This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Demeter of Eleusis with the aid of the Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon.

Demeter is described as giving wealth and happiness and food, the nourisher of children, providing heaps of seed and fruits, driving a chariot drawn by dragons, a single parent of fruit, mortals, and blossoms, and bringing Peace, Law, Wealth, and Health.


40. Δήμητρος - of Demeter 

Ἐλευσινίας, - of Eleusis 
θυμίαμα - incense
στύρακα. - storax

Δηώ, - Deo, Demeter
παμμήτειρα - all (παμ) + mother (μήτειρα) 
θεά, - Goddess
πολυώνυμε - poli, many, multi (πολυ) + named (ώνυμε)
δαῖμον, - spirit

σεμνὴ - solemn, august, revered
Δήμητερ, - Demeter
κουροτρόφε, - child (κουρο) + rearer, nurse, feeder (τρόφε) 
ὀλβιοδῶτι, - whole (ὀλ) + life (βιο) + giver (δῶτι) = happiness/blessing-giver 

πλουτοδότειρα - wealth (πλουτο) + giver (δότειρα) 
θεά, - Goddess
σταχυοτρόφε, - ear of corn (σταχυο) + feeder, rearer, nurse (τρόφε)
παντοδότειρα, - all (παντο) + giver (δότειρα)

εἰρήνηι - Peace, Eirene, peaceful
χαίρουσα - glad, joyful, delight, rejoice
καὶ - and 
ἐργασίαις - work at, manufacture
πολυμόχθοις, - many, multi, poli (πολυ) +toil, hardship, distress, suffering (μόχθοις)

σπερμεία, - sperm, seed
σωρῖτι, - heap, quantity
ἀλωαία, - on the threshing floor
χλοόκαρπε, - green (χλοό) + fruit (καρπε)

ἣ - hear
ναίεις - prevailing
ἁγνοῖσιν - pure
Ἐλευσῖνος - of Eleusis'
γυάλοισιν, - hollow, vale

ἱμερόεσσ', - longing, yearning after; lovely, charming; desire, love
ἐρατή, - lovely
θνητῶν - mortal
θρέπτειρα - feeder, nourisher
προπάντων, - before (προ) + all (πάντων)

ἡ - here
πρώτη - first to (πρώτη)
ζεύξασα - yoke
βοῶν - oxen
ἀροτῆρα - to the plough
τένοντα - sinew, tendon, neck

καὶ - and 
βίον - life
ἱμερόεντα - lovely, charming, sweet
βροτοῖς - mortal human
πολύολβον - many, multi, poli (πολύ) + whole life, prosperity, wealth (ολβον) 
ἀνεῖσα, 

αὐξιθαλής, - promoting, increasing (αὐξι) + abundance, good cheer, festivities (θαλής)
Βρομίοιο - sounding, noisy, boisterous
συνέστιος, - together (συν) + hearth (έστιος) = sharing one's hearth or house
ἀγλαότιμος, - glorious, splendid (ἀγλαό) + honor (τιμος)

λαμπαδόεσσ', - lamp, light, torch (λαμπ) + trajectory (δόεσσ')
ἁγνή, - pure
δρεπάνοις - sickle, scythe, weapon with curved blade, pruning knife
χαίρουσα - glad, joyful, delight
θερείοις· - of summer

σὺ - together
χθονία, - earth
σὺ - together
δὲ - of, from
φαινομένη, - come to light, appear, give light, shine (φαινο) + strong, mighty (μένη)
σὺ - together
δε - of, from
πᾶσι - all
προσηνής· - before (προ) + together (σηνής) = "soft, gentle, soothing, kind, mild"; (ηνής=bridle, reins)

εὔτεκνε, - essence pure (εὔ) + offspring, child (τεκνε) = "happy in children, blessed with children" 
παιδοφίλη, - "paidophile" = child (παιδο) + lover of, fond of (φίλη)
σεμνή, - solemn, reverent, august, holy
κουροτρόφε - child (κουρο) + feeder, rearer (τρόφε)
κούρα, - child, offspring

ἅρμα - chariot, war-chariot
δρακοντείοισιν - dragon (δρακον) +stretch, pull tight (τείοισιν) (reined?) 
ὑποζεύξασα - beneath (ὑπο) + yoked, wed-to, joined (ζεύξασα)
χαλινοῖς - bit, bit and bridle, a bridle to curb (violence), anything which curbs/restrains

ἐγκυκλίοις - essence generative (ἐγ) + circular (κυκλίοις)
δίναις - whirlpool, eddy, rotating, circular, whirling
περὶ - all around, peri-
σὸν - "thy, thine"
θρόνον - throne
εὐάζουσα, - essence pure (εὐ) arising detached from (άζ) + entity (ουσα); "cry 'euai' in honor of Bacchos"

μουνογενής, - alone, single, mono (μουνο) + geniteer, creator, parent (γενής)
πολύτεκνε - many, multi, poli (πολύ) + children, offspring (τεκνε)
θεά, - Goddess
πολυπότνια - many, multi, poli- (πολυ) + Potnia, Queen, (πότνια)
θνητοῖς, - of mortals

ἧς - here together
πολλαὶ - many, multi, poli
μορφαί, - shaped
πολυάνθεμοι, - many, multi, poli (πολυ) + flowers (άνθεμοι)
ἱεροθαλεῖς. - holy (ἱερο) + blooms (θαλεῖς)

ἐλθέ, - come
μάκαιρ', - happy, blessed
ἁγνή, - pure
καρποῖς - fruit
βρίθουσα - heavy
θερείοις, - of summer, in summer

εἰρήνην - Peace, Eirene (Goddess of Peace)
κατάγουσα - bring in
καὶ - and 
εὐνομίην - Eunomia (Goddess of Good Order and Lawful Conduct)
ἐρατεινὴν - lovely

καὶ - and 
πλοῦτον - Plouton (God of Wealth)
πολύολβον, - many, multi, poli (πολύ) + wealth, prosperity (ολβον)
ὁμοῦ - together, at once
δ' - of, from
ὑγίειαν - Hygeia (Goddess of Health)
ἄνασσαν. - queen, lady


 
 

This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Persephone with the aid of the Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon.


This hymn is one of the few unaccompanied by incense.


Likely, the Goddess Persephone was joined on stage by the other deities named throughout the hymn. 


Light and emerging greenery and blossoms may have enhanced the spectacle.




29. Ὕμνος - Hymn of
Περσεφόνης. - Persephone (Goddess of Afterlife and Springtime Rebirth)
Περσεφόνη, - Persephone
θύγατερ - daughter
μεγάλου - mega, great
Διός, - of Dio/Demeter
ἐλθέ, - come
μάκαιρα, - happy, blessed

μουνογένεια - one (μουνο) + born (γένεια) = only child, unique, only member of a kin or kind
θεά, - Goddess
κεχαρισμένα - core essence (κε) + kind, gracious, charitable (χαρισ) + strong, mighty (μένα)
δ' - of
ἱερὰ - holy
δέξαι, - right hand, on the right, greet with the right hand, welcome, receive

Πλούτωνος - Plouton/Pluto's (God of Wealth and Afterlife) 
πολύτιμε - many, multi, poli- (πολύ) + revered, honored, held in honor (τιμε)
δάμαρ, - wife, spouse, dame; conquerer, tamer, subduer
κεδνή, - cared for, cherished, dear, trusted, true
βιοδῶτι, - life (βιο) + giver (δῶτι)

ἣ - hereκατέχεις - pure, completely (κατ) + hold fast, embrace, possess (έχεις)
Ἀίδαο - the afterlife, the netherworld
πύλας - entrance, gates
ὑπὸ - under, below
κεύθεα - depths, innermost; cover, hide, conceal, secret
γαίης, - Gaia, Earth 

Πραξιδίκη, - Praxidike (Goddess who exacts Justice) 
ἐρατοπλόκαμε, - lovely, beloved, loving (ἐρατο) + plaited, braided, woven, twined, twisted, lock of hair, braid of hair, braided wicker/basket, wicker fan for winnowing (πλόκαμε)
Δηοῦς - Demeter's (Goddess of Agriculture and Law and Democracy)
θάλος - child
ἁγνόν, - pure 

Εὐμενίδων - Eumenides (the Gracious Goddesses, a euphemism for the Erynes, the Avenging Goddesses who avenge crimes against the natural order)
γενέτειρα, - genetera, parent, creator, 
ὑποχθονίων - beneath (ὑπο) + the earth/foundation (χθονίων)
βασίλεια, - Queendom, Basilea, dominion

ἣν - here prevailing
Ζεὺς - Zeus' (God of Lightning/Rain/Fertilizing Element)
ἀρρήτοισι - arising outflow (ἀρ) + spoken of, orated, spoken of, famous, declared, covenanted, specified (ρήτοισι) -or- unmentionable, that cannot be spoken, whom none may name, unutterable; unacknowledged? shameful?  
γοναῖς - parent; offspring
τεκνώσατο - engender, procreate, born, created
κούρην, - daughter (well, they're obviously talking about it, so it must not be "unspoken" or "unspeakable")

μῆτερ - mother
ἐριβρεμέτου - very, loud (ἐρι) + thunder, roar, sound, clamour (βρεμέτου) 
πολυμόρφου - many, multi, poli (πολυ) + shaped, formed (μόρφου)
Εὐβουλῆος, - Good (Εὐ) + Counsel, Advice, Will, Determination, Senator (βουλῆος)

Ὡρῶν - the Hour/Season/Time
συμπαίκτειρα, - together (συμ) +playful (παίκτειρα)
φαεσφόρε, + light, shining (φαεσ) + bringing, bearing (φόρε): phosphorescent, bring light, illumination
ἀγλαόμορφε, - glorious, beautiful, splendid (ἀγλαό) + shape, form (μορφε)

σεμνή, - solemn, dignified; revered, august, holy
παντοκράτειρα, - all (παντο) + ruler, mighty, strong, powerful (κράτειρα)
κόρη - daughter, Kore
καρποῖσι - fruit
βρύουσα, - full to bursting, teem, swell, abound, burst forth with

εὐφεγγής, - essence pure (εὐ) + shine, light, torch, moonlight (φεγγής)  = "bright, brilliant"
κερόεσσα, - horned (probably reference to crescent moon)
μόνη - alone, one, mono
θνητοῖσι - of mortals, mortal
ποθεινή, - longed for, desired, missed, full of longing

ἐαρινή, - spring-time
λειμωνιάσιν - meadow-dwelling
χαίρουσα - joyful, glad, rejoicing
πνοῆισιν, - wind, blow, pno-, breath, exhalation

ἱερὸν - holy
ἐκφαίνουσα - emerging (ἐκ) +  light, apparent to sight, cause to appear (φαίνουσα) 
δέμας - bodily frame, living body, form
βλαστοῖς - bud, embryo, germ, shoot (the first part of a plant to appear above the ground as it develops from a seed); offspring
χλοοκάρποις, - producing (green) fruits = green, light green color ( basis for word "chlorophyl") (χλοο) + fruit (κάρποις)

ἁρπαγιμαῖα - snatched, grabbed, carried off (ἁρπα) + generative divine-power (γι) + midwife, one who brings forth birth (μαῖα) 
λέχη - bed, woman in childbed or one who has just given birth
μετοπωρινὰ - meta (μετ) + of fruit, fruit, of late summer (οπωρινὰ)
νυμφευθεῖσα, - nymph, Prevailing Goddess

ζωὴ - Zoe, life
καὶ - and
θάνατος - death 
μούνη - alone
θνητοῖς - mortal
πολυμόχθοις, - many, multi, poli (πολυ) + toil, hardship, distress (μόχθοις)

Φερσεφόνεια· - Phersephoneia (another name for Persephone) = bear, carry, convey (Φερ) + awe, worship, honor (σεφόνεια) 
φέρβεις - bear, carry, convey (φέρ) + (life) βεις = life-bringing
γὰρ - for, because, since, as
ἀεὶ - eternal
καὶ - and
πάντα - all
φονεύεις. - slayer

κλῦθι, - hear, learn, know, listen, perceive
μάκαιρα -happy, blest
θεά, -Goddess
καρποὺς -of fruit
δ' - of
ἀνάπεμπ' - send up, send up from oneself = arising (ἀνά) + send (πεμπ') 
ἀπὸ - from
γαίης - Gaia, Earth 

εἰρήνηι - Eirene, Goddess of Peace 
θάλλουσα - grow, bloom, thrive, sprout
καὶ - and
ἠπιοχείρωι - soothing hand = gentle, kind, soothing (ἠπιο) + hand (χείρω)
ὑγείαι - Hygeia, Goddess of Health 

καὶ - and
βίωι - life
εὐόλβωι - essence pure (εὐ) + whole life, wealth, prosperity (όλβωι) 
λιπαρὸν - fat, rich, fruitful
γῆρας - old age (basis of "geriatric")
κατάγοντι - pure (κατά) + child, offspring, procreation, produce (γοντι)

πρὸς - before
σὸν - together
χῶρον, - definite space, piece of ground, place, land, country
ἄνασσα, - queen, lady
καὶ - and
εὐδύνατον - essence pure (εὐ) + strong, mighty, able, dynamic (δύνατον)
Πλούτωνα. - Plouton, Pluto

This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Poseidon with the aid of the Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon. 


This hymn may provide some comic relief, talking about Poseidon crashing into earth with salty fluid, making earth shake (w/ orgasm?) and swell with pregnancy. The meaning is not clear-cut at first glance, however.

It sounds as though Poseidon is to depicted as blue-haired, on a horse, and holding a bronze/copper trident in his hand, residing in the depths of the sea, broad-chested, accompanied by booming, crashing sounds.

17. Ποσειδῶνος, - Poseidon
θυμίαμα - incense
σμύρναν. - of Smyrna (in Ionia/west coast of Turkey), myrrh

Κλῦθι, - call
Ποσειδάον -Poseidon 
γαιήοχε,- Gaia's (Earth's) ox 
κυανοχαῖτα, - dark-blue maned

ἵππιε, - horse; on a horse?
χαλκοτόρευτον - bronze, copper (χαλκο) + wrought, formed, chiseled, shaped, embossed work, metal-work (τόρευτον)
ἔχων - keep, hold fast, hold
χείρεσσι - the hand, by hand
τρίαιναν, - trident, three-pronged fish-spear: three (τρί) + praise, approve -or- terrible, horrible -or- tale, story -or- sift, winnow (αιναν) (blue haired, on  a horse, and holding a bronze trident in his hand?)

ὃς - entity
ναίεις - lie, be situated, dwell, abide
πόντοιο - sea, open sea
βαθυστέρνοιο - deep (βαθυ) + sternumed, chested, bosomed (στέρνοιο)
θέμεθλα, - foundation

ποντομέδων, - sea, open sea (ποντο) + lord, ruler, protector, provider, guardian (μέδων)
ἁλίδουπε, - sea (ἁλί) + any dead, heavy sound; thud; din of battle, sound heavy, strike heavily (δουπε) (probably instructions for spec. FX or orchestra) = sea-roaring?
βαρύκτυπε, - heavy, deep, loud (βαρύ) + crash, bang, din, rattle, sound, noise (rarely of musical sound) (κτυπε)
ἐννοσίγαιε, - nest within -or- shake/quake -or- thoughtful, shrewd, sensible (ἐννοσί) + Earth (γαιε)  -or- within (ἐν)  nauseous (νοσί) earth (γαιε) (perhaps a joke about morning sickness?)

κυμοθαλής, - anything swollen (as if pregnant), wave, bowl, cup, to swell, be pregnant (κυμο) + festive, abundance, good cheer (θαλής) 
χαριτῶπα, - charites, charming, gracious, source of joy/delight -or- thank-offering, spell for winning favor
τετράορον - four, tetra (τετρά) + horizon, boundary, landmark -or- watery part of milk, seminal fluid (ορον)
ἅρμα - chariot, war-chariot, armament -or- sustenance, allotted food -or- union, love, sex?, Pythagorean name for unity
διώκων, - prosecute, prosecutor -or- drive, drive on, pursue, chase

εἰναλίοις - nine, perhaps in? (εἰν) + sea (αλίοις) -or- level, smooth (λεῖος) = "in, on, of the sea?"
ῥοίζοισι - whistling or whizzing of an arrow, whistling or piping sound as of a shepherd, rushing motion, rush, swing, rushing noise, whirring noise
τινάσσων - shake or brandish a weapon, shake, quiver, quake
ἁλμυρὸν - salty, briny
ὕδωρ, - water, hydor 

ὃς - entity
τριτάτης - tri- three (τρι) + peacock stone? (τάτης) = in the third place
ἔλαχες - small, short, little, short, fewest, least in rank
μοίρης - fate, piece, portion, lot (perhaps Zeus=Heaven (1), Pluto=Earth (2), Poseidon=Sea (3))
βαθὺ - deep
χεῦμα - stream, that which is poured
θαλάσσης, - sea, sea-water, salt water

κύμασι - pregnant woman
τερπόμενος - delight, gladden, cheer, enjoy (τερπό) + strong, mighty (μενος) 
θηρσίν - beast, beast of prey, hunting of wild beasts, the chase, hunt
θ' - divine
ἅμα, - at once, at the same time; together, at once, both; at one and the same time -or- water bucket, pail, spade
πότνιε - Potnia = Demeter and Kore; title of honor, queen, revered, august
δαῖμον· - spirit

ἕδρανα - seat, abode, dwelling, chair; stay, support; place in position
γῆς - Earth
σῴζοις - save from death, keep alive; to be healed, recover from sickness; keep save, preserve; keep, observe, maintain laws
καὶ - and
νηῶν - ship, nautical
εὔδρομον - essence pure (εὔ) + course (δρομον)
ὁρμήν, - rapid motion forward, onrush, onset, assault; rage; impulse, effort; setting oneself in motion, start, the point of starting

εἰρήνην, - Eirene (Goddess of Peace)
ὑγίειαν - Hygeia (Goddess of Health)
ἄγων, - action at law, trial; speech delivered in court; main argument of a speech; divinity of the contest; contest, struggle for victory; trial; gathering, assembly, place of contests; assembly at the national (Greek) games
ἠδ' - hedon, enjoyment, pleasure
ὄλβον - whole life, happiness, bliss
ἀμεμφῆ. - above reproach

This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to the Stars/Astron with the aid of the Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon.


This Hymn would have to be performed at night in order to illuminate a rotating, glittering sphere of the galaxy, possibly with the Goddess Night (wearing a long black robe) at its center, with the addition of seven zones of planetary light, perhaps accompanied by a high-pitched, clear toned orchestral arrangement. 


7. Ἄστρων, - Astron/Stars
θυμίαμα - incense
ἀρώματα. - aromatic, spices

Ἄστρων - Stars, Astron
οὐρανίων - heavenly
ἱερὸν - holy 
σέλας - shining, light, bright, flame
ἐκπροκαλοῦμαι - out of-, emerge, ek- (ἐκ) + before, pro (προ) + call, invoke, summon (καλ) + most certainly (οῦμαι) (probably stage directions for stars to appear immediately, perhaps as a galaxy strobe) 

εὐιέροις - essence pure + holy (ιέροις)
φωναῖσι - sound, phonic, tone
κικλήσκων - call, summon, invoke, implore, call by name + or screech-owl?
δαίμονας - spirit
ἁγ(ν)ούς. - pure (perhaps orchestra instructions: accompanied by a pure tone)

Ἀστέρες - stars, starry
οὐράνιοι, - heavens, sky
Νυκτὸς - Nightφίλα - love, fond
τέκνα - offspring, creation
μελαίνης, - black, dark

ἐγκυκλίοις - egg, essence generative (ἐγ) + circular, round, revolving (κυκλίοις)
δίναισι - whirl, rotate, spin round
περιθρόνια - peri-, around (περι) + throne (θρόνια)
κυκλέοντες. - go in a circle, whirl round, revolve (probably stage directions for starry display to commence rotating)

ἀνταυγεῖς, - reflecting (ἀντ) + light (αυγεῖς), sparkling, gleam, glitter
πυρόεντες, - fire, pyre 
ἀεὶ - eternal
γενετῆρες - geneteer, creator, parent
ἁπάντων, - approach, meet, encounter - or - everywhere, all round about

μοιρίδιοι, - fate, lot, portion, destiny, division; degrees
πάσης - all
μοίρης - fate, lot, portion
σημάντορες - informer, guide, one who gives a signal, who gives a command
ὄντες, - entity (reference to the stars as directing paths/destinies)

θνητῶν - mortal
ἀνθρώπων - humans, athropons
θείαν - divine
διέποντες - manage, conduct, traverse (διέπ) + entity (οντες)
ἀταρπόν, - path, shortcut, stretch  (the stars as a shortcut to divine intent)

ἑπταφαεῖς - seven, epta (ἑπτα) + φαεῖς (shining)
ζώνας - zones
ἐφορώμενοι, - watch over, look upon, behold, oversee, observe, ephor (ἐφορ)
ἠερόπλαγκτοι, - in air (ἠερό) + wandering, roaming (πλαγκτοι) (referring to the seven planets' seemingly wandering paths)

οὐράνιοι - heavenly
χθόνιοί - earthly
τε, - then too
πυρίδρομοι, - fiery (πυρί) + path, course, running (δρομοι)
αἰὲν - eternal
ἀτειρεῖς, - indestructible - or- arising sign, wonder, marvel, portent

αὐγάζοντες - light, illuminated (αὐγά) + zone (ζοντες) = view in the clearest light, see distinctly (echoes mention of "zone" above)
ἀεὶ - eternal
νυκτὸς - night
ζοφοειδέα - dark, darkness, nether darkness, the dark quarter/the West
πέπλον, - robed, peplos

μαρμαρυγαῖς - flash, sparkle, gleam, any darting/quivering light (like marble)
στίλβοντες, - glitter, gleam, flash, shine, be bright
ἐύφρονες - cheerful, merry; kindly, gracious: essence pure + understanding, prudent, wise, comprehend, know full well, be sensible; mind, spirit, thought, purpose will (φρονες)
ἐννύχιοί - in (ἐν) + night (νύχιοί); within the night 
τε - too then

ἔλθετ' essence loosen/liberate (ἔλ) + place, establish (θετ') 
ἐπ' - upon, epi-
εὐιέρου - essence pure (εὐ) + holy (ιέρου) 
τελετῆς - complete, perfect, bring to resolution, initiation into the mysteries
πολυΐστορας - many,very, poli-  (πολυ) + history, learning, knowledge (ΐστορας) 
ἄθλους - having gone through many struggles, having contended/competed, to be an athlete/contender/competitor (perhaps a reference to the stars as a place of rest for holy ones who have completed great struggles)

ἐσθλὸν - good, brave, stout; good, faithful; fortunate; well-bred
ἐπ' - upon, epi
εὐδόξοις - of good repute, honored, with distinction; essence pure (εὐ) + opinion, judgment; think, imagine, expectation; hold in honor (δόξοις) 
ἔργοις - work, works
δρόμον - course
ἐκτελέοντες - bring to an end, accomplish, achieve; bring forth (ἐκ) + completion (τελέοντες) (perhaps: look well upon our life's work at its completion)

This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Selene, Goddess of the Moon, with the aid of the Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon. The Moon is the most prominent celestial body in the night sky, while Helios, the God of the Sun, is most prominent in the daylight hours. 


After all the excitement of Helios racing around in a four-horse chariot, this hymn takes a quieter, more serene tone. May have been accompanied by a large circle lit up with the light beginning as a crescent, waxing to full, and then waning, perhaps illuminating a torch-bearing Goddess with long, flowing robes, perhaps wandering a bit about the stage. Suppliants may have been invited to follow this Goddess at the completion of the hymn.

The words "calendar" and "month" are derived from words for the moon: calends and moon.

Interesting tidbit: Celery takes its name from Selene, because when chopped crosswise it takes the crescent shape of the moon.

9. Εἰς - enter
Σελήνην, - Selene
θυμίαμα - incense
ἀρώματα. - aromatic, spices, perfumes

Κλῦθι, - call
θεὰ - Goddess
βασίλεια, - Queen
φαεσφόρε, - light (φαεσ) + bearing/bringing (φόρε)
Σελήνη, - Selene

ταυρόκερως - bull (ταυρό) + horned (κερως)Μήνη - Moon
νυκτιδρόμε, - night (νυκτι) + coursing, running (δρόμε)
ἠεροφοῖτι, - air (ἠερο) + wandering, roaming, repeated going and coming, wanderer, roamer (φοῖτι)

ἐννυχία, - in night
δαιδοῦχε, - fire-brand, pine-torch (δαι) + holder (δοῦχε) = torch-bearer
κόρη,- girl, daughter, Persephone/Kore
εὐάστερε, - essence pure + of the stars, starry, astronomy (άστερε)
Μήνη, - Moon

αὐξομένη - increasing/growing (αὐξο) + in strength/force/might (μένη)
καὶ - and
λειπομένη, - leaving, departing (λειπο) + in strength/might/force (μένη)  
θῆλύς - female
τε - then too
καὶ - and
ἄρσην, - and male

αὐγάστειρα, - light, rising light (αὐγά) + among the stars, astral (άστειρα)
φίλιππε, - loving (φίλ) + horses (ιππε)
χρόνου - time, chronos
μῆτερ, - mother (the moon serves as the "calend"ar, and measures the "mon"th)
φερέκαρπε, - bearing/bringing fruit

ἠλεκτρίς, - electric, amber (a magnetically-charged fossil)
βαρύθυμε, - heavy, weighty; strong, deep (βαρύ) + soul, spirit (θυμε)
καταυγάστειρα, - pure (κατ) +  light, rising light (αὐγ) + among the stars, astral (άστειρα)
νυχία, - of night

πανδερκής, - pan- all- (παν) + seeing; seen clearly, clear-sighted (δερκής)
φιλάγρυπνε, - lover of, fond of (φιλά) + sleepless nights, sleeplessness, lying awake (άγρυπνε)
καλοῖς - beautiful
ἄστροισι - among the stars, astral
βρύουσα, - full, bursting, full, full to bursting 

ἡσυχίηι - silent, quiet, still, at peace, at rest; in solitude, sequestered
χαίρουσα - glad, joyful, rejoicing, delight
καὶ - and
εὐφρόνηι - essence pure + mind, spirit, thought, will; purpose, intention, sense, judgment, practical wisdom, in one's right mind, prudent (φρόνηι) = with kind/prudent mind
ὀλβιομοίρωι, - whole (ὀλ) + life (βιο) + fate, lot, destiny, portion (μοίρωι) = happy, blest fate

λαμπετίη, - lamp, torch, light (epithet of Selene)
χαριδῶτι, - joy, delight, grace, beauty (χαρι) + giver (δῶτι)
τελεσφόρε, - telesphore = fulfillment, perfection (τελε) + bring, bear, carry (φόρε)
νυκτὸς - night
ἄγαλμα, - glory, delight, honor, pleasing gift; statue, portrait, picture, ornament, image

ἀστράρχη, - astral foundation, queen of the stars = astral/stars (ἀστρ) + foundation, from the beginning (άρχη)
τανύπεπλ', - flowing, long, outstretching (τανύ) + robe, peplos (πεπλ)
ἑλικοδρόμε, - winding, meandering, twisting (ἑλικο) + course (δρόμε)
πάνσοφε - all- pan- (πάν) wise, soph- (σοφε) 
κούρη, - daughter

ἐλθέ, - Goddess who brings children to birth, Eleithyia, Goddess of childbirth
μάκαιρ', - happy, blessed
εὔφρων, - cheerful, merry, kindly, gracious, of sound mind, reasonable; essence pure + mind, spirit, thought, will; purpose, intention, sense, judgment, practical wisdom, in one's right mind, prudent (φρόνηι) = with kind/prudent mind
εὐάστερε, - essence pure + astral, starry (άστερε)
φέγγεϊ - light, splendor, lustre, moonlight, make bright
τρισσῶι - three-fold (probably waning, full, waxing)

λαμπομένη, - lamp + mighty/strong (μένη)
σῴζουσα - savior, keep or preserve, save, keep
νέους - new, 
ἱκέτας - suppliant, one who comes to seek aid or purification
σέο - together with, in sync with
κούρη. - the daughter/Kore/Persephone

This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Helios (God of the Sun) with the aid of the Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon.

Helios is the most prominent celestial body in the heavens (Ouranos).



May have been accompanied by simulations of the sun rising and setting and illustrated by a four-horse race chariot driven by a smooth-faced charioteer at high speed (perhaps up the center aisle?) with appropriate musical accompaniment.
 
8. Εἰς 
Ἥλιον, - Helios (God of the Sun)
θυμίαμα - incense
λιβανομάνναν. - frankincense (λιβανο) + porous, loose in texture (μάνναν)


Κλῦθι - call
μάκαρ, - happy, blessed
πανδερκὲς - all-seeing, seen by all; path/trajectory unobstructed
ἔχων - possess, have, hold, hold fast
αἰώνιον - perpetual, eternal
ὄμμα, - eye, sight

Τιτὰν - Titan 
χρυσαυγής, - gold (χρυσ) + arising/bright light/morning light (αυγής)
Ὑπερίων, - Hyperion's (Titan Father of Helios/the Sun, Dawn, and Moon)
οὐράνιον - heavenly/ouranion
φῶς, - light

αὐτοφυής, - auto- (αὐτο-) alone, independently, self + original form, stature, nature (φυής) = self-grown, self-existent; αὐτοφυής is opposite of σκευαστός (prepared by art, artificial)
ἀκάμας, - arising arch, curve, angle, bend (like a camel's hump)
ζώιων - life's, spark of life's
ἡδεῖα - sweet, pleasant; idol; center, central
πρόσοψι, - appearance, face; before-, pro- (πρό-) + evening (οψι) -or- aspect, appearance, countenance, face; act of seeing (οψι)

δεξιὲ - on the right side, on the north (or east?) side, side of fortunate omens; receiving, reception
μὲν - might, force
γενέτωρ - creator, genetor, birth-giver
ἠοῦς, - dawn, morning, east, Eos (Goddess of Morning)
εὐώνυμε - on the left, southerly (or westerly?), side of ill-fated omens
νυκτός, - Night, Goddess of Night

κρᾶσιν - mixing, blending, combination; temperature, temperament
ἔχων - possess, have, hold, hold fast
ὡρῶν, - hourly, seasonal, as regulated by the Horai (Goddesses of Time/Seasons)
τετραβάμοσι - four (τετρα) + altars, bases (βάμοσι) 
ποσσὶ - husband, spouse; drink, beverage; how many? quantity of 
χορεύων, - circling motion, choral dance (probably stage directions for choral dancers to dance in a circle around each of four altars on which actresses representing the four seasons stand)

εὔδρομε, - fleet, swift; essence pure + course, running (race) course, swift, running (δρομε)
ῥοιζήτωρ, - move with rushing sound, whistling or whizzing of an arrow, rushing motion, rush/whir through the air (could be stage directions)
πυρόεις, - fiery
φαιδρωπέ, - bright, cheery; light/appearance (φαι) + smooth, hairless (δρωπέ) (could be casting directions for person who plays Helios to drive chariot)
διφρευτά, - charioteer, chariot-driver

ῥόμβου - whirling, bull-roarer (whirled instrument)
ἀπειρεσίου - immense, countless, times without number; piercing?
δινεύμασιν - whirling motion
οἶμον - way, road, path
ἐλαύνων, - ride, drive, go in a chariot

εὐσεβέσιν - holy, sacred, venerable; pious, religious, righteous
καθοδηγὲ - guide
καλῶν, - fair, beautiful; rope, line; shafts
ζαμενὴς - very strong, mighty, raging
ἀσεβοῦσιν, - arising + feel awe or fear before, revere, worship, honor

χρησολύρη, - declare, proclaim an "oracle" (χρησο) + lyre/lyrical (λύρη)
κόσμου - cosmos, orderly
τὸν - then
ἐναρμόνιον - in (ἐν) harmony (αρμόνιον), harmonious
δρόμον - course, colonnade, orchestra: any quick movement, foot-race, rapid
ἕλκων, - drag, trail after (could be musical directions to the orchestra to begin harmoniously, quicken pace, and trail/fade)

ἔργων - work, do work
σημάντωρ - one who gives a signal, leader, commander
ἀγαθῶν, - good, benevolent, kind
ὡροτρόφε - bringing up the hour, nourishing/sustaining the hour
κοῦρε, - youth; young man or woman

κοσμοκράτωρ, - cosmo- (κοσμο-) + ruler (κράτωρ)
συρικτά, - from Syria? (Syria is in the east) ; play the Pan-pipe, play the aulos in its top register
πυρίδρομε, - fiery course
κυκλοέλικτε, - circular

φωσφόρε, - bear light, bring light,phosphorescent
αἰολόδικτε, - changeful, variegated (αἰολό) + fishing net; dictator (δικτε)
φερέσβιε, - bearing (φερέσ) + life (βιε), giving life
κάρπιμε - fruit-bearing, fruitful
Παιάν, - savior, deliverer; physician, healer; paean, song of triumph

ἀιθαλής, - evergreen, ever-blooming; burning, blazing, of the ether; eternally cheerful
ἀμίαντε, - arising above stain/pollution
χρόνου - time
πάτερ, - father 
ἀθάνατε - immortal
Ζεῦ, - Zeus (God of Lightning/Spark/Fertilizing Element)

εὔδιε, - easy, easily
πασιφαής, - seen by all, appearing to all; all-illuminating
κόσμου - cosmos
τὸ - then too
περίδρομον - all around + course, running (race) course, swift, running (δρομε)
ὄμμα,  - eye, sight

σβεννύμενε - go down, disappear, quench, put out
λάμπων - lamp
τε - then
καλαῖς - call
ἀκτῖσι - noonday, day; ray, beam
φαειναῖς, - bright as day, splendid, brilliant, shine, give light (these could be stage directions to simulate a sunset and sunrise to noon splendor)

δεῖκτα - exhibit, stage or room for spectacle (in the mysteries), able to show, demonstrate, capable of proof, one must show, prove
δικαιοσύνης, - righteousness, justice
φιλονάματε, - loving of, kind to + flowing/running water, spring; anything flowing
δέσποτα - despot, ruler
κόσμου, - cosmos

πιστοφύλαξ, - trust/trustworthy/true (πιστο)  + watcher, guard, sentinel (φύλαξ)
αἰεὶ - eternal
πανυπέρτατε, - pan-, all- (πανυ) + all around stretching
πᾶσιν - all
ἀρωγέ, - help, aid, succour

ὄμμα - eye, sight
δικαιοσύνης, -  righteousness, justice (echoes previous mention)
ζωῆς - life
φῶς· - light, illuminate
ὦ - brings forth
ἐλάσιππε, - riding/driving + horse

μάστιγι - whip, scourge, masticate (grind)
λιγυρῆι - clear, shrill, clear-toned 
τετράορον - four yoked together, four-horsed chariot
ἅρμα - chariot, war-chariot, racing chariot
διώκων, - drive, cause to run, set in quick motion (stage directions for a four-horsed, fast chariot, perhaps even bounding up the middle aisle of the theater?)

κλῦθι - call
λόγων, - with words, in speech
ἡδὺν - pleasant, sweet
δὲ - of
βίον - life
μύστηισι - mystery
πρόφαινε. - before (πρό) +  illuminate (φαινε)

This is a first pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Ouranos (God of Heaven), the first offspring of Earth at the beginning of time, according to Hesiod's Theogony (II. 116-138): "And Earth first bare starry Heaven, equal to herself, to cover her on every side, and to be an ever-sure abiding-place for the blessed [G]ods [and Goddesses]."


In this hymn Ouranos is described as circular, like the first letter in the word "Ouranos." Ouranos encircles the earth, in much the same way the letter theta (divine) features a circle around a plane (Θ).




Ouranos is described as both permanent and ever-changing.





This hymn was likely accompanied by a strobe of starry lights. 


4. Οὐρανοῦ, - Ouranos (God of Heavens) 
θυμίαμα - incense
λίβανον. - frankincense

Οὐρανὲ - Ouranos
παγγενέτωρ, -all-, pag- (παγ-) + creator, parent, genitor  (γενέτωρ)
κόσμου- of the cosmos
μέρος - share, portion, allotment, lot, destiny
αἰὲν - eternal, ever, always
ἀτειρές, - wonder, marvel, sign, portent

πρεσβυγένεθλ', - elder, eldest (πρεσβυ-) + born, offspring, descendant, parturition (γένεθλ) = ancient, primeval, first-born
ἀρχὴ - from the beginning, from the first
πάντων - all
πάντων - all 
τε - to the, til the, then too
τελευτή, - completion, fulfillment

κόσμε - cosmos
πατήρ, - father
σφαιρηδὸν - spherical, like a globe
ἑλισσόμενος - whirling, eddying (ἑλισσό) + might, force (μενος)
περὶ - peri, all around, surrounding
γαῖαν, - Gaia (Goddess of Generative Earth) (this could be stage directions for a circulating astrosphere)

οἶκε - home, dwelling
θεῶν - divine(ly)
μακάρων, - happily, blessedly
ῥόμβου - whirling motion; like a bull-roarer (whirled instrument)
δίνῃσιν - whirling motion, rotation
ὁδεύων, - go, travel, odyssey

οὐράνιος - Ouranios, heavenly
χθόνιός - chthonios, earthly
τε - then too
φύλαξ - watching, guarding
πάντων - all
περιβληθείς, - peri- all around- (περι-) + thrown, hurled (βλη) + divine(ly)  (θείς)

ἐν - in
στέρνοισιν - sternum, breast, chest
ἔχων - hold, hold fast, possess, have
φύσεως - nature, Phusis; origin, birth, nature as an originating power
ἄτλητον - arising patiently, steadfast
ἀνάγκην, - necessity, laws of nature, as required, by force of nature

κυανόχρως, - dark-blue (κυαν) + foundation, firm (όχρως)
ἀδάμαστε, - adamantine, adamant, unyielding, unconquerable;  arising above + (tame, subdue, conquer=δάμαστε)
παναίολε, - pan-, all- (παν-) + moving, restless, changeful; glittering (αίολε) 
αἰολόμορφε, -  moving, restless, changeful; glittering (αἰολό) + changing appearance, morph (μορφε)   (This line says foundation unchangeable yet ever-changing in appearance.)

πανδερκές, - pan- all- (παν-) + flash, gleam, see clearly (δερκές) = all-seeing, seen by all, 
Κρονότεκνε, - Kronos' (Κρονό) + creator/father (τεκνε)
μάκαρ, - happy, blessed
πανυπέρτατε - pan- all- (παν-) + uppermost, highest (υπέρτατε) = highest of all, supreme
δαῖμον, - spirit

κλῦθ' - call
ἐπάγων - bring on, attract, allure
ζωὴν - life, existence, giving life
ὁσίαν - hallowed, divinely sanction
μύστηι - mystery, secret sign, mystical discourse, initiation
νεοφάντηι. - neo- new- (νεο-) + appearing, made visible, bring to light (φάντηι)

This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Gaia (Goddess of Generative Earth). This hymn was likely accompanied by a panoply of beautiful fruits and flowers, perfumes, and lovely Goddesses to convey the bounty of earth's blessings.


26. Γῆς, - Ge (Goddess of Earth)
θυμίαμα - incense
πᾶν - all
σπέρμα - seeds (sperma)
πλὴν - plentiful
κυάμων - beans
καὶ - and 
ἀρωμάτων. - aromatics, spices

Γαῖα - Gaia
θεά, - Goddess
μῆτερ - Mother
μακάρων - blessed, happy
θνητῶν - of mortal
τ' 
ἀνθρώπων, -anthropos, humans

πάντροφε, - pan- all- (πάν) + nourishing, sustaining, nurturing; nurturer of all
πανδώτειρα, - pan- all- (πάν) + giving, providing; giver of all
τελεσφόρε, - bringing fruit/offspring to perfection; fulfilling; bringing to fulfillment
παντολέτειρα, - panto- all- (παντο) + releasing (λέ) + marvels, signs, portents, wonder (τειρα)

αὐξιθαλής, - increasing, promoting, bringing up, growing (αὐξι-) + blooms, growth, buds; festivity, merriment (θαλής) (could be stage directions for flowers to appear)
φερέκαρπε, - bringing, bearing, producing (φερέ) + fruit (καρπε) (could be stage directions for fruit to appear)
καλαῖς - cornstalks, reeds; beauty; call, call by name (could be stage directions for cornstalks to appear)
ὥραισι - the seasons, Horai (could be stage directions for Horai to appear)
βρύουσα, - swelling, teeming, grow luxuriantly, full to bursting

ἕδρανον - seat, abode, dwelling
ἀθανάτου - everlasting, perpetual, immortal, divine
κόσμου, - kosmos, order
πολυποίκιλε - poli-, many- (πολυ-) + various colored, diverse (ποίκιλε)
κούρη, - offspring, children

ἣ - center, here, central, shared center
λοχίαις - childbirth, parturition
ὠδῖσι - pains of childbirth, travail, anguish (could be stage directions for pregnant women to appear)
κύεις - pregnancy's
καρπὸν - fruit
πολυειδῆ, - poli- many- (πολυ-) + kinds, forms, structures, figures, shapes

ἀιδία, - eternal
πολύσεπτε, - poli- many- (πολύ) + august, reverent, (synchronized seven?)
βαθύστερν', - deep (βαθύ-) + sternum, chest, bosom, heart, breast (στερν) 
ὀλβιόμοιρε, - whole life, happy, blest (ὀλβιό) + fate, destiny, lot, portion (μοιρε)

ἡδυπνόοις - sweet (ἡδυ) + breath, smell, fragrance (πνόοις) (could be stage directions for perfume)
χαίρουσα - glad, joyful, pleasure, rejoicing (could be stage directions for the Charites/Graces to appear)
χλόαις - first green shoots of plants in spring, foliage, vegetation, herbs, greens, green sprouts, buds (could be stage direction for greenery)
πολυάνθεσι - poli- many- (πολυ) + blooms, flowers (άνθεσι) (could be stage directions for flowers)
δαῖμον, - spirit, prevailing spirit/deity

ὀμβροχαρής, - rain- (ὀμβρο-) + rejoice, be glad, take pleasure in (χαρής) = rejoicing in rain
περὶ - peri-, all around
ἣν - here (could be stage directions for rain)
κόσμος - kosmos
πολυδαίδαλος - poli- many- (πολυ-) + artist, skillfully wrought (δαίδαλος) = wrought with great artistry
ἄστρων - stars

εἱλεῖται - twining, winding, enwrapping, rolling
φύσει - nature, physics, origin; blow, puff, distend, swell
ἀενάωι - everlasting
καὶ - and 
ῥεύμασι - flowing, streaming
δεινοῖς. - marvelously strong, powerful, awe-inspiring, wondrous

ἀλλά, - but
μάκαιρα - happy, blessed
θεά, - Goddess
καρποὺς - of the fruits
αὔξοις - of the blooms, growth, buds; festivity, merriment
πολυγηθεῖς - poli- many- (πολυ-) + generative (γη) + deity (θεῖς), also rejoicing/cheerful/joyful/springtime (γηθεῖς)

εὐμενὲς - kind, gracious
ἦτορ - heart
ἔχουσα, - containing, circumscribing, holding, maintaining, having, holding
σὺν - in sync, together 
ὀλβίοισιν - whole life, happiness
ἐν - in 
ὥραις. - season, the right time, Horai

This is a first-pass attempt to translate the Orphic Hymn to Zeus of Lightning with the help of the Liddell-Scott Greek-English Lexicon. Many stage directions are given with regard to simulating lightning and thunder.


20. Διὸς - Dios, God
Ἀστραπαίου, - of lightning
θυμίαμα - incense
λιβανομάνναν. - frankincense (λιβανο) loose/porous (μάνναν)

Κικλήσκω - I call, summon, invite, implore
μέγαν, - mega, great 
ἁγνόν, - pure 
ἐρισμάραγον, mighty, angry, quarreling (ἐρισ-) + lashing (μάραγον)
περίφαντον, all around (περί) + bright light (φαντον) (stage directions for flashing lights all around)

ἀέριον, - aerial, high in the air
φλογόεντα, - flashing, flaming
πυρίδρομον, - fire (πυρί) + coursing (δρομον) 
ἀεροφεγγῆ, - air (ἀερο) + borne (φεγγῆ) (more stage directions) 

ἀστράπτοντα - lightning, flashing like lightning
σέλας - light, brightness, flame, flash of lightning, shining, light-bearing
νεφέων - in the clouds (nephele, nephos)
παταγοδρόμωι - clattering, crashing, rattling, rumbling (παταγο) + on its course (δρόμωι)
αὐδῆι, - audio, sound (more stage directions)

φρικώδη, - awe-inspiring, horrifying, shiver-inducing
βαρύμηνιν, - exceedingly wrathful, heavy, weighty
ἀνίκητον - arising above prevailing divine-power core center
θεὸν - God 
ἁγνόν, - pure

ἀστραπαῖον - lightning
Δία, - director, throughout, deity 
παγγενέτην, all (παγ-) + creator, birth-giver, generator (γενέτην) = father of all
βασιλῆα -  king
μέγιστον, - majestic

εὐμενέοντα - essence pure + might, force, strength, passion (μενέοντα) = be gracious, kindly, well-disposed, in goodwill
φέρειν - bear, convey, bring
γλυκερὴν - sweetness, (glucose), unfermented grape juice (perhaps a suggested libation to the audience)
βιότοιο - to life's, life-sustaining
τελευτήν. - completion, end