From the book
The Orphic Collection, Volume I: The Hymns
Attributed to Orpheus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordμάννα is an offering-name in these rubrics.
- In the Orphic HymnsThe usual wording is simply θυμίαμα μάνναν.
- Translationμάνναν is an accusative form in a rubric, not a metrical epithet.
- A place to readThe simple manna prescription accompanying Apollo.
- English renderings
- Manna; offering material
Meaning
μάννα is an offering-name in these rubrics. Lexical evidence associates the Greek material with fine frankincense or its granules and gum, rather than requiring the biblical food called manna. That association is useful orientation, but the supplied instructions do not specify an exact preparation, composition, or modern product equivalent.
Use in the book
The usual wording is simply θυμίαμα μάνναν. It accompanies Nike, Apollo, Artemis, Liknites, Silenos, Asklepios, Hygieia, Palaimon, Eos, and Death. This variety prevents the material from being explained as a unique token of healing, dawn, or any one divine function. LXIX.rubric is different: it prescribes styrax and manna together for the Erinyes. The conjunction matters because it names two materials, whereas λιβανομάννα is printed as a single compound elsewhere. The rubrics give enough information to distinguish their wording, not enough to reconstruct a universal offering formula behind them.
Places to read
- Hymn XXXIV · Incense rubricThe simple manna prescription accompanying Apollo.
- Hymn LXVIII · Incense rubricThe same prescription for Hygieia.
- Hymn LXIX · Incense rubricStyrax and manna explicitly combined.
- Hymn LXXXVII · Incense rubricManna also accompanies Death, broadening the distribution.
Translation
μάνναν is an accusative form in a rubric, not a metrical epithet. Retaining “manna” preserves the source’s label, provided the reader is warned against assuming the familiar biblical meaning or a modern foodstuff. The related entries λίβανος and λιβανομάννα allow comparison without collapsing three distinct printed terms into one.
Heading and incense rubric evidence
μάνναν · XXXIII.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · XXXIV.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · XXXVI.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · XLVI.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · LIV.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · LXVII.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · LXVIII.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · LXIX.rubric. θυμίαμα στύρακα καὶ μάνναν
μάνναν · LXXV.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · LXXVIII.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
μάνναν · LXXXVII.rubric. θυμίαμα μάνναν
Local sense
manna prescribed as an offering; exact material identification remains qualified
Further source
LSJ, n64930. Lexical range checked in the official Perseus LSJ entry; interpretation remains grounded in the supplied passage.