Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 18, 2015
55. Εἰς Ἀφροδίτην.
To Aphrodite[1]
Οὐρανία, πολύυμνε, φιλομμειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη,
Heavenly Lady of many songs, laughter-loving Aphrodite,
ποντογενής, γενέτειρα θεά, φιλοπάννυχε, σεμνή,
Sea-born[2] life-giving[3] Goddess who loves nightlong festivities[4] and solemn
νυκτερία ζεύκτειρα, δολοπλόκε μῆτερ Ἀνάγκης
Night’s joining[5] wonder, the alluring twining that gives birth to Necessity[6]
πάντα γὰρ ἐκ σέθεν ἐστίν, ὑπεζεύξω δέ <τε> κόσμον
for all. For out of your essence, under your cosmic yoke,
καὶ κρατέεις τρισσῶν μοιρῶν, γεννᾶις δὲ τὰ πάντα,
You rule the threefold Fates[7], originating from you all
ὅσσα τ' ἐν οὐρανῶι ἐστι καὶ ἐν γαίηι πολυκάρπωι
You gaze upon: Ouranos’[8] hearths[9], and Gaia’s[10] plentiful fruits,
ἐν πόντου τε βυθωι τε, σεμνὴ Βάκχοιο πάρεδρε,
And within Pontos’[11] depths, too. Revered Bacchian[12], the foundation of
τερπομένη θαλίαισι, γαμοστόλε μῆτερ Ἐρώτων,
Delightful, blooming festivities and bridal gowns, O mother of the Erotes’[13]
Πειθοῖ λεκτροχαρής, κρυφία, χαριδῶτι,
compelling[14] marriage-bed charms; concealed, giving grace,
φαινομένη, τ' ἀφανής, ἐρατοπλόκαμ', εὐπατέρεια,
Appearing in strength, and then, disappearing. Lovely-haired, noble Daughter[15],
νυμφιδία σύνδαιτι θεῶν, σκηπτοῦχε, λύκαινα[16],
Residing with Nymphs divine, scepter-bearer releasing anew
γεννοδότειρα, φίλανδρε, ποθεινοτάτη, βιοδῶτι,
the gift of generations, fond of men’s extensive desires, life-giving
ἡ ζεύξασα βροτοὺς ἀχαλινώτοισιν ἀνάγκαις
center of the yoke to mortals’ unbridled necessity
καὶ θηρῶν πολὺ φῦλον ἐρωτομανῶν ὑπὸ φίλτρων·
and of beasts’ of many species: Eros[17]-manic, under love’s spell.
ἔρχεο, Κυπρογενὲς θεῖον γένος, εἴτ' ἐν' Ὀλύμπωι
Come, Kypros-born[18] Lady Divine, either from Olympia’s
ἐσσί, θεὰ βασίλεια, καλῶι γήθουσα προσώπωι,
Hearth, Goddess Basileia[19], or from beautiful Ge’s[20] divine countenance,
εἴτε καὶ εὐλιβάνου Συρίης ἕδος ἀμφιπολεύεις,
Or from the sweet frankincense of Syria’s throne and surrounding cities,
εἴτε σύ γ' ἐν πεδίοισι σὺν ἅρμασι χρυσεοτεύκτοις
Or across fertile-plains’ driving your golden chariot,
Αἰγύπτου κατέχεις ἱερῆς γονιμώδεα λουτρά,
Or within Egypt’s foundational, holy, fertile waters[21],
ἢ καὶ κυκνείοισιν ὄχοις ἐπὶ πόντιον οἶδμα
Or yet upon swans[22] carried on Pontos’ swells.
ἐρχομένη χαίρεις κητῶν κυκλίαισι χορείαις,
Come by divine means, grace the sea-creatures' circling chorus,
ἢ νύμφαις τέρπηι κυανώπισιν ἐν χθονὶ δίηι
with Nymphs[23] delighting, cyan-blue, within earth’s two
θῖνας ἐπ' αἰγιαλοῖς ψαμμώδεσιν ἅλματι κούφωι·
shores and upon shores’ sandy, salty reprieve.
εἴτ’ ἐν Κύπρωι, ἄνασσα, τροφῶι σέο, ἔνθα καλαί σε
Then on Kypros, Anassa[24], nurture thou there the beautiful,
παρθένοι ἄδμηται νύμφαι τ' ἀνὰ πάντ’ ἐνιαυτὸν
maiden, untamed Nymphs, too, give rise to all, annually
ὑμνοῦσιν, σέ, μάκαιρα, καὶ ἄμβροτον ἁγνὸν Ἄδωνιν.
hymned, together with blessed and immortal pure Adonis[25].
ἐλθέ, μάκαιρα θεά μάλ' ἐπήρατον εἶδος ἔχουσα·
Come, blessed Goddess, so lovely, appear and hold fast
ψυχῆι γάρ σε καλῶ σεμνῆι ἁγίοισι λόγοισιν.
These souls[26] for thou with beautiful, solemn, pure words.
[1] Aphrodite is the immortal Goddess of sexual desire, the powerful and inexplicable “urge to merge.”
Aphrodite’s name literally conveys love’s power to cause one to become detached from rational thought: arising above (Ἀ) + understanding, wisdom, knowledge (φρᾰδή). Note that aphroneo (ἀφρονέω) means “to be silly, act foolish; thoughtless.”
[2] Pontos is the primeval God of the Ocean. Aphrodite is said to be born of Ocean’s foam because Kronos, after castrating his father Ouranos (God of heaven), cast the genitals into the ocean whence arose the sea’s foam and the Goddess Aphrodite. (Hesiod, Theogony 176).
[3] Aphrodite is the geneteira (γενέτειρα), Goddess of generation, because she inspires the desire for sexual intercourse.
[4] Greek wedding celebrations last throughout the night.
[5] Zeukteira (ζεύκτειρα) means joining, a euphemism for intercourse. Zeus is the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.
[6] Ananke (Ἀνάγκης) is the immortal Goddess of Necessity, that which is necessary, required, unavoidable, “the universal generative cause” (Orphica, Theogonies, Fragment 54 from Damascius http://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Ananke.html), as in, for example, the pain of childbirth.
[7] The Moiroi are three Goddesses who oversee mortal fate: spinning (birth and genetic characteristics), weaving (circumstances of life), and cutting (death) the threads of life.
[8] Ouranos is the immortal God of the heavens.
[9] Hestia is the immortal Goddess of hearth fires, altar fires; here, the Goddess of the fires of heaven, that is, the stars and planets.
[10] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.
[11] Potnos is the primeval God of the Sea. http://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Pontos.html
[12] Bacchos is the immortal God of wine and its inspirational effects.
[13] The Erotes are immortal Gods of love. http://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Erotes.html
[14] Peitho is the immortal Goddess of persuasion and seduction.
[15] Aphrodite is the daughter of Ouranos, the immortal God of the heavens. In some traditions, she is the daughter of Zeus, the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.
[16] Lu- (λύ-) means release, liberate. Kain- (καιν-) means new, fresh, innovative.
[17] Eros is the immortal God of passionate love, a companion (in some accounts the son) of Aphrodite.
[18] Kypro- (Κυπρο-) means leading to pregnancy: pregnancy (Κυ) + precursor (προ-). “The Kyprian” is an epithet of Aphrodite.
[19] Basileia means Queen.
[20] Ge is another name for the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.
[21] The fertile Nile River is the basis of ancient Egypt’s culture and economy.
[22] Swans are sacred to Aphrodite.
[23] Nymphs are beautiful young Goddesses who prevail over a particular location, such as sources of fresh water.
[24] Anassa means Queen, Lady, Ruler.
[25] Adonis is the eternally dying and reborn God of Spring, beloved of Aphrodite.
[26] Psyche is the immortal Goddess of the soul.
55. Εἰς Ἀφροδίτην.
To Aphrodite[1]
Οὐρανία, πολύυμνε, φιλομμειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη,
Heavenly Lady of many songs, laughter-loving Aphrodite,
ποντογενής, γενέτειρα θεά, φιλοπάννυχε, σεμνή,
Sea-born[2] life-giving[3] Goddess who loves nightlong festivities[4] and solemn
νυκτερία ζεύκτειρα, δολοπλόκε μῆτερ Ἀνάγκης
Night’s joining[5] wonder, the alluring twining that gives birth to Necessity[6]
πάντα γὰρ ἐκ σέθεν ἐστίν, ὑπεζεύξω δέ <τε> κόσμον
for all. For out of your essence, under your cosmic yoke,
καὶ κρατέεις τρισσῶν μοιρῶν, γεννᾶις δὲ τὰ πάντα,
You rule the threefold Fates[7], originating from you all
ὅσσα τ' ἐν οὐρανῶι ἐστι καὶ ἐν γαίηι πολυκάρπωι
You gaze upon: Ouranos’[8] hearths[9], and Gaia’s[10] plentiful fruits,
ἐν πόντου τε βυθωι τε, σεμνὴ Βάκχοιο πάρεδρε,
And within Pontos’[11] depths, too. Revered Bacchian[12], the foundation of
τερπομένη θαλίαισι, γαμοστόλε μῆτερ Ἐρώτων,
Delightful, blooming festivities and bridal gowns, O mother of the Erotes’[13]
Πειθοῖ λεκτροχαρής, κρυφία, χαριδῶτι,
compelling[14] marriage-bed charms; concealed, giving grace,
φαινομένη, τ' ἀφανής, ἐρατοπλόκαμ', εὐπατέρεια,
Appearing in strength, and then, disappearing. Lovely-haired, noble Daughter[15],
νυμφιδία σύνδαιτι θεῶν, σκηπτοῦχε, λύκαινα[16],
Residing with Nymphs divine, scepter-bearer releasing anew
γεννοδότειρα, φίλανδρε, ποθεινοτάτη, βιοδῶτι,
the gift of generations, fond of men’s extensive desires, life-giving
ἡ ζεύξασα βροτοὺς ἀχαλινώτοισιν ἀνάγκαις
center of the yoke to mortals’ unbridled necessity
καὶ θηρῶν πολὺ φῦλον ἐρωτομανῶν ὑπὸ φίλτρων·
and of beasts’ of many species: Eros[17]-manic, under love’s spell.
ἔρχεο, Κυπρογενὲς θεῖον γένος, εἴτ' ἐν' Ὀλύμπωι
Come, Kypros-born[18] Lady Divine, either from Olympia’s
ἐσσί, θεὰ βασίλεια, καλῶι γήθουσα προσώπωι,
Hearth, Goddess Basileia[19], or from beautiful Ge’s[20] divine countenance,
εἴτε καὶ εὐλιβάνου Συρίης ἕδος ἀμφιπολεύεις,
Or from the sweet frankincense of Syria’s throne and surrounding cities,
εἴτε σύ γ' ἐν πεδίοισι σὺν ἅρμασι χρυσεοτεύκτοις
Or across fertile-plains’ driving your golden chariot,
Αἰγύπτου κατέχεις ἱερῆς γονιμώδεα λουτρά,
Or within Egypt’s foundational, holy, fertile waters[21],
ἢ καὶ κυκνείοισιν ὄχοις ἐπὶ πόντιον οἶδμα
Or yet upon swans[22] carried on Pontos’ swells.
ἐρχομένη χαίρεις κητῶν κυκλίαισι χορείαις,
Come by divine means, grace the sea-creatures' circling chorus,
ἢ νύμφαις τέρπηι κυανώπισιν ἐν χθονὶ δίηι
with Nymphs[23] delighting, cyan-blue, within earth’s two
θῖνας ἐπ' αἰγιαλοῖς ψαμμώδεσιν ἅλματι κούφωι·
shores and upon shores’ sandy, salty reprieve.
εἴτ’ ἐν Κύπρωι, ἄνασσα, τροφῶι σέο, ἔνθα καλαί σε
Then on Kypros, Anassa[24], nurture thou there the beautiful,
παρθένοι ἄδμηται νύμφαι τ' ἀνὰ πάντ’ ἐνιαυτὸν
maiden, untamed Nymphs, too, give rise to all, annually
ὑμνοῦσιν, σέ, μάκαιρα, καὶ ἄμβροτον ἁγνὸν Ἄδωνιν.
hymned, together with blessed and immortal pure Adonis[25].
ἐλθέ, μάκαιρα θεά μάλ' ἐπήρατον εἶδος ἔχουσα·
Come, blessed Goddess, so lovely, appear and hold fast
ψυχῆι γάρ σε καλῶ σεμνῆι ἁγίοισι λόγοισιν.
These souls[26] for thou with beautiful, solemn, pure words.
[1] Aphrodite is the immortal Goddess of sexual desire, the powerful and inexplicable “urge to merge.”
Aphrodite’s name literally conveys love’s power to cause one to become detached from rational thought: arising above (Ἀ) + understanding, wisdom, knowledge (φρᾰδή). Note that aphroneo (ἀφρονέω) means “to be silly, act foolish; thoughtless.”
[2] Pontos is the primeval God of the Ocean. Aphrodite is said to be born of Ocean’s foam because Kronos, after castrating his father Ouranos (God of heaven), cast the genitals into the ocean whence arose the sea’s foam and the Goddess Aphrodite. (Hesiod, Theogony 176).
[3] Aphrodite is the geneteira (γενέτειρα), Goddess of generation, because she inspires the desire for sexual intercourse.
[4] Greek wedding celebrations last throughout the night.
[5] Zeukteira (ζεύκτειρα) means joining, a euphemism for intercourse. Zeus is the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.
[6] Ananke (Ἀνάγκης) is the immortal Goddess of Necessity, that which is necessary, required, unavoidable, “the universal generative cause” (Orphica, Theogonies, Fragment 54 from Damascius http://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Ananke.html), as in, for example, the pain of childbirth.
[7] The Moiroi are three Goddesses who oversee mortal fate: spinning (birth and genetic characteristics), weaving (circumstances of life), and cutting (death) the threads of life.
[8] Ouranos is the immortal God of the heavens.
[9] Hestia is the immortal Goddess of hearth fires, altar fires; here, the Goddess of the fires of heaven, that is, the stars and planets.
[10] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.
[11] Potnos is the primeval God of the Sea. http://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Pontos.html
[12] Bacchos is the immortal God of wine and its inspirational effects.
[13] The Erotes are immortal Gods of love. http://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Erotes.html
[14] Peitho is the immortal Goddess of persuasion and seduction.
[15] Aphrodite is the daughter of Ouranos, the immortal God of the heavens. In some traditions, she is the daughter of Zeus, the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.
[16] Lu- (λύ-) means release, liberate. Kain- (καιν-) means new, fresh, innovative.
[17] Eros is the immortal God of passionate love, a companion (in some accounts the son) of Aphrodite.
[18] Kypro- (Κυπρο-) means leading to pregnancy: pregnancy (Κυ) + precursor (προ-). “The Kyprian” is an epithet of Aphrodite.
[19] Basileia means Queen.
[20] Ge is another name for the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.
[21] The fertile Nile River is the basis of ancient Egypt’s culture and economy.
[22] Swans are sacred to Aphrodite.
[23] Nymphs are beautiful young Goddesses who prevail over a particular location, such as sources of fresh water.
[24] Anassa means Queen, Lady, Ruler.
[25] Adonis is the eternally dying and reborn God of Spring, beloved of Aphrodite.
[26] Psyche is the immortal Goddess of the soul.
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