Orpheus

by G.R.S. Mead

Orpheus is a book written by G. R. S. Mead that explores the mythology and symbolism surrounding the ancient Greek figure of Orpheus. Mead draws on a wide range of sources, including classical texts, esoteric traditions, and comparative mythology, to provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Orpheus and his significance in Western culture.The book begins with an overview of the Orphic tradition, including its origins, beliefs, and practices. Mead then delves into the myth of Orpheus, examining his role as a musician, poet, and prophet, as well as his tragic journey to the underworld in search of his lost love, Eurydice.Throughout the book, Mead explores the many layers of symbolism and meaning associated with Orpheus, from his association with the mysteries of death and rebirth to his role as a mediator between the human and divine realms. He also examines the influence of Orphic ideas on later thinkers and artists, including Plato, Nietzsche, and the Romantics.Overall, Orpheus is a rich and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most enduring figures in Western mythology, offering readers a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of Orpheus and his Orphic Origins, Works, Theology, Theogony; Some Cosmogonical Details; Orphic Pantheon; On the Mysteries and Symbolism; Orphic Discipline and Psychology; The Doctrine of Rebirth; Bibliography.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

George Robert Stowe Mead, who always published under the initialism G.R.S. Mead, was a historian, writer, editor, translator, and an influential member of the Theosophical Society, as well as founder of the Quest Society. His scholarly works dealt mainly with the Hermetic and Gnostic religions of Late Antiquity, and were exhaustive for the time period.

Reviews

[Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is, as a friend of mine once put it, worth all the tea in China. It presents in an accessible form an outline of the teachings of the semi-mythical Orpheus. That there was such a teacher is hard to dispute, but we know little about him for certain and his life has become wrapped in profound mythology.
His teachings have been gleaned from the so called Orphic Hymns and also other writers in his tradition who commented on his teachings. The inestimable Mead has summarised the teachings in this fairly concise book. There is enormous value in the diagrams that Mead provides. For those for whom the Ancient Wisdom is still seen as having a transcendent truth that is of value today, these diagrams provide wonderful clues and much to think about. Mead's text is not a difficult read and provides much to ponder.
This book should be on any philosophy student's shelf, if they wish to have some insight into the Ancient Mysteries.

[Ady ZYN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended.