ΟΡΦΕΩΣ ΥΜΝΟΙ

The Orphic Hymns, Hymn 71: Born by the river of wailing

Melinoe is a goddess of the underworld, and little is known of her beyond this hymn. She is a daughter of Persephone, born beside one of the rivers of the dead.

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Hymn 71, passage by passage

• 71.1 Born by the river of wailing. Of Melinoe. Incense: aromatics. I call Melinoe, saffron-robed nymph of the underworld, whom revered…
• 71.4 Zeus in the shape of Plouton. with whom Zeus lay, disguised as Plouton, by crafty tricks; and through Persephone's anger…
• 71.6 Phantoms in the air. she who drives mortals mad with airy phantoms, showing the outline of her form…
• 71.10 Send the frenzy away. But, goddess, queen of those under the earth, I pray you: send the frenzy…

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