--- product_id: 17849965 title: "Orpheus and Greek Religion (Mythos Books)" price: "S$77" currency: SGD in_stock: true reviews_count: 6 url: https://www.desertcart.sg/products/17849965-orpheus-and-greek-religion-mythos-books store_origin: SG region: Singapore --- # Orpheus and Greek Religion (Mythos Books) **Price:** S$77 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Orpheus and Greek Religion (Mythos Books) - **How much does it cost?** S$77 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sg](https://www.desertcart.sg/products/17849965-orpheus-and-greek-religion-mythos-books) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description The tales told of Orpheus are legion. He is said to have been an Argonaut--and to have saved Jason's life. Rivers are reported to have stopped their flow to listen to the sounds of his lyre and his voice. Plato cites his poetry and Herodotus refers to "practices that are called Orphic." Did Orpheus, in fact, exist? His influence on Greek thought is undeniable, but his disciples left little of substance behind them. Indeed, their Orphic precepts have been lost to time. W.K.C. Guthrie attempts to uncover and define Orphism by following its circuitous path through ancient history. He tackles this daunting task with the determination of a detective and the analytical rigor of a classical scholar. He ferries his readers with him on a singular voyage of discovery. Review: The in-depth summary of the various permutations of the Orpheus myth - This book offers a rare all-facets expose of the Orpheus myth, that which first introduced the notion of returning to life after seeing the hereafter, as well as the magic of music and desires of an alternate sexuality. There is no book quite like it if Orpheus is a subject you wish to know all about. Review: Orphism was first and foremost a literature - Guthrie's tentative exploration of one of the most influential mysteries of the Ancient World, together with Eleusis, is very revealing. The author situates the origin of Orphism with a Thracean hero/singer who was adopted as founder/teacher by mystical sects and whose songs became sacred texts. Although this sects contained only a small group of devotees, some aspects of their philosophical message were taken over by Plato and influenced indirectly Christian belief. Like many other religions, Orphism's basis was man's aspiration of immortality. The sacred texts included dogmas and precepts. Dogmas were a belief in a god as a creator and supreme ruler of the universe, man's original sin, a belief that purity of life and observance of the rites would be rewarded by perfect divinity (immortality) eventually after a cycle of rebirths and that punishment awaited the uninitiated and impure. The precepts were directed towards eradication of sin through ascetism and prohibitions (e.g. meat-eating). Life was considered as a period of trial and a practise for death. It was seen as a punishment for the soul for previous sins, wherefore the soul was fettered to a body. The body was seen as a source of evil. Other important characteristics were the emphasis on free will and personal responsibility as well as misogynism. Each individual had a divine part and a part prone to sin. He had to make a choice between them. Guthrie explains clearly the crucial differences with Christianism. Orphism excluded the possibility of the resurrection of the body. It had no social ethic. It was selfish for one could save only his own soul. He also shows the difference with the Eleusian Mysteries. The latter were only a ritual, whereas Orphism was a way of life. This is a very rich book which treats also other important aspects of religion (e.g. syncretism). It contains excellent illustrations and a very interesting introduction by Larry J. Alderink. This book is an essential read for the understanding of a very influential Ancient Mystery. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #590,713 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #854 in Archaeology (Books) #959 in Religious Mysteries (Books) #1,030 in Mythology (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 15 Reviews | ## Images ![Orpheus and Greek Religion (Mythos Books) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xILZdGkKL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The in-depth summary of the various permutations of the Orpheus myth *by T***Y on February 3, 2023* This book offers a rare all-facets expose of the Orpheus myth, that which first introduced the notion of returning to life after seeing the hereafter, as well as the magic of music and desires of an alternate sexuality. There is no book quite like it if Orpheus is a subject you wish to know all about. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Orphism was first and foremost a literature *by L***T on December 14, 2004* Guthrie's tentative exploration of one of the most influential mysteries of the Ancient World, together with Eleusis, is very revealing. The author situates the origin of Orphism with a Thracean hero/singer who was adopted as founder/teacher by mystical sects and whose songs became sacred texts. Although this sects contained only a small group of devotees, some aspects of their philosophical message were taken over by Plato and influenced indirectly Christian belief. Like many other religions, Orphism's basis was man's aspiration of immortality. The sacred texts included dogmas and precepts. Dogmas were a belief in a god as a creator and supreme ruler of the universe, man's original sin, a belief that purity of life and observance of the rites would be rewarded by perfect divinity (immortality) eventually after a cycle of rebirths and that punishment awaited the uninitiated and impure. The precepts were directed towards eradication of sin through ascetism and prohibitions (e.g. meat-eating). Life was considered as a period of trial and a practise for death. It was seen as a punishment for the soul for previous sins, wherefore the soul was fettered to a body. The body was seen as a source of evil. Other important characteristics were the emphasis on free will and personal responsibility as well as misogynism. Each individual had a divine part and a part prone to sin. He had to make a choice between them. Guthrie explains clearly the crucial differences with Christianism. Orphism excluded the possibility of the resurrection of the body. It had no social ethic. It was selfish for one could save only his own soul. He also shows the difference with the Eleusian Mysteries. The latter were only a ritual, whereas Orphism was a way of life. This is a very rich book which treats also other important aspects of religion (e.g. syncretism). It contains excellent illustrations and a very interesting introduction by Larry J. Alderink. This book is an essential read for the understanding of a very influential Ancient Mystery. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ And thus... he sang... *by A***R on September 18, 2001* This work contains excellent notes, supplements, and photographic plates, as well as illustrations in the text itself which have been taken from vases, reliefs, and other sources. Guthrie's work is an excellent source of knowledge, insight, and inspiration concerning Orpheus, this ancient figure who was poet, harmonic musician, priest, prophet, and oracular magus all in one. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sg/products/17849965-orpheus-and-greek-religion-mythos-books](https://www.desertcart.sg/products/17849965-orpheus-and-greek-religion-mythos-books) --- *Product available on Desertcart Singapore* *Store origin: SG* *Last updated: 2026-09-30*