan,
you who destroy all things indeed and contrariwise increase them yourself,
you who hold unbreakable bonds throughout the limitless cosmos,
Kronos, eternity's all-begetter, Kronos of-varied-stories,
off-shoot both of Gaia and of starry Ouranos,
origin, growth, decay, Rhea's husband, revered Prometheus,
you who inhabit throughout all divisions of the cosmos, ancestor,
of-crooked-counsel, the best; hearing the suppliant speech
may you grant a prosperous, forever faultless conclusion of life.
14. Of Rhea
aromatic herbs incense
Lady Rhea, daughter of many-formed Protogonos,
you who over bull-slayers stretch the sacred-wheeled chariot,
drum-sounding, lover-of-madness, bronze-rattling maiden,
mother of Zeus the Olympian Lord, aegis-bearing,
all-honored, splendid-shaped, blessed bed-partner of Kronos,
you who rejoice in the mountains and the fearful ululations of mortals,
all-Queen Rhea, stirring-battle-din, strong-spirited,
deceiving, savior, loosener, born-of-principles,
mother indeed both of Gods as well as of mortal mankind:
for out of you too the earth and wide heaven overhead
and the sea and the winds; lover-of-running, aeroform;
come, blessed Goddess, benevolent willed savior,
bringing down peace and prosperous possessions,
driving pollutions and dooms to the ends of the earth.
15. Of Zeus
storax incense
Much-honored Zeus, imperishable Zeus, this to you we
set down, releasing testimony as well as prayer.
O King, through your head appeared these godly-things,
mother Goddess Gaia and high-sounding hills
and the sea and all things, whatever is arranged within the heavens;
Kronian Zeus, scepter-bearer, descender, strong-spirited,
all-begetter, the principle of all things and of all things the purpose,
earth-shaker, increaser, purifier, shaker-of-all-things,
of lightning, of thunder, of the lightning-bolt, planter Zeus;
hear me, shifting-shape, and grant flawless health
and godly peace and blameless glory of wealth.
16. Of Hera
aromatic herbs incense
Seated in blue folds, aeroform,
Hera all-Queen, Zeus' blessed bed-partner,
providing kind Soul-feeding breezes to mortals,
Of rains indeed the mother, of winds the nurse, all-begetter:
for without you nothing entirely knows the nature of life;
for you share in all things having been mixed with revered air;
for alone you rule of everything and for all things you're Queen,
in rushes of air being tossed down the stream.
But, blessed Goddess, many-named, all-Queen,
may you come being kind with a beautiful, rejoicing expression.
17. Of Poseidon
myrrh incense
Hear, Poseidon earth-holder, blue-haired,
equestrian, holding in hands the bronze-wrought trident,
you who inhabit the sea's deep-chested foundations,
sea-ruler, sea-roaring, heavy-sounding, earth-shaker,
wave-flourishing, grace-giver, driving the four-yoked chariot,
with marine whistling agitating briny water,
you who won by lot a third share, the deep flood of the sea,
in waves delighting and together with beasts, daimon of the sea;
may you save the seats of the earth and the course of swift-running ships,
bringing peace, health, and faultless wealth.
18. To Plouton
O inhabiting the subterranean home, strong-spirited,
Tartarian meadow deep-shaded as well as light-forsaken,
kthonic Zeus, scepter-bearer, willingly accept these sacrifices,
Plouton, you who hold the keys of the whole earth,
enriching the mortal generation with annual fruits;
you who won by lot a third share, the all-queen earth,
seat of immortals, strong support of mortals;
you who established the throne beneath the gloomy place
far-extending, untiring, breath-forsaken, indiscriminate Hades
and blue Akheron, who holds the roots of the earth;
you who rule over mortals by means of death, O many-daimon
Euboulos, who once the child of holy-tending Demeter
you married snatched from the meadow, whom through the sea
with four-yoked horses under Attica you led to the cave
of the district of Eleusis, where indeed the gates of Hades are.
You became judge alone of unseen and of visible works,
enthused, all-ruler, most-holy, of-splendid-honor,
rejoicing in solemn initiates and pious veneration;
I call you to come merciful, having rejoiced for the mystai.
19. of Zeus Keraunos
storax incense
Father Zeus, driving the high-running fire-shining cosmos,
flashing aitherial lightning's all-highest gleam,
shaking the blessed ones' seat with divine thunders,
in all-cloudy streams kindling up burning lightning,
storms, rains, fire-winds, and mighty thunderbolts,
casting them blazing into roaring waves, enveloping with missiles
all-burning, mighty, shudder-inducing, heavy-spirited,
terrible winged weapon, heart-shaking, hair-raising,
unexpected, thundering, unbeatable holy missile,
all-consuming rush in whirls of boundless whistling,
unbreakable, sullen, irresistible fire-wind,
sharp heavenly missile of smoky Kataibates,
at which even earth shudders and the all-shining sea,
and beasts cower, whenever the crash enters the ear;
and shimmers faces with rays, and the thunderbolt roars
in the hollows of the aither; and having torn through the chiton
the heavenly veil you cast the bright thunderbolt.
But, blessed one, cast your wrath to the waves of the sea
as well as the summits of mountains; everyone knows your power.
Rather, being pleased with libations, give our hearts all proper things
and happy-spirited living, together with Lady Hygieia
and Goddess Eirene, youth-nurturing, of-splendid-honor,
and good-spirited life ever flourishing with thoughts.
20. of Zeus Astrapeus
powdered frankincense incense
I call the great, pure, heavy-thundering, shining-around,
aerial, blazing, fire-running, air-shining,
flashing a gleam from the clouds with a noisy-coursing sound,
shudder-inducing, heavy-in-anger, invincible pure God,
Zeus Astrapaios, all-begetter, greatest king,
being gracious, bring a sweet conclusion to life.
21. of the Nephē
myrrh incense
Aerial Nephelai, fruit-feeders, sky-wanderers,
rain-birthers, by winds driven throughout the world,
thunderers, fiery, loud-roaring, watery-pathed,
in the bosom of the air holding a shudder-inducing crash,
counter-drawn by winds running upon crashing,
you now I pray, dew-clad, with well-blowing breezes,
send fruit-bearing rains upon Meter Gaia.
22. of Thalassa
powdered frankincense incense
Okeanos' bride I call, gray-eyed Tethys,
Lady of-blue-peplos, with well-rolling swells,
by sweet-breathing breezes being beaten around the earth.
Breaking long waves on the shores and on the rocks,
becoming calm in gentle, well-whirling courses,
delighting in ships, beast-feeder, watery-pathed,
mother indeed of Kypris, mother of the dark Nephē,
and teeming with the streams of every spring of the Nymphs;
Hear me, O much-revered, and being gracious may you assist,
sending a straight-running breeze for the ships, blessed one.
23. of Nereus
myrrh incense
O holding down the sea's roots, the blue-beaming seat,
with fifty maidens rejoicing in the wave
with dances of beautiful offspring, Nereus, great-named daimon,
foundation indeed of the sea, limit of the earth, principle of everything,
who shakes Deo's sacred seat, when breaths
being driven in the innermost caverns you confine;
but, blessed one, earthquakes indeed avert, and send to the mystai
prosperity and peace and also gentle-handed health.
24. of the Nereids
aromatic herbs incense
Marine Nereus' blossom-eyed nymphs, pure,
sealers, of-the-deep, delighting-in-dance, watery-pathed,
fifty maidens around the waves in-Bacchic-revelry,
upon Triton's chariots rejoicing around the backs
in beast-shaped forms, whose bodies the sea nourishes,
and for others who dwell in the deep, Tritonian surge,
water-homed, leapers, whirling around the wave,
sea-wandering dolphins, sea-surging, blue-beaming.
I call you to send to the mystai much bliss;
for you first revealed the solemn initiation
of sacred Bacchus and of pure Phersephone,
with mother Kalliope and Lord Apollon.
25. of Proteus
storax incense
Proteus I call, holding the sea's keys,
first-born, who revealed the principles of all of nature
changing sacred matter with many-shaped forms,
all-honored, much-planning, knowing also the things-that-are
and all that previously was and all that will be in the future again;
for he himself holding all things changes, and not any other
of the immortals, who hold the seat of snow-clad Olympos
and the sea and the earth and fly in the air;
for all things in Proteus nature first deposited.
But, father, come to the initiates with holy thoughts
sending a good completion of prosperous life upon works.
26. of Gē
incense: every seed, except beans and aromatic herbs
Goddess Gaia, mother of the blessed ones and of mortal mankind,
all-feeding, all-giving, completion-bearer, all-destroyer,
bloom-increaser, fruit-bearer, teeming with beautiful seasons,
seat of the immortal cosmos, many-colored maiden,
who in birth pangs you conceive many-formed fruit,
eternal, much-revered, deep-chested, blessed-fated,
rejoicing in sweet-smelling foliage, many-flowered daimon,
rain-delighting, around whom the cosmos of much-intricate stars
revolves by nature ever-flowing and with fearful streams.
But, blessed Goddess, may you grow the many-gladdening fruits
having a gracious heart with the blessed in the seasons.
27. of the Mother of the Gods
various incense
God-honored Mother of the immortal Gods, nurse of all things,
may you come here, ruler Goddess, Lady, upon the prayers to you,
having yoked the fast-running chariot of bull-slaying lions,
scepter-bearer of the famous axis, many-named, solemn,
you who hold the cosmos' center throne, because you yourself
hold the earth providing for mortals gentle nourishments;
and from you the lineage both of immortals and of mortals was birthed,
by you rivers are ruled always, and every sea,
having been named Hestia; and you they call wealth-giver,
of all kinds of benefits to mortals because you grant gifts,
come to the initiation O drum-delighting Lady,
all-tamer, Phrygian savior, bed-partner of Kronos,
Ouranopais, elder, life-nourisher, lover-of-frenzy,
come joyful, rejoicing in pious acts.
28. of Hermes
frankincense incense
Hear me, Hermes, Zeus' messenger, Maia's son,
having an all-powerful heart, of-the-games, Lord of mortals,
gracious, varied-in-counsel, the guide Argeiphontes,
with-winged-sandals, lover-of-man, prophet of the word to mortals,
who rejoices in gymnastics and deceitful tricks, provision-keeper,
interpreter of all things, conductor-of-trade, freer-of-worry,
who in your hands holds the blameless weapon of peace,
Korykian, blessed one, Eriounios, varied-in-speech,
helper in labors, friend to mortals in necessities,
fearful weapon of the tongue revered by mankind;
hear me praying, granting a good completion of life
in my works, grace of speech, and memories.
29. Hymn of Persephone
Phersephone, daughter of great Zeus, come, blessed one,
sole-born Goddess, and accept the pleasing sacrifices,
Plouton's much-honored wife, cherished, life-giver,
who holds Hades' gates under the depths of the earth,
Praxidikē, lovely-haired, Deo's pure offspring,
the Eumenides' genetrix, Queen of those-below-the-earth,
Korē whom Zeus by ineffable generation fathered,
mother of loud-roaring many-formed Eubouleos,
interweaver of the Horai, light-bearer, splendid-shaped,
solemn, ruler-of-all, Korē teeming with fruits,
well-shining, horn-bearing, alone desired by mortals,
vernal, rejoicing in meadow-dwelling winds,
showing forth the sacred body by green-fruited off-shoots,
seized-one wedded in autumnal marriage-bed,
life and death alone for much-toiling mortals,
Phersephone; for always you feed (φέρβεις) and you kill (φονεύεις) all things.
hear, blessed Goddess, and send up fruits from the earth
blooming with peace and gentle-handed health
and with a prosperous life, sleek old age leading down
toward your realm, Lady, and very-powerful Plouton.
30. of Dionysos
storax incense
I call loud-roaring Dionysos, euai-crier,
Protogonos, two-natured, thrice-born, Bacchic Lord,
wild, ineffable, hidden, two-horned, two-shaped,
ivy-teeming, bull-faced, Areios, Euios, holy,
of-raw-flesh, triennial, cluster-bearing, in-leafy-peplos.
Eubouleos, many-counseled, of Zeus and of Persephone
born of ineffable marriage-beds, divine daimon;
hear, blessed one, my voice, breathe upon us sweet and blameless
holding a gracious heart, with well-girdled nurses.
31. Hymn of the Kouretes
Kouretes the bounding-ones, having made steps in armor,
foot-stamping, rhombetai, mountain-dwelling, euai-criers,
lyre-striking, syncopated, treaders with light steps,
weapon-bearers, guardians, commanders, of-splendid-fame,
the mountain-frenzied Mother's companions, mystery-revealers;
may you come being gracious toward well-spoken words,
to the herdsman always welcoming with rejoicing heart.
32. of Athena
aromatic herbs incense
Only-begotten Pallas, great Zeus' solemn offspring,
divine, blessed Goddess, stirring-battle-din, strong-spirited,
unspoken, spoken, great-name, cave-dwelling,
you who control the high-necked mountain-peak hills
as well as shadowy mountains, and in the glens your mind delights,
rejoicing-in-weapons, frenzying the Souls of mortals with mania,
exercising maiden, holding a fearsome heart,
Gorgophonē, marriage-bed-shunner, much-wealthy mother of arts,
driver, lover-of-frenzy for the bad, but prudence for the good;
male indeed and female you were born, mother-of-war, counsel,
shifting-shape, dragoness, lover-of-enthusiasm, of-splendid-honor,
destroyer of the Phlegraian Giants, horse-driver,
Tritogeneia, freer from evils, victory-bearing daimon,
day and night always in the uttermost hours,
hear me praying, and give much-wealthy peace
and satisfaction as well as health upon it in prosperous seasons,
gray-eyed, inventor-of-arts, much-implored Queen.
33. of Nikē
manna incense
I call very-powerful Nikē, longed-for by mortals,
who alone releases mortals' competitive impulse
and painful conflict upon rivals in combats,
in wars judging over trophy-holding deeds,
to whom rushing upon you might bring the sweetest prize;
for of all things you rule, and strife's every noble glory
upon famous Nikē lies teeming with festivities.
But, blessed-one, may you come having been longed-for with-bright-eye
always upon famous deeds bringing noble glory.
34. of Apollon
manna incense
Come, blessed-one, Paian, Tityoktonos, Phoibos, Lykoreian,
Memphite, of-splendid-honor, ie-crier, wealth-giver,
golden-lyred, of-seeds, of-the-plow, Pythian, Titan,
Gryneian and Smintheus, Pythoktonos, Delphic, seer,
wild, light-bearing daimon, lovely, glorious boy,
Muse-leader, dance-leader, far-shooter, archer,
Brankhian and Didymaian, far-worker, Loxias, holy,
Delian Lord, having all-seeing shining-upon-mortals eye,
golden-haired, revealing pure voices and oracles;
hear me praying on behalf of the people with kind heart;
for you look-upon all this limitless aither
and bliss-allotted earth from-above, and through the gloom,
in night's quietness under starry-eyed darkness
you perceive the roots beneath, and you hold too the limits of the cosmos
whole; and to you both principle and completion are concern,
all-blooming, and you with much-struck kithara the whole axis
tune, sometimes indeed stepping to the limits of the lowest-string,
and at other-times again of the highest, sometimes to Dorian arrangement
the whole axis blending you judge life-sustaining tribes,
having blended by harmony the universal fate for mankind,
having mixed of winter and of summer an equal-part to both-sides,
with the highest winter, summer with the lowest having separated,
Dorian to spring's much-loved seasonable flower.
Therefore mortals call you by the name 'Lord',
Pan, two-horned God, sending forth winds' whistles;
because you hold the whole cosmos' impressing seal.
Hear, blessed-one, saving the mystai with suppliant speech.
35. of Leto
myrrh incense
Leto in-blue-peplos, twin-bearing Goddess, solemn,
Koios' daughter, great-hearted, much-implored Queen,
of-good-children having received Zēn's fruitful birth-pangs,
having born both Phoibos and arrow-pouring Artemis,
her indeed in Ortygia but him in rocky Delos,
hear, Lady Goddess, and having gracious heart
come to the all-divine initiation bringing sweet completion.