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The Orphic Hymns
the Orphic tradition · Hymn 39, lines 4–5 · Korybas of many shapes
39.4
The Orphic Hymns 39.4 · Korybas of many shapes
More titles: Korybas comes to people in visions, wanders alone, and keeps changing his shape.
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ἐπαρωγόν1
eparōgón
helper
φαντασιῶν2
phantasiôn
in visionsappearances
, Κορύβαντα3
Korýbanta
Korybas
ἐρημοπλάνον4
erēmoplánon
wandering alone
, ἄνακτα5
ánakta
lord
αἰολόμορφον6
aiolómorphon
of changing form
, θεὸν7
theòn
god
διφυῆ8
diphyê
of double nature
, πολύμορφον9
polýmorphon
of many forms
, helper in visions, Korybas, wandering alone, lord of changing form, god of double nature, of many forms,
helper in visions, Korybas, wandering alone, lord of changing form, god of double nature, of many forms,
Interpretation
helper in visions, Korybas who wanders alone, lord of changing form, god of double nature, of many forms,
Phantasia is the word Greek philosophers used for any image that appears to the mind, whether it is true or false. Here the images are visions of the night, and Korybas is their "helper", the god who is there when they come. The other titles are about shape: "of changing form", "of double nature", "of many forms". They prepare for the story in the next lines, in which his body takes another shape.
39.6
The Orphic Hymns 39.6 · Killed by two brothers, changed into a serpent
Two myths in three lines. Korybas was killed by his two brothers, and by the will of Deo, that is Demeter, his holy body took the form of a dark serpent.
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blood-red, bloodied by two brothers, you who changed your holy body by the will of Deo, taking on the beast-shaped form of a dark serpent;