To celebrate mysteries — μυστιπολεύω

Use in the book

At XLII.6 the addressed divine figure may be in Phrygia celebrating mysteries with the Mother. This is one possibility in a series of locations and companions: the hymn has named Dionysos, Mise, and Iakchos, and continues through places where the divinity may delight. The subject of μυστιπολεύεις is accordingly the addressed deity, not a human official. σὺν μητέρι supplies the divine companion, and ἐν Φρυγίῃ locates the activity. These grammatical facts are more secure than a reconstruction of who performed which historical rite. The verse imagines divine participation in mysteries, a useful counterweight to interpretations that reserve every μυστι- word for human personnel.

Places to read

1. Hymn XLII · Line 6A deity celebrates mysteries in Phrygia with the Mother.

Translation

“Keep the mysteries” in the English expresses celebration or observance, not mere storage of a secret. The verb is related to the passive adjective μυστιπόλευτος and to μυστιπόλος, but each must retain its own grammatical role. The single occurrence supplies place and company, not a technical job description or a full ritual procedure.

Attested forms

μυστιπολεύεις

Occurrence inventory

1 in total. XLII.6

Lexical references

LSJ n69481 (n69481)

Further source

LSJ, n69481. Checked lexical range and formation against the official Perseus LSJ entry.