Translated by Catherine Proppe
January 24, 2015
47. Περικιονίου, θυμίαμα ἀρώματα[1]
To Surrounded by Pillars
Divine connection: aromatics
Κικλήσκω Βάκχον περικιόνιον, μεθυδώτην,
I call Bacchian[2] surrounded by pillars, intoxication giving,
Καδμείοισι δόμοις ὃς ἑλισσόμενος πέρι πάντη
Kadmean[3]-dwelling whirling power, surrounding all,
ἔστησε κρατερῶς βρασμοὺς γαίης ἀποπέμψας,
Standing mighty power; quaking Gaia[4] dispatch!
ἡνίκα πυρφόρος αὐγὴ ἐκίνησε χθόνα πᾶσαν
When fire-bearing Dawn[5] sets in motion all of earth
πρηστῆρος ῥοίζοις· ὃ δ' ἀνέδραμε δεσμὸς ἁπάντων.
And tornado’s roar, then arising drama binds all,
ἐλθέ, μάκαρ, βακχευτά, γεγηθυίαις πραπίδεσσιν.
Come, blessed Bacchian, with joy and understanding.
[1] This hymn is likely a dedication to the Bacchian hearth fire and a plea to keep all safe from natural calamities such as earthquakes and tornados.
[2] Bacchos is the immortal God of wine and its effects; also, the central altar fire of the temple is often dedicated to Bacchos/Dionysos.
[3] Kadmeia is the citadel of ancient Greek Thebes.
[4] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of generative earth.
[5] Auge is the immortal Goddess of dawn.
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