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EPITHETS OF PHÁNIS:

For the most part, the epithets of Phánis are names that we would ordinarily associate with other Gods, deities who we would think of as distinct from each other. With time and study, the logic behind these identifications will become quite clear and actually very beautiful. Phánis is the primeval deity of the ancient Mysteries associated with Orphism. To help familiarize yourself with this God, read the reconstructed theogony found on the site, referred to as the Rhapsodic Theogony. When the various definitions refer to "the theogony," this is what we are designating, not the theogony of Hesiod.

Ǽrohs - (Eros; Gr. Ἔρως, ΕΡΩΣ) In the theogony, Phánis is called Ǽrohs because he has love, the divine attraction to beauty which is the key to the solution of the problem of creation. Orphic fragments 74, 83, 170.

Aether - See Aithír.

Aithír - (Aether or Ether; Gr. Αἰθήρ, ΑΙΘΗΡ) Phánis is described in the theogony as Aithír because he is the evolution of this divine substance, the Water in its form as Aithír.

Aithír, The son of - Phánis is described in the theogony as the child of an egg wrought by Time in the Aithír. Orphic fr. 73.

Antavyís - (Antauges; Gr. Ἀνταυγής, ΑΝΤΑΥΓΗΣ. Adjective.) he who reflects light, the sparkling one, also an epithet of Ἥλιος, the Sun. Orphic hymn 6.9.

Bromius - See Vrómios.

Chronus - See Khrónos.

Diónysos - (Dionysus; Gr. Διόνυσος, ΔΙΟΝΥΣΟΣ) In the theogony, Phánis is called Diónysos because he is the Aithír which transforms the soul. He is the potential which becomes the compassion of Zefs (Ζεὺς). Diónysos is Phánis as are all the Six Kings. Diónysos is Ἠρικεπαῖος. Orphic hymn 52.6. Diónysos is Πρωτόγονος. Orphic hymn 52.6.

Father and son of the Gods - Phánis is the father of all the Gods as can be seen in the theogony, but he is also the son of the Gods, for he is Diónysos. Orphic hymn 52.6.

Ericapaeus - See Irikæpaios.

Eros - See Ǽrohs.

Ether - See Aithír.

Iraklís - (Heracles or Hercules; Gr. Ἡρακλῆς, ΗΡΑΚΛΗΣ) Orphic frag. 52, which is the Ἱερώνυμος-Ἑλλάνικος theogony, seems to say that Time (Χρόνος) not only creates the egg from which Phánis leaps forth, but that he becomes Phánis in the form of a dragon. This dragon is called Χρόνος and Ἡρακλῆς.

Irikæpaios - (Ericapaeus; Gr. Ἠρικεπαῖος, ΗΡΙΚΕΤΑΙΟΣ) In the theogony, Phánis is called Irikæpaios, often identified as Diónysos. Orphic fragments 65, 81, 83, 170. Orphic hymn 6.4. This aspect of the God is described as power.

Khrónos - (Chronus or Time; Gr. Χρόνος, ΧΡΟΝΟΣ) Orphic frag. 52, which is the Ἱερώνυμος-Ἑλλάνικος theogony, seems to say that Time (Χρόνος) not only creates the egg from which Phánis leaps forth, but that he becomes Phánis in the form of a dragon. This dragon is called Χρόνος and Ἡρακλῆς.

Metis - See Mítis.

Mítis - (Metis; Gr. Μῆτις, ΜΗΤΙΣ) In the theogony, Phánis is called Mítis and this aspect of the God is described as intellect. Orphic fragments 60, 65, 81, 83, 85, 170.

Pan - (Gr. Πᾶν, ΠΑΝ) In the theogony, Phánis is called because he is the source of all. Orph. Fr. 54.

Phaǽthohn - (Phaethon; Gr. Φαέθων, ΦΑΕΘΩΝ) In Orphic fragment 73, Phánis is called First-born (Πρωτόγονος) Phaǽthohn, son of towering Aithír.

Phánis - (Fanis or Phanes; Gr. Φάνης, ΦΑΝΗΣ) Phánis is the main name of the God and this name designates his role as father. Orphic fragments 65, 81, 83. The name itself is derived from ϕαίνω, "to bring to light, to cause to appear," therefore Phánis causes that which is unexpressed to be expressed. Πρωτόγονος is Phánis. Orphic hymn 6.8.

Príapos - (Priapus; Gr. Πρίαπος, ΠΡΙΑΠΟΣ. Also Πρίηπος.) In the theogony, Phánis is called Príapos because he is fertility itself. Orphic hymn 6.9.

Prohtógonos - (Protogonus; Gr. Πρωτόγονος, ΠΡΩΤΟΓΟΝΟΣ. Adjective.) first-born, firstling. Orphic fragments 73 and 86.

Son and Father of the Gods - Phánis is the father of all the Gods as can be seen in the theogony, but he is also the son of the Gods, for he is Diónysos. Orphic hymn 52.6.

Time - See Khrónos.

Vrómios - (Bromius; Βρόμιος, ΒΡΟΜΙΟΣ) In the theogony, Phánis is called Vrómios, who is Diónysos. Orphic fr. 170. See Diónysos.

Zefs - (Zeus; Gr. Ζεὺς, ΖΕΥΣ) In the theogony, Phánis is called Zefs because they are the same essence; they are the divine Aithír; they are identical but with different functions, as are all the Six Kings. Orph. Fr. 54.

Zeus - See Zefs.

The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Rhapsodic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

Introduction to the Thæí (the Gods): The Nature of the Gods.

How do we know there are Gods? Experiencing Gods.

PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this website, you will find fascinating stories about our Gods. These narratives are known as mythology, the traditional stories of the Gods and Heroes. While these tales are great mystical vehicles containing transcendent truth, they are symbolic and should not be taken literally. A literal reading will frequently yield an erroneous result. The meaning of the myths is concealed in code. To understand them requires a key. For instance, when a God kills someone, this usually means a transformation of the soul to a higher level. Similarly, sexual union with a God is a transformation.

The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Rhapsodic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

SPELLING: HellenicGods.org uses the Reuchlinian method of pronouncing ancient Greek, the system preferred by scholars from Greece itself. An approach was developed to enable the student to easily approximate the Greek words. Consequently, the way we spell words is unique, as this method of transliteration is exclusive to this website. For more information, visit these three pages:

Pronunciation of Ancient Greek

Transliteration of Ancient Greek

Pronouncing the Names of the Gods in Hellenismos

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