I am the son of Earth and Heaven

February 17, 2006 11:57 AM

Oprheus, is said to be the founder of The Orphic Mysteries, or Orphism. While in school most students are taught the Theogony of Hesiod, but as in most religions, a differing account existed: The Orphic Theogony, summarized somewhat in this short video (nsfw? abstract nudity). The Orphic Reform to the Dionysian Mysteries included vegetarianism, abstention from sex, and restraint from eating eggs and beans — which came to be known as the Orphikos bios, or "Orphic way of life". Initiation into the Mystery school was needed to teach the Road to the Lower World, through Bone Tablets and papyrus remnants of Orphic Hymns. The Orphic Mystery has been seen as very similar to other religions. (scroll about 2/3 down the page or search for Orphics).
posted by ozomatli (7 comments total)

This is not to be confused with orphism, the art movemnt in the early 1900's.
posted by ozomatli at 11:59 AM on February 17, 2006

Themes from Orphic rites show up in freemasonry, and Orphism got mixed up alot with Mithraism and early Christianity, too, from what I understand.
posted by sonofsamiam at 12:11 PM on February 17, 2006

Wow. This looks too interesting to graze at work, thanks. I don't see Black Orpheus mentioned, which is perhaps more about the myth of Orpheus than the mysteries, but still worthy of note.

Looks neat, thanks!
posted by freebird at 12:14 PM on February 17, 2006

great post!
posted by moonbird at 2:08 PM on February 17, 2006

superb post, thanks
posted by ori at 4:18 PM on February 17, 2006

and restraint from eating eggs and beans

But the unregenerate hankered after beans, and sooner or later rebelled.
posted by homunculus at 9:05 PM on February 17, 2006 [1 favorite]

Excellent post, thanks.
posted by Falconetti at 12:02 AM on February 18, 2006