The Orphic Hymns, Hymn 2: She who stands at the door
A hymn for childbirth. Prothyraia, "she before the door," is the goddess who helps women in labor.
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ΠΡΟΘΥΡΑΙΑΣProthyraíasOf Prothyraia,θυμίαμαthymíamaIncenseστύρακαstýrakastorax.ΚλῦθίKlŷthíHearμοιmoime,ὦôOπολύσεμνεpolýsemnemost reveredθεάtheágoddess,πολυώνυμεpolyṓnymemany-namedδαῖμονdaîmonpower,
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Hymn 2, passage by passage
- 2.1 She who stands at the door. Of Prothyraia. Incense: storax. Hear me, most revered goddess, many-named power, helper in the…
- 2.5 Unseen, yet seen in every birth. keeper of the keys, easy to approach, lover of nursing, kind to all, you…
- 2.9 Rest of the soul. Eileithyia, releasing pains in terrible straits; for women in labor call on you alone,…
- 2.12 Grant children and keep them safe. Artemis Eileithyia, revered Prothyraia, hear me, blessed one: grant children and be our helper,…
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