Prayer · Hymnody · Communion

The Ancient Hymn Library

Ὕμνοι πρὸς τοὺς θεούς

142 hymn pages3,047 Greek linesEnglish · Greek · Pronunciation

Hymns as prayer

These hymns may be spoken as complete prayers to the Gods. Within the Temple’s practice, a ritual is a direct theurgical act; hymnody gathers the mind and turns it toward the Divine, helping the initiate enter reverent communion with the Gods.

Use a hymn on its own in place of another prayer, or add it to the prayer portion of a suitable ritual. Choose according to the deity addressed and the petition expressed in the hymn. When combining them, preserve the ritual’s prescribed sequence and let the hymn give voice to its purpose.

Read the prayer and pronunciation guide · Explore the sources and scope

142 hymns shown

Orphic Hymns

Proem · 44 lines

Prayer to Mousaios: Invocation of the Gods

Εὐχὴ πρὸς Μουσαῖον

A comprehensive prayer welcoming the Gods and the divine powers of heaven, earth, sea, and the unseen realms. Its closing petition asks them to receive the sacred service with kindly and joyful hearts.

Hymn 01 · 10 lines

Hekate

Εἰς Ἑκάτην

Prayer to Hekate as guide at thresholds, keeper of cosmic keys, and nurturer of the young. It asks her favourable presence among those celebrating the holy mysteries.

Hymn 02 · 14 lines

Prothyraia

Προθυραίας

Prayer to the Goddess who attends childbirth, loosens its bonds, and guards those in labour. Its request for offspring and deliverance is joined to care for the whole household.

Hymn 03 · 14 lines

Night

Νυκτός

Prayer to Night for repose, release from care, and protection from nocturnal terrors. It honours her as a divine source of dreams and the mother of Gods and mortals.

Hymn 04 · 9 lines

Ouranos

Οὐρανοῦ

Prayer to Heaven as the encompassing home of the Gods and guardian of the whole. Its final request is for a holy life for the new initiate.

Hymn 05 · 6 lines

Aither

Αἰθέρος

Prayer to luminous Aither, support of the celestial lights and the fire that kindles living creatures. Its petition seeks a temperate and serene condition of this divine element.

Hymn 06 · 11 lines

Protogonos

Πρωτογόνου

Prayer to the firstborn divine source whose light dispels the dark mist from the eyes. It welcomes his joyful presence at the holy mysteries.

Hymn 07 · 13 lines

The Stars

Ἄστρων

Prayer to the heavenly Stars as radiant divine powers and revealers of destiny. It seeks a favourable course for sacred labours and works of good renown.

Hymn 08 · 20 lines

Helios

Ἡλίου

Prayer to Helios as the light of life, guardian of righteousness, and harmoniser of the cosmic course. It asks him to reveal a sweet life to the initiates.

Hymn 09 · 12 lines

Selene

Σελήνης

Prayer to the Moon in her radiance, changing phases, and governance of time. It asks her kindly arrival and protection of new suppliants.

Hymn 10 · 30 lines

Physis: Nature

Φύσεως

Prayer to Nature as the divine mother, sustainer, and ordering power of all. It asks for peace, health, and the increase of everything in favourable seasons.

Hymn 11 · 23 lines

Pan

Πανός

Prayer to Pan as the living whole of the Cosmos and its musical harmony. It asks for a good fulfilment of life and the removal of panic to the ends of Earth.

Hymn 12 · 16 lines

Herakles

Ἡρακλέους

Prayer to Herakles for deliverance from disease, calamity, and destructive powers. It honours the strength that establishes peace and completes the twelve labours.

Hymn 13 · 10 lines

Kronos

Κρόνου

Prayer to Kronos who consumes and renews all things and holds the unbreakable bonds of the Cosmos. It seeks the blameless fulfilment of a blessed life.

Hymn 14 · 14 lines

Rhea

Ῥέας

Prayer to Rhea for saving presence, peace, and fortunate possessions. Its close asks her to send defilements and destructive powers far away.

Hymn 15 · 11 lines

Zeus

Διός

Prayer to Zeus as source, ruler, purifier, and fulfiller of all things. It asks for sound health, divine Peace, and wealth held without reproach.

Hymn 16 · 10 lines

Hera

Ἥρας

Prayer to Hera as the divine presence in the air, mother of rains and nourisher of winds. It seeks her gracious arrival in beauty and joy.

Hymn 17 · 10 lines

Poseidon

Ποσειδῶνος

Prayer to Poseidon for stable foundations of Earth and favourable passage of ships. It joins protection on land and sea with peace, health, and prosperity.

Hymn 18 · 19 lines

Plouton

Εἰς Πλούτωνα

Prayer to Plouton as keeper of Earth's keys, giver of its fruits, and judge of hidden and manifest deeds. It seeks his gracious presence among the initiates.

Hymn 19 · 23 lines

Zeus of the Thunderbolt

Κεραυνίου Διός

Prayer to Zeus in the thunderbolt for the turning aside of destructive force and the granting of health, peace, and a life of glad thoughts. It acknowledges his power before asking that it act favourably.

Hymn 20 · 6 lines

Zeus of the Lightning

Διὸς Ἀστραπίου

A brief prayer to the manifest power of Zeus in lightning. It asks the greatest King to grant a sweet fulfilment of life in kindness.

Hymn 21 · 7 lines

The Clouds

Νεφῶν

Prayer to the Clouds for rain that nurtures the fruits of Mother Earth. It praises their fiery and thunderous motion while seeking their gentle, fertile gift.

Hymn 22 · 10 lines

The Sea: Tethys

Θαλάσσης

Prayer to the Sea as Tethys for kindly help and favourable winds for ships. It honours her as source of marine life, clouds, springs, and Kypris.

Hymn 23 · 8 lines

Nereus

Νηρέως

Prayer to Nereus to avert earthquakes and grant prosperity, peace, and gentle health. It honours the foundation of the Sea and the divine father of fifty dancing daughters.

Hymn 24 · 12 lines

The Nereids

Νηρηίδων

Prayer to the fifty Nereids and the living powers of the Sea for abundant prosperity. Its ending honours their part in revealing the mysteries of Bacchos and Persephone.

Hymn 25 · 11 lines

Proteus

Πρωτέως

Prayer to Proteus as knower of past, present, and future and revealer of the beginnings of Nature. It seeks holy providence and the good fulfilment of life in works.

Hymn 26 · 11 lines

Gaia: Earth

Γῆς

Prayer to Gaia for the growth of joyous fruits in blessed seasons. It honours Earth as universal nourisher, giver, receiver, and the enduring seat of the Cosmos.

Hymn 27 · 14 lines

Mother of the Gods

Μητρὸς θεῶν

Prayer to the Mother for her joyful presence at the holy rite and for the sustaining gifts from which all life is born. It honours her central sovereignty over Earth, rivers, and Sea.

Hymn 28 · 12 lines

Hermes

Ἑρμοῦ

Prayer to Hermes for fruitful work, graceful speech, and the powers of memory. It honours his mediation, ingenuity, care for mortals, and the peaceful power of his staff.

Hymn 29 · 20 lines

Persephone

Ὕμνος Φερσεφόνης

Prayer to Persephone for the fruits of Earth, peace, health, and a blessed life reaching old age. It honours her sovereignty over life and death and the hidden gates of the Earth.

Hymn 30 · 9 lines

Dionysus

Διονύσου

For a gracious encounter with Dionysus, whose hidden birth and manifold forms awaken sacred life and inspired praise.

Hymn 31 · 7 lines

The Curetes: Sacred Dance

Ὕμνος Κουρήτων

For the gracious presence of the armed divine dancers and guardians who reveal the Mother’s sacred rites.

Hymn 32 · 17 lines

Athena

Ἀθηνᾶς

For Athena’s wisdom, protection, peace, sufficiency, and health.

Hymn 33 · 9 lines

Nike: Victory

Νίκης

For honorable success and the resolution of painful contest under the blessing of Victory.

Hymn 34 · 27 lines

Apollo

Ἀπόλλωνος

For Apollo’s illumination, healing presence, prophetic clarity, and the harmonious ordering of life.

Hymn 35 · 7 lines

Leto

Λητοῦς

For Leto’s gracious attendance and the blessed completion of a sacred undertaking.

Hymn 36 · 16 lines

Artemis

Ἀρτέμιδος

For Artemis’s protection, fruitful growth, peace, and the removal of illness and pain.

Hymn 37 · 8 lines

The Titans

Τιτάνων

For ancestral divine protection and the turning away of grievous wrath from the household.

Hymn 38 · 25 lines

The Curetes: Cosmic Guardians

Κουρήτων

For the saving breath of the Curetes, protection in sea journeys, and the fruitful ordering of the seasons.

Hymn 39 · 10 lines

Corybas

Κορύβαντος

For release from terrifying visions and the pacification of a troubled, unpurified soul.

Hymn 40 · 20 lines

Demeter of Eleusis

Δήμητρος Ἐλευσινίας

For fruitful work, the earth’s abundance, peace, good order, and health under Demeter’s care.

Hymn 41 · 10 lines

The Mother Antaia

Μητρὸς Ἀνταίας

For a gracious encounter with the Mother who searches, descends, and leads the initiate through sacred loss toward reunion.

Hymn 42 · 11 lines

Mise

Μίσης

For the blessing of Mise and the liberating Dionysian presence upon sacred effort and initiation.

Hymn 43 · 11 lines

The Horae: Good Order, Justice, and Peace

Ὡρῶν

For the harmony of good order, justice, and peace, and for fruitful seasons in sacred and communal life.

Hymn 44 · 11 lines

Semele

Σεμέλης

For Semele’s gentle favor toward the initiates and her blessing upon the sacred birth of Dionysian life.

Hymn 45 · 7 lines

Dionysus Bassareus of the Third-Year Feast

Διονύσου Βασσαρέως Τριετηρικοῦ

For the joyous arrival of Dionysus Bassareus in the fullness of his formidable and ecstatic power.

Hymn 46 · 8 lines

Dionysus in the Winnowing Basket

Λικνίτου

For the gracious reception of offerings by Dionysus Liknites, the nurtured and nurturing divine child.

Hymn 47 · 6 lines

Dionysus Around the Pillar

Περικιονίου

For Dionysus’s stabilizing protection and his joyful presence around the threatened dwelling.

Hymn 48 · 6 lines

Sabazios

Σαβαζίου

For the kindly aid of Sabazios, sovereign father who brings Dionysus to the fullness of his divine birth.

Hymn 49 · 7 lines

Hippa

Ἵππας

For the joyful presence of Hippa, nurse of Bacchus and Mother of the sacred mysteries.

Hymn 50 · 10 lines

Dionysus the Liberator of the Winepress

Λυσίου Ληναίου

For release from care and toil, fruitful renewal, and the sweet presence of Dionysus.

Hymn 51 · 18 lines

The Nymphs

Νυμφῶν

For the living abundance of waters, woods, and meadows, and for the Nymphs’ nourishing gift of health.

Hymn 52 · 13 lines

Dionysus of the Third-Year Feast

Τριετηρικοῦ

For the joyful fullness of Dionysus in his many sacred forms and his gracious attendance upon the initiates.

Hymn 53 · 10 lines

Dionysus of the Returning Year

Ἀμφιετοῦς

For the return of fruitful life from sacred repose and the awakening of Dionysian joy in the recurring seasons.

Hymn 54 · 11 lines

Silenus, Satyrs, and Bacchants

Σιληνοῦ Σατύρου Βακχῶν

For the peaceful and joyful guidance of the Dionysian company in sacred celebration.

Hymn 55 · 28 lines

Aphrodite

Εἰς Ἀφροδίτην

For the gracious presence of Aphrodite and the harmonious generative power of divine love.

Hymn 56 · 12 lines

Adonis

Ἀδώνιδος

For the renewal of flourishing life and the return of the earth’s fruits through Adonis’s seasonal passage.

Hymn 57 · 12 lines

Hermes Beneath the Earth

Ἑρμοῦ Χθονίου

For Hermes’s guidance of souls and a good fulfillment of the initiates’ works.

Hymn 58 · 10 lines

Eros

Ἔρωτος

For Eros’s universal unifying power to be present with pure intention, and for unworthy impulses to depart.

Hymn 59 · 20 lines

The Fates

Μοιρῶν

For the Fates’ gentle counsel, the easing of care, and a gracious encounter with the order of life.

Hymn 60 · 11 lines

The Graces

Χαρίτων

For the grace that makes wisdom, virtue, work, and companionship fruitful in joy.

Hymn 61 · 12 lines

Nemesis

Νεμέσεως

For sound judgment, release from arrogant purposes, and alignment with divine justice.

Hymn 62 · 11 lines

Dike, Divine Justice

Δίκης

For the restoration of fairness and the divine correction of injustice.

Hymn 63 · 16 lines

Dikaiosyne, Righteousness

Δικαιοσύνης

For right proportion, peace, and a life directed by fairness toward living beings.

Hymn 64 · 13 lines

Nomos, Divine Law

Ὕμνος Νόμου

For remembrance of divine law and a life governed by upright judgment.

Hymn 65 · 8 lines

Ares

Ἄρεος

For the ending of destructive strife and the turning of strength toward peaceful, fruitful work.

Hymn 66 · 13 lines

Hephaestus

Ἡφαίστου

For skill in making and for the gentle, ordered presence of divine fire.

Hymn 67 · 8 lines

Asclepius

Ἀσκληπιοῦ

For health, relief from affliction, and a blessed course of life.

Hymn 68 · 13 lines

Hygieia, Health

Ὑγείας

For the health through which households, work, and life can flourish.

Hymn 69 · 13 lines

The Erinyes

Ἐριννύων

For release from impious purposes and a merciful disposition of divine judgment.

Hymn 70 · 11 lines

The Eumenides

Εὐμενίδων

For the gracious approach of the Goddesses who oversee justice and necessity.

Hymn 71 · 12 lines

Melinoe

Μειλινόης

For release from the soul’s agitation and a gracious encounter with the Goddess of night manifestations.

Hymn 72 · 10 lines

Tyche, Fortune

Τύχης

For gracious fortune, sufficient possessions, and a favourable course of life.

Hymn 73 · 9 lines

The Daimon

Δαίμονος

For the averting of sorrows that destroy life and the gift of a noble, blessed fulfilment.

Hymn 74 · 10 lines

Leucothea

Λευκοθέας

For deliverance at sea and a favourable wind for those who voyage.

Hymn 75 · 8 lines

Palaemon

Παλαίμονος

For the preservation of initiates on land and sea, especially amid storms.

Hymn 76 · 12 lines

The Muses

Μουσῶν

For inspiration, sound understanding, and excellence in sacred learning and song.

Hymn 77 · 10 lines

Mnemosyne, Memory

Μνημοσύνης

For faithful remembrance of sacred rites and the strengthening of clear thought.

Hymn 78 · 13 lines

Eos, Dawn

Ἠοῦς

For the renewal of sacred light and the fruitful beginning of the day’s work.

Hymn 79 · 12 lines

Themis

Θέμιδος

For divine ordinance, right ritual order, and guidance in sacred understanding.

Hymn 80 · 6 lines

Boreas, the North Wind

Βορέου

For the clearing of clouded air and the return of the Sun’s light.

Hymn 81 · 6 lines

Zephyrus, the West Wind

Ζεφύρου

For gentle air, release from weariness, and a favourable passage over the sea.

Hymn 82 · 7 lines

Notus, the South Wind

Νότου

For rain that nourishes the crops and sustains Mother Earth.

Hymn 83 · 8 lines

Oceanus

Ὠκεανοῦ

For communion with the encircling source of waters and its sacred power of purification.

Hymn 84 · 8 lines

Hestia

Ἑστίας

For the sanctification of the household and the flourishing of the initiates around the sacred centre.

Hymn 85 · 10 lines

Hypnos, Sleep

Ὕπνου

For sweet, well-measured sleep and the preservation of the initiate through sacred work.

Hymn 86 · 18 lines

Oneiros, Dream

Ὀνείρου

For the clear reception of divine messages in dreams and right understanding of their meaning.

Hymn 87 · 12 lines

Thanatos, Death

Θανάτου

For the fulfilment of a long life and the good honour of old age.

Homeric Hymns

Hymn 05 · 293 lines

Aphrodite and Anchises

Ἀφροδίτη

Contemplate the power of divine desire, the generation of life, and the distinction between mortal and immortal existence.

Hymn 06 · 21 lines

Aphrodite Crowned with Gold

Ἀφροδίτη

Honour Aphrodite’s radiant arrival among the Gods and seek grace for song, beauty, and worthy accomplishment.

Hymn 07 · 59 lines

Dionysos and the Pirates

Διόνυσος

Contemplate recognition of divine presence and Dionysos’ release of the discerning helmsman from danger.

Hymn 08 · 17 lines

Ares, Courage and Peace

Ἄρης

Pray for steadfast courage, mastery of anger, and the strength to remain within the ordinances of peace.

Hymn 09 · 9 lines

Artemis of Smyrna and Klaros

Ἄρτεμις

Honour Artemis in her sacred journey and in her close companionship with Apollon.

Hymn 10 · 6 lines

Aphrodite, Giver of Gentle Gifts

Ἀφροδίτη

Seek Aphrodite’s gentle gifts and the grace of a song filled with longing.

Hymn 11 · 5 lines

Athena, Guardian of the City

Ἀθηνᾶ

Invoke Athena’s guardianship over the community and seek good fortune and flourishing.

Hymn 12 · 5 lines

Hera of the Golden Throne

Ἥρα

Honour Hera’s divine queenship, splendour, and place beside Zeus.

Hymn 13 · 3 lines

Demeter and Persephone

Δημήτηρ καὶ Περσεφόνη

Honour Demeter together with Persephone and ask the Goddess to preserve the city and lead the song.

Hymn 14 · 6 lines

Mother of the Gods

Μήτηρ Θεῶν

Praise the Mother through the voices of instruments, wild creatures, mountains, and wooded places.

Hymn 15 · 9 lines

Herakles the Lionhearted

Ἡρακλῆς

Remember Herakles’ labours and divine dwelling, and seek excellence and prosperity.

Hymn 16 · 5 lines

Asklepios, Healer of Diseases

Ἀσκληπιός

Invoke Asklepios as healer of illness and soother of grievous pain.

Hymn 17 · 5 lines

Dioskouroi, Sons of Zeus

Διόσκουροι

Honour Kastor and Polydeukes through their divine birth and their swift equestrian power.

Hymn 18 · 12 lines

Hermes of Kyllene

Ἑρμῆς

Praise Hermes as divine Messenger and beneficent giver, remembering his birth from Zeus and Maia.

Hymn 19 · 49 lines

Pan, Beloved Son of Hermes

Πάν

Honour Pan’s mountain presence, pastoral life, music, and delight among the Gods.

Hymn 20 · 8 lines

Hephaistos, Teacher of Crafts

Ἥφαιστος

Honour the divine origin of skilled work and seek excellence and prosperity in its practice.

Hymn 21 · 5 lines

Apollon, First and Last in Song

Ἀπόλλων

Place song under Apollon’s patronage and seek his favourable reception of praise.

Hymn 22 · 7 lines

Poseidon, Saviour of Ships

Ποσειδῶν

Seek Poseidon’s kindly aid for those who sail, honouring his command of Earth, Sea, and horses.

Hymn 23 · 4 lines

Zeus, Supreme Son of Kronos

Ζεύς

Honour Zeus’ sovereignty and fulfilment, seeking his gracious presence in union with wise counsel.

Hymn 24 · 5 lines

Hestia of Holy Pytho

Ἑστία

Welcome Hestia into the house and seek the grace of her presence in harmony with Zeus.

Hymn 25 · 7 lines

Muses and Apollon

Μοῦσαι καὶ Ἀπόλλων

Acknowledge the divine sources of song and noble speech, and ask the Muses to honour the offering.

Hymn 26 · 13 lines

Dionysos of Nysa

Διόνυσος

Praise Dionysos’ nurture among the Nymphs and ask to return joyfully through the seasons and years.

Hymn 27 · 22 lines

Artemis, Huntress and Leader of Dance

Ἄρτεμις

Contemplate Artemis’ force in the wild and her leadership of the divine dance.

Hymn 28 · 18 lines

Athena, Born from Zeus

Ἀθηνᾶ

Honour Athena’s radiant emergence from Zeus and the cosmic force of her wisdom and valour.

Hymn 29 · 14 lines

Hestia and Hermes

Ἑστία καὶ Ἑρμῆς

Invite Hestia and Hermes to sustain the household in shared goodwill, thought, and flourishing life.

Hymn 30 · 19 lines

Gaia, Mother of All

Γαῖα

Praise Earth as nourisher of all life and seek a livelihood that gladdens the heart.

Hymn 31 · 20 lines

Helios, Radiant Sun

Ἥλιος

Honour Helios’ radiant course and seek the gift of a heart gladdening life.

Hymn 32 · 20 lines

Selene, Radiant Moon

Σελήνη

Honour Selene’s light, full orb, and signs through the changing month.

Hymn 33 · 19 lines

Dioskouroi, Rescuers at Sea

Διόσκουροι

Invoke the Dioskouroi’s saving presence for seafarers exposed to storms and hardship.

Hymns of Callimachus

Hymn 01 · 96 lines

Zeus

εἰς Δία

For Zeus’s sovereign protection and the union of excellence with prosperity in personal and communal life.

Hymn 02 · 113 lines

Apollo

εἰς Ἀπόλλωνα

For Apollo’s radiant presence, the purification of sacred song, healing, and the protection of a flourishing community.

Hymn 03 · 268 lines

Artemis

εἰς Ἄρτεμιν

For Artemis’s watch over personal integrity, childbirth, the wild world, and the just flourishing of cities.

Hymn 05 · 142 lines

Athena: The Bath of Pallas

εἰς λουτρὰ τῆς Παλλάδος

For the reverent reception of Athena, the protection of one’s community, and wisdom in approaching the divine.

Hymns of Proclus

Hymn 01 · 50 lines

Helios, King of Intellective Fire

Ὕμνος εἰς Ἥλιον

For purification, the soul’s ascent, and the harmonising protection of the solar God.

Hymn 02 · 21 lines

Aphrodite, Source of the Loves

Ὕμνος εἰς Ἀφροδίτην

For love that orders life rightly and draws the soul toward its divine source.

Hymn 03 · 17 lines

The Muses, Light That Raises Souls

Ὕμνος εἰς τὰς Μούσας

For inspired sacred learning and the soul’s return from forgetfulness to pure light.

Hymn 04 · 15 lines

All the Gods, Guides of Sacred Wisdom

Ὕμνος κοινὸς εἰς θεούς

For the revelation of sacred wisdom and ascent from forgetfulness toward the immortal Gods.

Hymn 05 · 15 lines

Lycian Aphrodite

Ὕμνος εἰς Λυκίην Ἀφροδίτην

For the soul’s ascent into beauty and the blessing of an ordered, fruitful life.

Hymn 06 · 15 lines

Hecate and Janus

Ἑκάτης καὶ Ἰανοῦ

For a luminous life, purification of the soul, and guidance into the harbour of reverence.

Hymn 07 · 52 lines

Athena of Many Counsels

Εἰς Ἀθηνᾶν πολύμητιν

For sacred wisdom, purified love, bodily wholeness, and a life ordered under Athena’s guidance.

Hymns of Mesomedes

Hymn 01 · 4 lines

The Beloved Muse

Εἰς Μοῦσαν

For inspiration that awakens the mind and gives sacred song its beginning.

Hymn 02 · 5 lines

Calliope and Apollo

Εἰς Καλλιόπειαν καὶ Ἀπόλλωνα

For the gracious presence of inspired wisdom and the divine guidance of sacred learning.

Hymn 03 · 25 lines

Helios: The Radiance of Day

Ὕμνος εἰς Ἥλιον

For reverent attention to the light that orders the day and harmonises the heavens.

Hymn 04 · 20 lines

Nemesis: The Measure of Life

Ὕμνος εἰς Νέμεσιν

For the restoration of just measure and the humbling of destructive arrogance.

Hymn 05 · 24 lines

Physis and the Solar Aion

Εἰς τὴν Φύσιν

For truthful speech, the soul’s straight course, and the preservation of bodily life under the light of the solar God.

Hymn 06 · 20 lines

Isis, Consummation of the Mysteries

Εἰς τὴν Ἶσιν

For praise of Isis as the unifying consummation of the mysteries and guide of the seasons’ renewing life.

Hymn 07 · 16 lines

Adrias, the Open Sea

Εἰς Ἀδρίαν

For a safe passage across the sea, fair winds, and the traveller’s return to land.

Hymn of Sappho

Hymn 01 · 28 lines

Aphrodite of the Many-Coloured Throne

Εἰς Ἀφροδίτην

For prayer to Aphrodite amid the suffering of love, seeking her presence, relief, and divine companionship.

Hymn of Theocritus

Hymn 22 · 224 lines

The Dioscuri: Castor and Polydeuces

Διόσκουροι

For the saving presence of Castor and Polydeuces in danger, especially at sea, and for courage, skill, and the offering of sacred song.

Hymns from Ancient Inscriptions

Hymn 01 · 24 lines

Apollo: Paean of Aristonous

Παιὰν εἰς Ἀπόλλωνα

For Apollo’s gracious presence, enduring protection, and prosperity arising from holy conduct.

Hymn 02 · 12 lines

Hestia: Hymn of Aristonous

Ὕμνος εἰς Ἑστίαν

For Hestia’s gracious presence at the sacred centre and the prosperity that sustains shared worship.

Hymn 03 · 23 lines

Asklepios: Paean of Isyllus

Παιὰν εἰς Ἀπόλλωνα καὶ Ἀσκλαπιόν

For manifest health in mind and body, and the flourishing of the community under Apollo and Asklepios.

Other Ancient Hymns

Hymn 01 · 17 lines

Arete: Divine Excellence

Εἰς Ἀρετήν

For steadfast excellence, courageous endurance, and fidelity to worthy friendship.

Hymn 02 · 10 lines

Hygieia: The Gift of Health

Παιὰν εἰς Ὑγίειαν

For the abiding presence of health, through which the gifts of life may flourish.