Message: "The etymology of Orpheus - Mike C pls check it out"

The etymology of Orpheus - Mike C pls check it out

by Pavlos (guest)

11/30/2001, 3:25 AM

The name Orpheus is most probably derived from the Greek "orphne," meaning darkness of the night or of the netherworld (Liddell-Scott). "Orphne" itself is related to "orion" (limit) and "phos" (light).

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- Tracie (guest) +1

12/1/2001, 1:19 AM

You guys amaze me. I just love ya'll to pieces.

- Pavlos (guest)

12/3/2001, 7:45 AM

Thanks :))))

- Mike C +1

11/30/2001, 9:51 PM

Thanks Pavlos, I'll amend that entry.

Do you think the name Orion is derived from horion (limit)?

- Pavlos (guest)

12/2/2001, 3:25 AM

Mike I doubt it, bacause Orion is written with an "omega" whereas "horion" and its derivatives are written with an "omicron". I stand by the "paraetymological" explanation mentioned in http://behindthename.com/messages/12940.html. This explanation also apprears in Kerenyi's Greek Mythology, although he suggest that "ouro" (to urinate) in ancient Greek also was a euphemism for "to ejaculate".

- Nanaea

11/30/2001, 7:20 PM

Cool! :)

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