⸻ · ⸻
The Orphic Hymns
the Orphic tradition · Hymn 32, lines 8–9 · Frenzy for the wicked, wisdom for the good
32.8
The Orphic Hymns 32.8 · Frenzy for the wicked, wisdom for the good
Gorgon-slayer, virgin, mother of the arts: she brings frenzy to the wicked and wisdom to the good.
· · ·
Γοργοφόνος1
Gorgophónos
Gorgon-slayer
, φυγόλεκτρε2
phygólektre
shunning marriagefleeing the bed
, μῆτερ3
mêter
mother
τεχνῶν4
technôn
of the arts
, πολύολβε5
polýolbe
rich in blessings
, ὁρμήτειρα6
hormḗteira
rouser
, φίλοιστρε7
phíloistre
sender of frenzyfrenzy-loving
κακοῖς8
kakoîs
to the wicked
, δὲ9
dè
but
φρόνησις10
phrónēsis
wisdompractical wisdom
ἀγαθοῖς11
agathoîs
to the good
; Gorgon-slayer, shunning marriage, mother of the arts, rich in blessings, rouser, sender of frenzy to the wicked, but wisdom to the good;
Gorgon-slayer, shunning marriage, mother of the arts, rich in blessings, rouser, sender of frenzy to the wicked, but wisdom to the good;
Interpretation
slayer of the Gorgon, shunning marriage, mother of the arts, rich in blessings, rouser, sender of frenzy to the wicked and wisdom to the good;
Perseus cut off the Gorgon's head with Athena's help, and she wore it on her aegis; in some stories she killed the Gorgon herself, and Euripides calls her "Gorgon-slayer." She shuns the marriage bed, yet she is "mother of the arts," the weaving and crafts she taught. The last line gives her two faces at once: to the wicked she sends frenzy, and to the good she is phronēsis, practical wisdom, the good sense that knows what to do.
32.10
The Orphic Hymns 32.10 · Born male and female
Athena is both male and female, the mother of war, and Metis, cunning intelligence itself.
· · ·
you were born both male and female, mother of war, Metis, shimmering in form, she-serpent, inspired, splendidly honored,