Explained vocabulary

Descending — καταιβάτης

καταιβάτης

kataibatēs

Zeus is directly addressed as καταιβάτα, Descender, at XV.6.

From the book

The Orphic Collection, Volume I: The Hymns

Attributed to Orpheus · Diotimos Editions · 2026

Browse this book’s lexicon →
English renderings
descending; the Descender

Meaning

Zeus is directly addressed as καταιβάτα, Descender, at XV.6. In XIX.11–12, however, genitive καταιβάτου qualifies πρηστῆρος: the sharp heavenly missile belongs to a descending, smoky or blazing storm-whirlwind. Both uses suit downward storm-power, but only the first is a direct divine title in its immediate construction.

Places to read

  1. Hymn XV · Line 6Read the word in its hymn.

Attested forms

καταιβάτα; καταιβάτου

Occurrence inventory

2 in total. XV.6; XIX.12