From the book
The Orphic Collection, Volume I: The Hymns
Attributed to Orpheus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →- English renderings
- lead down; bring into life
Meaning
Chthonic Hermes leads mortal souls below the earth, a spatially explicit use. Rhea and Demeter bring peace, and Asclepius brings health: in those petitions the verb conveys a benefit’s arrival. At XXIX.19–20, however, a blessed life brings flourishing old age toward Persephone’s realm and mighty Plouton. That expressed destination must not be lost by stopping the construction at the line break. Object and destination together determine the direction and outcome.
Places to read
- Hymn XIV · Line 13Read the word in its hymn.
Attested forms
κατάγεις; κατάγοντι; κατάγουσα; κατάγων
Occurrence inventory
6 in total. XIV.13; XXIX.19; XL.19; LVII.2; LVII.7; LXVII.3