The figure of Orpheus and the Mysteries
of Orphism originate in Greek Antiquity
and have continued to influence the
Western world to the present day. In this timeline,
we trace major events and figures in the Orphic
tradition, from its earliest mentions to the present
day. The figure of Orpheus, in philosophy,
spirituality, and the arts is perhaps one of the
most enduring and pervasive in history, as the
many Orpheum Theaters today attest.
Orphic Hymn
I am a child of Earth and
starry Sky, but my race is heavenly. You
yourselves know this. I am parched with thirst
and am dying; but quickly grant me cold
water flowing from the Lake of Memory.
The Fate of the Soul
“Μαρτυρεοντα δε και οι παλαιοι ϑεολογοι τε και μαντιες, ὡς δια τινας τιμωριας, ἁ ψυχα τῳ σωματι συνεζευκται, και καϑαπερ εν σωματι τομτῳ τεϑαπται.” i. e. “The ancient theologists and priests also testify that the soul is united with the body as if for the sake of punishment; and so is buried in body as in a sepulchre.” Clemens Alexandrinus in Stromat. book iii.
When the Soul Enters the Body
The aspect changing with destruction dread,
She makes the living pass into the dead.
Εκ μεν γαρ ζωων ετιϑει νεκρα ειδε αμειβων.
And again,
For this I weep, for this indulge my woe,
That e’er my soul such novel realms should know.
Κλαυσα τε και κωκυσα, ῶων ασυνηϑεα χωρον. Empedocles