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Orphic Hymns

Somewhere in the time of the late Hellenistic era to the early Roman, eighty-seven short poems were composed. They are based on Orphism that is something of a mystery religion in the ancient Greek world and was said to have been founded by the mythical poet Orpheus.

Numbered from zero to eighty-six, the Hymn to Nyx was number two. She was also mentioned in number seven, the Hymn to the Astron.


The following is the hymn to her:

"II. To Night (Nyx)

The Fumigation with Torches.

NIGHT, parent goddess, source of sweet repose,
From whom at first both Gods and men arose,

Hear, blessed Venus, deck'd with starry light,
In sleep's deep silence dwelling Ebon night!

Dreams and soft case attend thy dusky train,
Pleas'd with the length'ned gloom and feaftful strain.

Dissolving anxious care, the friend of Mirth,
With darkling coursers riding round the earth.

Goddess of phantoms and of shadowy play,
Whose drowsy pow'r divides the nat'ral day:

By Fate's decree you constant send the light
To deepest hell, remote from mortal sight

For dire Necessity which nought withstands,
Invests the world with adamantine bands.

Be present, Goddess, to thy suppliant's pray'r,
Desir'd by all, whom all alike revere,

Blessed, benevolent, with friendly aid
Dispell the fears of Twilight's dreadful shade."


The following is the hymn to the Astra:

"VI. To the Stars (Astron)

The Fumigation from Aromatics.

WITH holy voice I call the stars on high,
Pure sacred lights and genii of the sky.

Celestial stars, the progeny of Night,
In whirling circles beaming far your light,

Refulgent rays around the heav'ns ye throw,
Eternal fires, the source of all below.

With flames significant of Fate ye shine,
And aptly rule for men a path divine.

In seven bright zones ye run with wand'ring flames,
And heaven and earth compose your lucid frames:

With course unwearied, pure and fiery bright
Forever shining thro' the veil of Night.

Hail twinkling, joyful, ever wakeful fires!
Propitious shine on all my just desires;

These sacred rites regard with conscious rays,
And end our works devoted to your praise."





Internet sources:
The Initiations of Orpheus: II. To Night
The Initiations of Orpheus: VI. To The Stars



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