Hail, Hercules, true son of Jove, an added Glory for the Gods are you.
Come now, and dance at your holy rites with skillful feet.
I will sing of Herakles, the son of Zeus and much the mightiest of men on earth...
Showing posts with label hymn/prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hymn/prayer. Show all posts
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Saturday, February 25, 2012
To Herakles 1
As I said a few days ago, I wanted to write at least one hymn/prayer before the 4th day of the (Greek calendar) month. I kept trying to write the most awesome, perfect hymn/prayer, but that's what kept tripping me up. I laxed my expectations and just let things flow. Here's the result ---
Hail Herakles!
Guardian, Protector--
Glorious son of Loud-Thundering Zeus
I honor you--
Who completed the Labors,
Never retreating from a task
With determination and courage
You triumphed!
Herakles, mighty warrior
Hero-God of all of Greece,
Defender and Deliverer
Hear my prayer!
-- Asterope
Hail Herakles!
Guardian, Protector--
Glorious son of Loud-Thundering Zeus
I honor you--
Who completed the Labors,
Never retreating from a task
With determination and courage
You triumphed!
Herakles, mighty warrior
Hero-God of all of Greece,
Defender and Deliverer
Hear my prayer!
-- Asterope
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Alexicacus - Ἀλεξίκακος
Averter of Evil.
Epithet of Zeus, Apollon and Herakles.
When I first read this epithet, I assumed it referred to the fact that Herakles rid the world of monsters and other unsavory types during his Labors and life. I thought the "evil" referred to was of a more obvious sort (foes, enemies, etc). I had no idea that it had other associations. It seems that Herakles, under the epithet of Alexicacus, was associated with health and other curative aspects. He was an averter of disease and plague. He even had a number of healing shrines and springs where people gave thanks for cures received and prayed for continued health. The epithet allows for both associations (health/curative and protecting/defending against enemies/foes), which is cool.
I wrote a short prayer/invocation after learning this --
Hail Herakles!
Mighty son of Zeus and Alcmene
I pray to you.
Alexikakos, Averter of Evil,
Preserve me from all misfortune and ills!
Strong one, protector of mankind,
may you be triumphant!
It's not the best, but I wanted to write something. Perhaps as I get to know him more, I'll have a better, more personal piece. :-)
Links of interest:
Herakles and Healing Cult in the Peloponnesos
Averters of Evil
Google Book's preview: Horos Dios: an Athenian shrine and cult of Zeus (has section about Herakles Alexicacus)
Votive relief
Epithet of Zeus, Apollon and Herakles.
When I first read this epithet, I assumed it referred to the fact that Herakles rid the world of monsters and other unsavory types during his Labors and life. I thought the "evil" referred to was of a more obvious sort (foes, enemies, etc). I had no idea that it had other associations. It seems that Herakles, under the epithet of Alexicacus, was associated with health and other curative aspects. He was an averter of disease and plague. He even had a number of healing shrines and springs where people gave thanks for cures received and prayed for continued health. The epithet allows for both associations (health/curative and protecting/defending against enemies/foes), which is cool.
I wrote a short prayer/invocation after learning this --
Hail Herakles!
Mighty son of Zeus and Alcmene
I pray to you.
Alexikakos, Averter of Evil,
Preserve me from all misfortune and ills!
Strong one, protector of mankind,
may you be triumphant!
It's not the best, but I wanted to write something. Perhaps as I get to know him more, I'll have a better, more personal piece. :-)
Links of interest:
Herakles and Healing Cult in the Peloponnesos
Averters of Evil
Google Book's preview: Horos Dios: an Athenian shrine and cult of Zeus (has section about Herakles Alexicacus)
Votive relief
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