Literary notes about Orphic (AI summary)
The term “orphic” is used to evoke an aura of ancient mystery and sacred tradition in literature, often marking texts that explore hidden cosmogonies, secret rites, and the divine. It designates works imbued with esoteric symbolism—from hymns that celebrate a universal divinity to ceremonial doctrines involving themes of rebirth and purification [1], [2]. In some writings it is applied to cryptic poetic expressions and mystical sayings that blur the line between the mythological and the metaphysical, contributing a sense of enigmatic grandeur to the narrative [3], [4]. Additionally, the term connects a range of traditions from Greek cosmogonic myths to the allegorical interpretations of philosophy, highlighting the enduring influence of myth and ritual in literary art [5].
- The Orphic Hymns, long before the advent of the popular divinities, celebrated the Pantheos , the universal God.
— from Systematic Theology (Volume 2 of 3) by Augustus Hopkins Strong - The Orphic Sect believed that "release" from the wheel of life was to be obtained by religious ceremonial and ritual.
— from A Critical History of Greek Philosophy by W. T. (Walter Terence) Stace - In one of the fragments of the Orphic poetry there is every thing, which I have been saying comprehended within a very short compass.
— from A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 1 (of 6) by Jacob Bryant - His "Orphic Sayings" amused and perplexed the critics, who made them an excuse for assailing the entire Transcendental school.
— from Handbook of Universal Literature, From the Best and Latest Authorities by Anne C. Lynch (Anne Charlotte Lynch) Botta - Plato introduces his own dogmatical and mystical views, leaning in part on the Orphic and Pythagorean creeds.
— from Plato and the Other Companions of Sokrates, 3rd ed. Volume 2 by George Grote
