From the book
The Orphic Collection, Volume I: The Hymns
Attributed to Orpheus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordλιβανομάννα is a compound name for an offering material.
- In the Orphic HymnsThe word belongs to rubrics, not to the metrical invocations.
- TranslationThe accusative λιβανομάνναν is the printed rubric form; the headword supplies dictionary access.
- A place to readThe compound offering prescribed for Helios.
- English renderings
- Frankincense-manna; compound offering term
Meaning
λιβανομάννα is a compound name for an offering material. Its connection with λίβανος and μάννα is clear, but the compound does not on its own give a recipe. The lexical evidence relates it to manna of frankincense; “frankincense-manna” therefore preserves an intelligible relationship without claiming that the source identifies a particular grade, botanical product, or manufacturing process.
Use in the book
The word belongs to rubrics, not to the metrical invocations. The four prescriptions accompany Helios, Zeus of lightning, the sea goddess, and Hephaistos. Each uses θυμίαμα with λιβανομάνναν, presenting the material as what is to be offered. This shared prescription brings together very different divine recipients. A reader should resist explaining its distribution solely through fire: the sea goddess is among its recipients too. Nor should the compound be merged with the rubrics that prescribe μάννα alone; those are separately worded instructions.
Places to read
- Hymn VIII · Incense rubricThe compound offering prescribed for Helios.
- Hymn XX · Incense rubricThe same material in the lightning hymn.
- Hymn XXII · Incense rubricA marine recipient prevents an exclusively fiery explanation.
- Hymn LXVI · Incense rubricThe prescription accompanying Hephaistos.
Translation
The accusative λιβανομάνναν is the printed rubric form; the headword supplies dictionary access. Keeping the compound in English makes it possible to compare this instruction with λίβανος, μάννα, and combinations of separately named materials without pretending that all are technically identical. No quantity or method of preparation is given in these rubrics.
Heading and incense rubric evidence
λιβανομάνναν · VIII.rubric. θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν
λιβανομάνναν · XX.rubric. θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν
λιβανομάνναν · XXII.rubric. θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν
λιβανομάνναν · LXVI.rubric. θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν
Local sense
frankincense-manna, the supplied compound offering term without a securely identified preparation
Further source
LSJ, n63028. Lexical range checked in the official Perseus LSJ entry; interpretation remains grounded in the supplied passage.