Orphism in A Sentence

    1

    Both inculcated a peculiar kind of ascetic life; both had a mystical speculative theory of religion, with purificatory rites, abstinence from beans, &c.; but Orphism was more especially religious, while Pythagoreanism, at least originally, inclined more to be a political and philosophical creed.

    2

    Epimenides must be reckoned with Melampus and Onomacritus as one of the founders of Orphism.

    3

    It does not appear, however, that a regularly organized or numerous Orphic sect ever existed, nor that Orphism ever became popular; it was too abstract, too full of symbolism.

    4

    Of more modern writings on Orpheus and Orphism the following may be consulted.

    5

    The doctrine established itself in Greek theology under the influence of Orphism, and supplied Plato with mythic forms for his " criticism of life."