All Prayers

The complete list of the collection's prayers, hymns, vows and inscriptions — from the Homeric hymns of the seventh century BC to votive inscriptions from the Roman provinces. Every text carries the original in Greek or Latin, a translation, an exact reference to the edition, and a commentary.

1. 001

   Hymn to Zeus

   CLEANTHES · HYMN TO ZEUS

   Most glorious of the immortals, many-named, forever almighty, Zeus, first author of nature, steering all things by law —

   Greek · literary

   Zeus

   PraiseInvocationPetition
   3rd c. BC

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2. 002

   Lead me, O Zeus

   CLEANTHES (PRESERVED BY EPICTETUS) · ENCHIRIDION · 53

   Lead me, O Zeus, and you too, Destiny, wherever I have been assigned by you;

   Greek · personal

   Zeus, the Moirai

   InvocationDedication
   3rd c. BC

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3. 003

   Hymn to Chthonic Hermes

   ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 57

   Hermes, I call, whom fate decrees to dwell near to Kokytos, the famed stream of Haides, and in necessity's dread path, whose bourn to none that reach it ever permits return. O Bakkheios Hermes, progeny divine of Dionysos, parent of the vine, and of celestial Aphrodite, Paphian queen, dark-eyelashed Goddess, of a lovely mien: who constant wanderest through the sacred seats where Haides' dread empress, Persephone, retreats; to wretched souls the leader of the way, when fate decrees, to regions void of day. Thine is the wand which causes sleep to fly, or lulls to slumberous rest the weary eye; for Persephone, through Tartaros dark and wide, gave thee for ever flowing souls to guide. Come, blessed power, the sacrifice attend, and grant thy mystics' works a happy end.

   Greek · hymn

   Hermes, Persephone, Dionysus, Aphrodite

   InvocationPetition
   Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)

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4. 004

   Hymn to Ares

   ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 8

   Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympos, father of warlike Nike, ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of the righteous men, scepted King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aither wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of bloodcurdling strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death.

   Greek · hymn

   Ares

   InvocationPetitionPraise
   late antique (Homeric corpus, hymn 8 is post-classical)

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5. 005

   Prayer to Priapus

   JULIUS AGATHEMERUS (DEDICATOR) · HYMN TO PRIAPUS, CIL XIV 3565

   Hail, holy Priapus, father of all things, hail! Give me a flourishing youth so that, be it boys be it girls, I can please them with my horny phallus, and with frequent games and jokes, I may dissipate the worries that vex the mind and not fear heavy old age too much, that I not be vexed with terror of miserable death, which will drag me to the jealous mansions of Avernus where their king holds sway over the fabled Manes and the fates deny anyone a return. Hail, holy father Priapus, hail! Come gather at once, however many you all are, you girls who tend the sacred grove, you girls who tend the sacred waters, come gather, however many you are, and with a pleasing voice, speak to beautiful Priapus: Hail, holy Priapus, father of all things! Next, place a thousand kisses on his crotch, gird his phallus well with fragrant wreaths, and once more all say to him: Hail, holy Priapus, father of all things! For warding off evil, blood-stained people, he grants you to go through the woods and through the unbloodied shady silences. He also wards off wrongdoers from the springs, who with illicit foot would walk across the sacred waters and disturb them, who wash their hands and do not first with many a prayer invoke you, you girlish goddesses. All say: O Priapus, be favorable, father, hail, holy father Priapus, hail! O Priapus, potent friend, hail, whether you wish to be called the father and creator of this sphere, or Nature herself and the Universe, hail! For it is by your vigor that everything is conceived which fills the earth, aether and sea. So hail, Priapus, hail, holy one! Jupiter himself, when you wish it, puts down his thunderbolts at once and in his lust leaves his bright dwellings behind. Good Venus, glowing Cupid, the Grace and her twin sisters worship you, as does Lyaeus, the giver of joy. For without you Venus is little regarded, and the Grace, Cupid and Bacchus are without charm. O Priapus, potent friend, hail! Chaste virgins call on you in prayer that you may open their long fastened girdle, and the bride calls you, so that her husband may often have a hard and always a potent member. Hail, holy father Priapus, hail!

   Roman · hymn

   Priapus, the Nymphs, Jupiter, Venus, Cupid, the Graces, Liber

   InvocationPetitionDedication
   early 1st c. AD (ca. 1-50 AD)

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6. 006

   Prayer to Priapus

   PETRONIUS · SATYRICON · 133

   Companion of Bacchus and the Nymphs, to whom lovely Dione gave power over the woodland, whom famed Lesbos and green Thasos obey, whom gold-bearing Lydia worships, whose temple you sited in your very own city of Hypaepa: be with me, O protector of Bacchus, delight of the Dryads, and hear my humble prayer. I do not come to you stained with dark blood, I've not laid hands like some vile enemy on your shrine, but when I was poor, oppressed with want, I committed sin, yet not with my whole body: less guilty he who commits a sin when he's poor. Here's my prayer: unburden my spirit, and forgive the lightest of offences and, whenever some hour of good fortune smiles on me, I'll not suffer your glory to go unhonoured. Sacred one, a horned goat, shall see your altars, the sire of the herd, and a sow's suckling brood of squealers too, in sacrifice. You'll know this year's vintage, and all the young men, tipsy, will tread thrice round your sanctuary, joyously.

   Roman · personal

   Priapus

   PetitionDedicationatonement
   mid 1st c. AD

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7. 007

   Prayer to the Agathos Daimon

   LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for the Sacred Days — Prayer to Agathodaimon

   I address myself to You, O' Bountiful guardian of our Household who determines the fortune of people. You who are at the centre of our home, bringer of wealth, vigilant counsel of mortals. Fertile, gentle god, companion of Agathe Tyche, mighty foundation of happiness. To You, I raise my cup, pouring a sacred libation. May You, the footprint of the Immortals on earth, be the mentor of our Household. That prosperity, good fortune and wealth never be absent from our home. Welcome Agathodaimon, companion to Zeus Ktesios.

   Greek · ritual

   the Agathos Daimon

   InvocationPetitionDedication
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8. 008

   Prayer to Apollo

   LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Purification Ceremony — Hymn to Apollon

   I think and sing of Apollon Hecatios. From years past, it is a sacred custom to call upon you. Evil-averting Paian, far-seeing ruler of the World. Great Archer, who established purifications, with yourself as example; after the slaughter of Python, you fled to Karmanora, where you were of service to yourself and atoned. Shoot, with your invincible arrows, the Pythons and the Typhoës, O' Lykêos, with the broad quiver. Infallible giver of oracles, who reigns over the immortal Gods and the mortals of life-giving Earth. I come to you in purity. Grant me fortitude and enlighten my mind so that the dark êrebus which inflicts my soul may be dissolved. Assist me, O' golden-lyred, far-shooting Apollon, that I may resist the onslaught of deceitful and deceptive spectres, release me from infectious ignorance and darkness. Ie Paiean, Ie Paiean, Ie Paiean, Ie Katharsios.

   Greek · ritual

   Apollo

   InvocationPetitionProtection
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9. 009

   Prayer to Apollo

   LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Noumenia — Hymn to Apollon

   I remember and do not forget Apollon Hekateios. From years past, it is a sacred custom to invoke You. Come O' Blessed Paian, splendidly honoured Phoibos, Ie Dispenser of Blessings, Spermatic, Pythian, Delphic Diviner, Bright Daimon. You who sees the boundless aether and the joyful earth from above; Your eyes are the stars, dispelling the darkness. With your laurel branch, you shake the heavens, Apollon, You who does not appear to all but only to those who are good. Great is he who beholds You, insignificant are those who have not. We wish to be in Your presence, O' Hekatevolos, so that we may never be insignificant again. Ie Noumenios, come with a good disposition, bearing good fortune and favourable outcomes to our endeavours in the month to come, Ie Paian, Ie Apollon, Ie Noumenios.

   Greek · ritual

   Apollo

   InvocationPetition
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10. 010

    Prayer to Athena

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Heliodites — Hymn to Athena

    Most High Goddess Pallas, golden wreathed Athena, Great Goddess of the World; You who sprang fully armed from our Father's venerable head. Virgin goddess who awakens in us the indestructible and illuminated Nous. Shield-bearing, Immaculate, You who governs the Whole World. Untamed Metis who merges the opposites, thrice-born Maiden; bright flower. You have filled the mind of the Father with the laws of Universal Beauty. You are all which exists, all which is still to come and all that has been. Glorious Goddess, Bright-eyed Maiden, grant the strength and love to raise me from the embrace of Gaia to illuminated Olympos. O' Goddess, offer to us your immaculate Wisdom and mental power, granting us the blessings of Olympos that uplift the soul, banishing the great illusions of the World.

    Greek · ritual

    Athena

    InvocationPetitionPraise
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11. 011

    Prayer to Hecate

    ANONYMOUS · GREEK MAGICAL PAPYRI (PGM IV) · 2785-2870

    Come to me, O' beloved lady, three faced Selene, listen, with kindness, to my sacred chant. Youthful, exulted Jewel of the Night, bringing light to mortals; child of early dawn, riding joyfully on fierce bulls, O' Queen, driving the chariot along the path of Helios; In triple form, You dance, three-headed, with the three Kharites, revelling with the stars, and Dike and the threads of the Moirae; Klotho, and Lakhesis as well as Atropos, and Persephone, Megaira and Allecto. Multi-formed, your hands armed with the dreaded dark lamps, your mane of terrifying serpents shakes upon your brow, from your mouth is heard the roaring of bulls. Solitary, night-crier, bull-faced, bull-headed, you have the eyes of bulls, you have the voice of dogs, you hide amongst lions by taking their shape. Your ankles are wolf-shaped, fierce dogs are your friends, hence they call you Hekate, illustrious Mene, you dart through the air as arrow-shooting Artemis, four-faced goddess, of the four names, of the four roads. Artemis, Persephone, deer-shooting, night-shining, triple striking, triple sounding, triple headed, triple named Selene; three-pronged, triple-faced, triple-necked and of the triple roads. Come, graciously hear my call, You who oversees the wide world of the night, darkness voyaging Goddess; famed, easy-birthing, bull-faced, horned, mother of Gods and men, Nature's All-Mother. You frequent Olympos, traversing the broad and boundless abyss, You are the beginning and the end, You alone rule all.

    Greek · ritual

    Hecate

    InvocationPraise
    3rd-4th c. AD

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12. 012

    Prayer to Helios

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Heliodites — Hymn to Helios

    Come O' King of the noeric fire, Golden Titan. Come O' benefactor of light, who holds the key to the source, You preserve life, governing the material worlds from above with complete and absolute harmony. Come, You who holds the cardinal abode of the sky, and the central radiant circle of the World. You have filled everything with your providence; stimulating the mind. Most excellent of the Gods, Flame-crowned, You are the image of the God who created everything, You elevate the souls. Hear me and cleanse me, remove the stains which infect my soul. Keep me far from punishment, soothing the sharp gaze of justice which sees everything. To my body grant resilience and health. And drive away that which is sent against us from the ever changing weaves of the Moirae, spun beneath the swirling stars. O' Great King, illuminate our minds and grant unimpaired light to our souls.

    Greek · ritual

    Helios

    InvocationPetition
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13. 013

    Prayer to Hestia

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Hymn to Hestia

    Hestia, royal daughter of almighty Kronos, You who holds the central abode, the magnificent perpetual fire, elevate the respectful suppliants who worship You in their holy ceremonies, grant to them ever-flourishing happiness, glad and pure, O' dwelling of the Blissful Gods, steady support of mortals, eternal, glow-formed, needed by all, come, smiling Blessed Goddess, accept these offerings with kind heart, inspire happiness and gentle health.

    Greek · ritual

    Hestia

    InvocationPetitionPraise
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14. 014

    Prayer to Hygieia

    ARIPHRON · PAIAN TO HYGEIA

    O' Hygeia of the Blissful Ones, you are most revered by mortals; with you I traverse the life remaining in me. For what is the joy of wealth or of children, or what brings people closer to the Gods? The power of a king or the secret lust brought by Aphrodite, or that obvious relief from pain which is the god sent delight. With you, blissful divine Hygeia, the company of the Kharites shine and bloom, without you, no one has well-being.

    Greek · ritual

    Hygieia

    PraiseInvocation
    4th c. BC

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15. 015

    Plethon's hymn

    GEORGE GEMISTOS PLETHON · TWENTY-SECOND HYMN

    Let me not cease, O' Blissful Gods, to owe You gratitude, for all the good things I receive,

    Greek · personal

    Zeus

    GratitudePetition
    15th c. AD

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16. 016

    Prayer to Selene

    ANONYMOUS / ORPHIC TRADITION · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Full Moon Ceremony — Hymn to Selene

    Hear us, O' Goddess, light-bearing Queen, divine Selene; bull-horned Mene, night-roaming, airborne, nocturnal, torch-bearing, dark maiden; Mene, who waxes and wanes, masculine and feminine; illuminating, horse-loving, mother of time; fruit-bearing, amber, atmospheric, all-shining, each night; You, the all-seeing, vigilant, filled with beautiful stars, joyful in the silence and the fortunate night; bright, joy-bringing, full-cycled, jewel of the night; O' star-queen, long-veiled, variable, all-wise maid, approach with bliss and delight; rich with stars and shining light three-fold; protect your new suppliants, O' Maid.

    Greek · ritual

    Selene

    InvocationPetitionPraise
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17. 017

    Prayer to Pan

    PLATO · PHAEDRUS · 279b-c

    O' friend Pan, and all you other Gods who are worshipped here; grant to me inner beauty. And whatever I have that is beneficial to me, may it be in harmony with that which is within me so that I may consider only the wise as wealthy. As for the sum of my money, may it be sufficient and not more than what a prudent man may carry or endure.

    Greek · personal

    Pan

    Petition
    4th c. BC

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18. 018

    Prayer to the Lares

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 1.10.15-25

    Lares, gods of my fathers, preserve me! While young and still nursing, you guided me when I played at your feet. Let none profane your antique images: rough-hewn wooden statues set upon altars of upturned sod then dwelled among our grandfathers. In those days humble reverence provided you with sweet honey alone, you stayed in meager shrines made of twigs, in tattered robes the gods were pleased with offerings of grapes and wreathes of wheat set upon carved heads. Lares, turn away from us those who scheme against us with their bronze weapons.

    Roman · personal

    the Lares

    PetitionProtectionPraise
    1st c. BC

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19. 019

    Prayer to Mercury

    OVID · FASTI · 5.681-690

    O Mercury, whether I have falsely called You to bear witness in the past, or deceitfully called upon Jupiter not to hear my empty promises, wash away my past perjuries, wash away yesterday's perfidious words, and allow me new perjuries to make when the new day dawns, and make the gods be indifferent to my lies. Grant that I may profit, grant joy in making a profit, grant that I may enjoy once more swindling my customers with deceitful words.

    Roman · literary

    Mercury

    Petition
    Augustan

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20. 020

    Prayer to Neptune

    ANONYMOUS · DEFIXIO / CURSE TABLET · AE 1997.977, Hamble, Britannia

    Lord Neptune, I commend to You the fellow who pounced upon what rightfully belongs to Muconus and therefore I remit to You the six silver coins along with the one who stole them. May You ensnare this thief who violated me in this way; may You attack him and consume his blood, Lord Neptune.

    Roman · personal

    Neptune

    Petition
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21. 021

    Prayer to Silvanus

    TITUS POMPONIUS VICTOR · CIL · XII.103

    Silvanus, high guardian of other gardens as well, we offer you this holy ash tree on the forest's edge with songs of thanks. We dedicate this for our fields and Alpine mountain, and may it be acceptable as a shrine for yourself. While I discharge the law and perform Caesar's duties should your shrine favorably safeguard and prosper me and mine, men returned to Rome, and grant safekeeping of the Italian land we cherish, then to you I will indeed dedicate a thousand great trees.

    Roman · personal

    Silvanus

    DedicationPetitionGratitude
    Imperial

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22. 022

    Prayer to Earth

    ANTONIUS MUSA · PRECATIO TERRAE

    Holy Goddess, Tellus, Mother of all Nature, engendering all things and regenerating them each day, as You alone bring forth from Your womb all things into life. Heavenly Goddess, overseeing all things on earth and throughout the seas, in whatever by silent nature is restored in sleep and in death, in the same way that You put to flight the Night with the Light You restore each day. Earth, Enricher of Life, You dispel the dark shadow of death and the disorder of vast endless Chaos. You hold back the winds and storms, the rain showers and tempests. You alone regulate the weather cycles. You give the Food of Life unfailingly, in fidelity, and when the soul by necessity departs, in You alone do we find refuge. Thus, whatever You give, in You all will be returned. Deservedly are You called Great Mother of the Gods. You are the Great Goddess, the Queen of Heaven. You, Goddess, I adore. I call upon Your power, come. Make what I ask to be readily and easily accomplished.

    Roman · ritual

    Earth

    InvocationPraisePetition
    1st c. BC - 1st c. AD

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23. 023

    Prayer to Venus

    LUCRETIUS · DE RERUM NATURA · 1.1-9

    Venus Genetrix, charmer of gods and mankind, nurturing Mother, beneath the starry signs that glide through the night, You enliven the ship-bearing seas and the fruitful earth, since it is through You that all things are conceived and animated into life to behold the Light of Day. Goddess, for You the winds make way, the heavenly clouds open at Your coming, the miraculous earth greets You with sweet scented flowers, for You the surface of the seas laugh, and the peaceful heavens glisten in luminescence.

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    InvocationPraise
    1st c. BC

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24. 024

    The ordeal of the Vestal Tuccia

    VALERIUS MAXIMUS · FACTA ET DICTA MEMORABILIA · 8.1.5

    O Vesta, if I have always brought pure hands to your secret services, make it so now that with this sieve I shall be able to draw water from the Tiber and bring it to Your temple.

    Roman · personal

    Vesta

    PetitionOath
    3rd c. BC (recorded 1st c. AD)

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25. 025

    Prayer to Juno

    APULEIUS · METAMORPHOSES · 6.4

    O spouse and sister of Mighty Jupiter, whether You are worshipped and adored in the public rites of the temples of Samos, or whether You are called upon singularly by women in their tearful moment of giving birth, Your glory is nourished. Famous among the Argives whose walls You defend, You who all the east venerates as Life-giving Zygia, who all the west names Lucina, may You be an advocate for me against my utter downfall, Juno Sospita, and endure until the end in all my weary labors, exhausted as I am, deliver me from imminent peril and free me from my fears, for I know You are accustomed to come of Your own accord to the assistance of such women who are pregnant and in danger.

    Roman · literary

    Juno

    PetitionInvocation
    2nd c. AD

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26. 026

    Prayer to Bacchus and Liber

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 4.11-17; 31

    Bacchus they call you, and Bromius, and Lyaeus, born in fire, and Savior also, who alone was born of two mothers. Revered as a God in Nyseus, unshorn Thyoneus, joyful Lenaeus, the sower of grapes, Lord of Nocturnal Revelries, the Bullroarer, and by many more names, Liber, are You known among the Greeks. Adored for your eternal youth, a youth everlasting, you the most beautiful among the celestial Gods high above, to You are sacrifices made when You, without horns upon Your most virgin head, are near and lend us Your assistance. Arising victorious in the East, illuminating those distant lands faded in memory, to outermost India as far as the banks of the Ganges. Calm and mild, may you come to us.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus, Liber

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

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27. 027

    Prayer to Bacchus

    PROPERTIUS · ELEGIAE · 3.17.1-10

    O Bacchus, humbly now I approach Your altar. Grant tranquil seas for me, Father, and a fair wind in my sails. You are able to tame even the rages of Venus; Your wine a cure for our sorrows. By You are lovers bound to one another; by You are their bonds dissolved.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus

    PetitionDedicationInvocation
    Augustan

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28. 028

    Prayer to Ceres

    APULEIUS · METAMORPHOSES · 6.2

    O merciful Mother, I pray You avert my sorrow, by Your generous and temperate right hand, by the joyful harvest festival, by Your mysteries kept in silent secrecy, by Your winged servants, the dragons who serve Your chariot as You go about, and by the furrows in Sicilian clods of earth, and the plow-wheels that churn them from firm soil, by the marriage of Proserpina that You discovered through diligently seeking after Your daughter, and by the mysteries held in silent secrecy within the Attic temple of Eleusis, halt the misery of Your servant Psyche. Among this piled wheat let me be concealed, if only for a few days, until the ire of so great a Goddess passes, or at least give me a quiet interval that I might rest from my great labour and travail.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres

    PetitionInvocation
    2nd c. AD

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29. 029

    Prayer to Ceres and Isis

    APULEIUS · METAMORPHOSES · 11.2

    O blessed Queen of Heaven, whether you are the Lady Ceres who is the original and motherly source of all fruitful things in earth, who after finding Your daughter Proserpina, through the great joy which You did presently conceive, made barren and unfruitful ground to be plowed and sown — You which nourishes all the fruits of the world by Your vigor and force; with whatsoever name or fashion it is lawful to call upon You, I pray You end my great travail and misery, and deliver me from the wretched fortune, which has for so long a time pursued me. Grant peace and rest if it please You to reply to my entreaties, for I have endured too much labor and peril. Remove from me this misshapen form, and return me to my pristine form, and if I have offended in any way the divine Majesty, let me rather die than live, for I am fully weary of my life.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres, Isis

    PetitionInvocation
    2nd c. AD

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30. 030

    Prayer to Diana

    HORACE · CARMINA · 3.22.1-8

    Guardian of hills and forest groves, Virgin, whom young mothers thrice invoke at childbirth, listen and deliver them from death. Triple goddess, to You I dedicate this pine tree that now overhangs my villa and each year the blood of a wild boar, who ponders an oblique thrust, I will gladly give to its roots as drink.

    Roman · personal

    Diana

    InvocationDedicationPetition
    Augustan

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31. 031

    Prayer to Diana and Eileithyia

    OVID · AMORES · 2.13.19-26

    Ilithyia, You who are compassionate towards women in labor, who suffer with great pains in their womb, their bodies strained in slow birth of the hidden child, gently attend to her, Ilithyia, and favor my prayers. She is worthy of Your aid, reward her with life, I will myself, dressed in pure white robes offer frankincense upon Your altar, I will myself carry votive gifts to lay at Your feet. And to Your altar's inscription I shall add, 'By Naso, for Corinna saved.' Act in this manner, and receive the legend inscribed and the gifts in Your sanctuary.

    Roman · personal

    Diana, Eileithyia

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

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32. 032

    Prayer to Apollo

    HORACE · CARMINA · 1.31.1-4; 17-20

    What may a poet ask in his prayers of You, Apollo? What can he say as he pours a libation of new wine to You? May Apollo grant that I enjoy good health and a sound mind, and, I pray, when I grow old, may He grant me a strife-free life, a clear mind and a lyre beside me with which to sing His praises.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo

    Petition
    Augustan

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33. 033

    Hymn to Aphrodite

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 5

    Mousa, tell me the deeds of golden Aphrodite Kypria, who stirs up sweet passion in the gods and subdues the tribes of mortal men and birds that fly in air and all the many creatures that the dry land rears, and all the sea: all these love the deeds of rich-crowned Kythereia... Hail, goddess, queen of well-builded Kypros! With you have I begun; now I will turn me to another hymn.

    Greek · hymn

    Aphrodite

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

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34. 034

    Hymn to Hermes

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 28

    Hermes, draw near, and to my prayer incline, messenger of Zeus, and Maia's son divine; prefect of contests, ruler of mankind, with heart almighty, and a prudent mind. Celestial messenger of various skill, whose powerful arts could watchful Argos kill. With winged feet 'tis thine through air to course, O friend of man, and prophet of discourse; great life-supporter, to rejoice is thine in arts gymnastic, and in fraud divine. With power endued all language to explain, of care the loosener, and the source of gain. Whose hand contains of blameless peace the rod, Korykion, blessed, profitable God. Of various speech, whose aid in works we find, and in necessities to mortal kind. Dire weapon of the tongue, which men revere, be present, Hermes, and thy suppliant hear; assist my works, conclude my life with peace, give graceful speech, and memory's increase.

    Greek · hymn

    Hermes, Zeus, Maia

    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)

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35. 035

    Hymn to Artemis

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 36

    Hear me, Zeus' daughter, celebrated queen, Bromia and Titanis, of a noble mien: in darts rejoicing, and on all to shine, torch-bearing Goddess, Diktynna divine. Over births presiding, and thyself a maid, to labour pangs imparting ready aid: dissolver of the zone, and wrinkled care, fierce huntress, glorying in the sylvan war: swift in the course, in dreadful arrows skilled, wandering by night, rejoicing in the field: of manly form, erect, of bounteous mind, illustrious Daimon, nurse of humankind: immortal, earthly, bane of monsters fell, 'tis thine, blest maid, on woody mounts to dwell: foe of the stag, whom woods and dogs delight, in endless youth you flourish fair and bright. O universal queen, august, divine, a various form, Kydonian power, is thine. Dread guardian Goddess, with benignant mind, auspicious come, to mystic rites inclined; give earth a store of beauteous fruits to bear, send gentle peace, and health with lovely hair, and to the mountains drive disease and care.

    Greek · hymn

    Artemis

    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)

    →
36. 036

    Prayer to Bacchus and Liber

    OVID · FASTI · 3.789-790

    Father, turn your mild head here, and gentle horns, and spread the sails of my art to a favourable breeze.

    Roman · personal

    Bacchus, Liber

    Petition
    early 1st c. AD

    →
37. 037

    Prayer to Demeter

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY (ADAPTED FROM ORPHIC) · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for Luck — Hymn to Demetra

    O' Dio, mother of all, respected Goddess, Demetra, giver of Happiness. O' Goddess, bringer of wealth, who provides everything and rejoices in peace, nurturing Goddess of many children, much respected, multi-formed, prolific. Come, blessed and pure, bringing peace, and desirable prosperity, blessed wealth and the Noble Hygeia.

    Greek · ritual

    Demeter

    InvocationPetition
    →
38. 038

    Prayer to Hera

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY (ADAPTED FROM ORPHIC) · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for Luck — Hymn to Hera

    Hera, Queen of all, blissful wife of Zeus, air-formed and seated in dark blue bays, granting to mortals the gentle soul-nurturing breeze. All begetting, Mother of rain, tender of the winds. No living thing knows the complete nature of life without you, because you partake in everything merged with the sacred air. You alone dominate all and rule over everything. Blissful Goddess, renowned queen of all, may you come with goodwill to our solemn ceremony.

    Greek · ritual

    Hera

    InvocationPraise
    →
39. 039

    Prayer to Tyche and Artemis

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for Luck — Hymn to Tyche

    Come Tyche, I invite you, benevolent ruler, hear my prayer; kind traveller of all roads, in wealthy estates, the reigning Artemis, the renowned, born of Euvouleos' blood, possessing undefeatable glory, sepulchral, meandering, famed among men; From You flows the diversity of mortal life, for some, you provide a wealthy multitude of possessions, and to others dread poverty, welling up as angry outrage in the soul. Goddess, I plead for you to bring your goodwill, filling our lives with well-being and wealthy gifts. And I plead with You, O' Goddess, come with benevolence into our lives, bringing happiness and wealth. O' Benevolent Goddess Tyche, foster good fortune and bring about the desired results.

    Greek · ritual

    Tyche, Artemis

    InvocationPetition
    →
40. 040

    Prayer to Artemis

    ANAKREON TYIOS · PRAYER TO ARTEMIS · fr. 1 Bergk (= 348 PMG)

    To you I kneel O' deer-huntress, blonde daughter of Zeus, lady of the animals, Artemis, now surely alongside the currents of the Litheos, you look after the brave men of the city, and you rejoice because you do not herd unknowing citizens.

    Greek · personal

    Artemis

    PetitionInvocation
    2nd c. BC

    →
41. 041

    Prayer to Hecate

    ANONYMOUS / ORPHIC TRADITION · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Full Moon Ceremony — Hymn to Hekate

    I praise Hekate of the crossroads; venerable Enodia, heavenly, khthonian and of the sea; saffron-robed, of the grave, entwined in Bakkhic revelries with the souls of the dead; Perseia, the lonely, rejoicing with the deer; nocturnal, invincible queen, accompanied by dogs and the shrieking of beasts; she of the irresistible countenance, armoured, bull-drawn, key-bearing queen of all the world; ruler, nymph, nurturer, you who frequent the mountains, I plead with you, Maiden, attend this holy ceremony with joyful disposition and good intent towards the worshippers.

    Greek · ritual

    Hecate

    InvocationPraise
    →
42. 042

    Prayer to Hermes

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Noumenia — Ode to Hermes

    Heed my prayer, Hermes of the roads, Zeus' Messenger, You who has an almighty heart, dear friend of mortals. With this modest libation, I evoke Thee to come as Protector of this Oikos and our land, swift-footed Messenger of the Will of the Gods!

    Greek · ritual

    Hermes

    InvocationPetition
    →
43. 043

    Prayer to the Korybantes

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Purification Ceremony

    I call on the great eternal Khthonian king Koryvant', the blessed; Arean and terrifying youth of the night, who dispels evil fears, helper of the imagination, wandering Koryvanta, multi-formed king, dual natured god, many-formed, bloodstained, blood-drenched brother, you who, with the consent of Zeus, changed your pure body, assuming beast-like and serpentine form: Come, Blessed, hear this call and dispel all grievances, chase away unhealthy imaginings and the undesirable needs of the soul.

    Greek · ritual

    the Korybantes

    InvocationProtection
    →
44. 044

    Prayer to the Kouretes

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Purification Ceremony

    Bronze-sounding Kouretes, heavenly, and earthly, and of the waters, much blessed, life giving spirits, glorious saviours of the world, you who remove the dangers from peoples' lives, Immortal Kouretes, possessors of exalted arms, when coming to Earth thundering you fill the wild beasts with fear! Immortal Gods, who nurture the mortal species. O' Kouretes, noble and powerful, youths of Zeus, eternal spirits, soul nurturers, gracious saviours. I call upon you to come with good intentions, shield bearing guardians, bring harmony, perfect order, and peace. Heracles, Paionai, Epimedes, Iasios, and Ida!

    Greek · ritual

    the Kouretes

    InvocationPetitionProtection
    →
45. 045

    Prayer to Faunus

    HORACE · CARMINA · 3.18.1-8

    Amorous Faunus, from whom the Nymphs flee, step lightly across my boundaries and sunny fields, and soon depart, leaving your blessing on my young lambs and kids, and leveled tender shoots. If gentle, at year's end a plumb kid I'll offer, with wine libations liberally poured from the cups of Venus' devotees, and many sweet, fragrant herbs I'll burn on your ancient altar.

    Roman · personal

    Faunus

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

    →
46. 046

    Prayer to Hecate

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 4.609-612

    Nocturnal Hecate, who is called at the crossroads throughout the City, and Avenging Dirae, and Elissa's gods of the dying, hear our prayers, heed them, and direct your awful powers against those who deserve it.

    Roman · literary

    Hecate

    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan

    →
47. 047

    Prayer to the Lares

    PLAUTUS · MERCATOR · 865

    Lares of the roadside, I call upon you to kindly protect me.

    Roman · personal

    the Lares

    PetitionProtection
    2nd c. BC

    →
48. 048

    Prayer to Mercury

    HORACE · SATIRES · 2.6.4-5

    It is well. Nothing more ample do I pray, O Maia's son, save that You will make these my gifts last throughout my life.

    Roman · personal

    Mercury

    Petition
    Augustan

    →
49. 049

    Prayer to Mercury

    HORACE · SATIRES · 2.6.14-15

    May You, Mercurius, make plump the riches of my house and all else there, spare my natural talents in any case, and as usual, may You remain the primary guardian over me.

    Roman · personal

    Mercury

    Petition
    Augustan

    →
50. 050

    Prayer to Perfidia

    PLAUTUS · ASINARIA · 545-546

    Praise and thanks we ought justly to give to the great god of treachery, Mercurius, for surely there is no end in sight to our own slanderous ways, our deceitfulness or our slyness.

    Roman · literary

    Perfidia

    GratitudePraise
    2nd c. BC

    →
51. 051

    Prayer to Minerva

    CICERO · DE DOMO SUA AD PONTIFICES · 144

    O Minerva, You have always come to my aid with Your counsels, witness to the existence of my works.

    Roman · personal

    Minerva

    GratitudeInvocation
    1st c. BC

    →
52. 052

    Prayer to Minerva

    SENECA · HERCULES FURENS · 900

    To you, you alone, O warlike Pallas Minerva, I pray, friend and companion in all my toils; Tamer of Lycurgus, ivy wreathed you crossed the eastern seas, bearing the Thyrsus in your hand; and you divine twins, Apollo and Diana, hear my prayer.

    Roman · literary

    Minerva, Apollo, Diana

    InvocationPetition
    1st c. AD

    →
53. 053

    Prayer to Neptune

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 8.595-598

    O Neptune, who reigns over the realm of wandering waves, Bearer of the Trident, come to our aid, I pray, and undo her father's savagery. Neptune, grant her a safe haven, or else allow her to become a place herself, to live forever as one of Your nymphs.

    Roman · literary

    Neptune

    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan

    →
54. 054

    Prayer to Neptune

    PLAUTUS · RUDENS · 906-910

    Thanks be to Neptune my patron, who dwells in the fish-teeming salt sea, for speeding me homeward from his sacred abode, well laden and in a good hour.

    Roman · literary

    Neptune

    Gratitude
    2nd c. BC

    →
55. 055

    Prayer to Neptune

    PLAUTUS · TRINUMMUS · 819-830

    O Neptunus, brother of Jove and Nereus, heartily and gladly I give you praise and grateful thanks. And to you, Neptunus, before all other gods I offer and accord you the highest thanks. I give you praise, for you know how to treat men fairly; this befits the gods.

    Roman · literary

    Neptune

    GratitudePraise
    2nd c. BC

    →
56. 056

    Prayer to Silvanus

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · III.5561

    Happiness dwells in here, where nothing evil may enter.

    Roman · personal

    Silvanus

    Protection
    →
57. 057

    Prayer to Venus

    HORACE · CARMINA · 1.30.1-8

    Come to us Venus, O Queen of Cnidos and Paphos, leave Cyprus, though the isle is dear to You, come instead to where the incense is thick and Glycera sings to You, that you may transfer Your home to a new shrine among us. Bring along for Your company desirous Cupid, loose-girdled Graces and Nymphs, youthful Juventus and Mercury, who without You are graceless.

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    InvocationPetition
    Augustan

    →
58. 058

    Prayer to Venus

    HORACE · CARMINA · 4.1.1-2

    After so long a time, do You once more disturb my peace of mind with desires? Spare me, Venus, I pray, I beg of You!

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    Petition
    Augustan

    →
59. 059

    Prayer to Venus

    OVID · AMORES · 1.3.1-6

    My prayer is just. May Venus hear all our many prayers. Take one who would serve You through long years, accept one who knows how to love with a pure heart.

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    Petition
    Augustan

    →
60. 060

    Prayer to Venus

    PLAUTUS · RUDENS · 694-701

    Kind Venus, tearfully we plead to You, as we kneel and clasp this your altar, receive us into Your safekeeping and watch over us. Take vengeance on the wicked who have belittled your sanctuary, and in Your goodness let us remain at this altar as a refuge from our suffering. Be not offended with us, nor hold us at fault, if there be anything about us that to you is unclean.

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    PetitionProtection
    2nd c. BC

    →
61. 061

    Prayer to Venus

    OVID · FASTI · 4.1

    Nurturing Venus, Mother of the twin Loves, favour me.

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    Invocation
    Augustan

    →
62. 062

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · petition prayer

    Mother, on You I call, come, stand by me, stay, and listen to my pleas. Speak to me once again, in Your own words, as You did before. I pray You put an end now to my harsh hardship, declare an end to ruinous fortune, in whose cruel snare so long have I endured, and bestow upon me peace and rest from my labors and perils.

    Roman · personal

    Carmenta

    PetitionInvocation
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

    →
63. 063

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · popana offering

    In You, dearest Mother, in Your hands we place our safekeeping. Carmentis, in offering to You this cake of cheese I pray good prayers in order that, pleased with this offering of popana cake, You may be favorable towards our children and to us, towards our homes and our households.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta

    DedicationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

    →
64. 064

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · dream prayer

    O Carmenae, may you bring better dreams than this evil vision that has awakened me from a peaceful sleep; let it not be a prophetic vision. Cast far away from me this vain and false vision, and cease plucking my intestines with your zealous inquiries. Carmenae, I pray, turn this cruel dream to good, as night is turned into day, and bid the warm South wind to carry it away.

    Roman · personal

    Carmenta, Porrima, Postvorta

    PetitionProtection
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

    →
65. 065

    Prayer to Hercules

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · VI.312

    Invincible Alcides, I pray to You joyfully bringing deserved gifts after duly performing Your sacred rites.

    Roman · personal

    Hercules

    DedicationGratitude
    →
66. 066

    Prayer to Hercules

    LUCIUS AUFIDIUS · CIL · CIL IX 3569

    Lucius Aufidius, son of Decius, deservedly devotes this gift to you, Hercules, to pay an annual tithe for the upkeep of your shrine. At the same time he asks of You, You who are a holy God, to help him and give him Your peace.

    Roman · personal

    Hercules

    DedicationPetition
    →
67. 067

    Prayer to Hercules

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 15.39-40

    O Hercules, to whom twelve labors was given, help me, I pray, since you are witness to the accusations made against me.

    Roman · literary

    Hercules

    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan

    →
68. 068

    Prayer to Hercules

    PROPERTIUS · ELEGIAE · 4.9.71-74

    Because Your hands have purified the Earth, the Sabines of Cures called You Sancus, The Holy One. Hail Father Sancus, whom austere Juno now favors. O Sancus, may You wish to be with me and Your spirit be in my books.

    Roman · literary

    Hercules

    PraisePetition
    Augustan

    →
69. 069

    Prayer to Hercules

    NUMISIA AFRODITE · CIL · CIL VI 286

    I, Numisia Afrodite, gave this gift to Hercules on behalf of my son and family.

    Roman · personal

    Hercules

    Dedication
    →
70. 070

    Prayer to Janus

    HORACE · SATIRES · 2.6.20-21

    Father Matutinus, or else Janus, if You so prefer to hear, regarded by men as the beginning of works and life's labors, so does it please the Gods, may You begin my song.

    Roman · literary

    Janus

    Invocation
    Augustan

    →
71. 071

    Prayer to Janus

    MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 8.2.8

    May You give, Father Janus, what we ask of You.

    Roman · literary

    Janus

    Petition
    1st c. AD

    →
72. 072

    Prayer to Janus

    OVID · FASTI · 1.172

    Janus, though I propitiate other Gods, I do offer wine and cakes to You first, so that I may obtain access through You, Janus, to any of the other Gods I may call upon.

    Roman · literary

    Janus

    DedicationPetition
    Augustan

    →
73. 073

    Alcmena's oath

    PLAUTUS · AMPHITRYON · 831-834

    By the Highest Gods ruling in the heavens, by Juno, too, She whom most of all I fear and venerate, I swear that no mortal man has ever come near enough to touch me or in any way impugn upon my chastity or has given me cause for shame.

    Roman · literary

    Juno

    Oath
    2nd c. BC

    →
74. 074

    Prayer to Juno

    SENECA · HERCULES ON OETA · 256-262

    Wherever You may be in the ethereal regions, O wife of Jupiter Tonans, send a wild beast against Alcides as may satisfy my need. If a serpent moves through the marsh with a fruitful head, more vast than all others born in this region, if a feral beast lives that is so immense, so dire, so horrible that Hercules Himself would avert His eye, let this beast come forth from some vast cave.

    Roman · literary

    Juno

    Petition
    1st c. AD

    →
75. 075

    Prayer to Juno

    VALERIUS FLACCUS · ARGONAUTICA · 1.80-90

    Almighty Queen of Heaven, remember when Jupiter made the skies grow wild with black clouds and sheets of rain; remember when Thundering Jupiter commanded Your return to the marriage bed, and how You, frightened with sudden capture and at being left destitute following Your rape, sought only how to flee; remember how it was I who carried You upon my shoulders across the storm swollen Enipeus. Grant, Juno, that I may arrive safely to Scythia where the Phasis flows.

    Roman · literary

    Juno

    Petition
    1st c. AD

    →
76. 076

    Prayer to Mother Earth and the Manes

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · CIL III 3989

    Therefore I pray to you Gods of the Underworld, into whose arms I am compelled headlong by the Gods above, that you admit me into your realm with the least amount of torment.

    Roman · personal

    Mother Earth, the Manes

    Petition
    →
77. 077

    Prayer to Proserpina and Dis Pater

    PROPERTIUS · ELEGIAE · 2.28c.1-2

    O Proserpina, may Your clemency remain merciful on the souls You keep, and may You Dis Pater, Proserpina's consort, not desire to be stern.

    Roman · literary

    Proserpina, Dis Pater

    Petition
    Augustan

    →
78. 078

    Prayer to Jupiter

    TACITUS · ANNALES · 16.35

    We pour out a libation to Jupiter the Liberator. Observe, discover, and may the Gods avert the omen from you, my son, but you are born into a time when it is expedient to fortify your spirit with examples of courage and firmness of mind in the face of adversity.

    Roman · personal

    Jupiter

    DedicationPetition
    1st c. AD

    →
79. 079

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · incense offering

    Carmentis, I make this offering of incense to You and pray with good prayers that You will look kindly and favorably upon our children and upon us, on our homes and on our households.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta

    DedicationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

    →
80. 080

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · milk libation

    Carmentis, may You be strengthened by this libation, may You be honored by this portion of milk.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta

    Dedication
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

    →
81. 081

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · ritual opening

    Come, be present, Carmentis. May Your sisters Porrima and Postvorta attend You. With joyful mind come, Mother of Arcadian Evander.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta, Porrima, Postvorta

    Invocation
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

    →
82. 082

    Prayer to Bacchus

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 11.131-132

    Forgive me, Father Bacchus, I was mistaken, but have pity, I pray, and command that I should be torn from your beauty!

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus

    Petition
    Augustan

    →
83. 083

    Prayer to Bacchus

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 3.6.1-4

    Splendid Liber, draw near to me! With your forever mystical vine, and your ivy bound head, carry off my sorrows, in the same manner as you have so often used wine's healing powers to overcome the pangs of love.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus

    PetitionInvocation
    1st c. BC

    →
84. 084

    Prayer to Ceres

    LIVIUS ANDRONICUS · EQUOS TROIANOS

    Grant me the strength, Goddess, to whom I ask, to whom I pray; extend your assistance to me.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres

    Petition
    3rd c. BC

    →
85. 085

    Prayer to Ceres

    OVID · AMORES · 3.10.3-14; 43-48

    Flaxen-haired Ceres, Your fine tresses wreathed with ears of wheat, why must your sacred rites inhibit our pleasures? Goddess, people everywhere praise your munificence. No other goddess so lavishes men and women with everything good. In earlier times the uncouth peasant never roasted grains of wheat, never knew a threshing floor, but oak trees, those first oracles, provided them with gruel. Acorns, tender roots and herbs made their meal then. Ceres first taught seeds to ripen in the fields, taught how to follow Her with scythe against their golden hair, first broke the oxen to yoke and reveal the fertile earth beneath its curved blade.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres

    PraisePetition
    Augustan

    →
86. 086

    Prayer to Ceres

    SENECA · HERCULES FURENS · 229

    For you, Goddess of the Fruits of the Earth, your secret rites I will fund; in your shrine at Eleusis shall burn the sacred flame in celebration of your mysteries.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres

    DedicationOath
    1st c. AD

    →
87. 087

    Prayer to Ceres

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 1.1.15-16

    Golden-haired Ceres, bless this our farm; a crown of wheat I shall hang before your altar.

    Roman · personal

    Ceres

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. BC

    →
88. 088

    Prayer to Diana and Isis

    APULEIUS · METAMORPHOSES · 11.2

    Diana, who are the sister of the God Phoebus, who nourishes so many people by the generation of beasts, and are now adored at the sacred places of Ephesus — You who is worshipped in divers manners, and does illuminate all the borders of the earth by Your feminine shape, You which nourishes all the fruits of the world by Your vigor and force; with whatsoever name or fashion it is lawful to call upon You, I pray You end my great travail and misery, and deliver me from the wretched fortune, which has for so long a time pursued me. Grant peace and rest if it please You to reply to my entreaties, for I have endured too much labor and peril.

    Roman · literary

    Diana, Isis

    PetitionInvocation
    2nd c. AD

    →
89. 089

    Prayer to Diana

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · CIL III 8298

    Virgin Goddess of Delia, known for Your favoring grace, what offerings You demand I happily give.

    Roman · personal

    Diana

    DedicationPetition
    →
90. 090

    Prayer to Diana

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · CIL X 3796

    Resident of Tifata, Glorious Virgin of hunters, in this place, Daughter of Latona, was Your temple established, renowned by the whole of mankind, Dweller of the Forest, and here as well, an unending praise of life for You who preserves honor.

    Roman · personal

    Diana

    PraiseDedication
    →
91. 091

    Prayer to Diana

    GRATTIUS FALISCUS · CYNEGETICA · 1-2

    I sing in thanks for the gifts of the Gods, and for those gifts, O Diana, which are under Your auspices, for those skills in which hunters delight.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    GratitudePraise
    Augustan

    →
92. 092

    Prayer to Diana

    HORACE · CARMINA · 1.21.1; 5-8

    Tender virgins recite their prayers to You, Diana, You who delight in dark rivers and quivering forest foliage, wherever You may be, atop the chilly height of Algidus, or in the Erymanthic woods, or verdant Cragus.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

    →
93. 093

    Prayer to Diana and Venus

    LAEVIUS · CARMINA · fr. 26; p. 292

    Therefore adoring You as though You were nurturing Venus Herself, whether You are female, or whether You are male, even so, Illuminating the Night, You are a nurturing Moon.

    Roman · literary

    Diana, Venus

    PraiseInvocation
    2nd-1st c. BC

    →
94. 094

    Prayer to Diana

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 5.618-620

    Help me, Diana, for I am overwhelmed. Diana, I am Your servant, Your arms-bearer, to whom You have often given Your bow to carry, and who filled Your quiver with arrows.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan

    →
95. 095

    Prayer to Diana

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 6.327-328

    Favour me, Goddess, lead me, and lend me your support.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    Petition
    Augustan

    →
96. 096

    Prayer to Diana

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 1.329-330

    Whoever you may be, whether Diana or a Nymph, may You favor us and lighten our labors.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    PetitionInvocation
    →
97. 097

    Prayer to Diana

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 6.633-637

    Goddess, divine power of woodland groves, to You and to Your honour, these locks of my hair are owed, and by the vow made to You also comes this wrong. If my mother or I merited your good assistance in the hunt, I ask You not allow me to go to Thebes under foreboding signs, nor allow Arcadia to plunge into so much shame.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

    →
98. 098

    Prayer to Diana

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 10.360-370

    By these wandering stars I swear, by the shade of my leader, who is to me a divine power, that like the depth of my grief so is my deep resolve. Cynthia, mistress of arcane mysteries of the night, if Your divine power is threefold and You descend into the forest each time with a different appearance, it was he who recently was Your companion, and whose honor was nurtured in Your sacred grove. At least consider now to lend me Your aid, for it is this boy, Diana, for whom I search.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    OathPetition
    1st c. AD

    →
99. 099

    Prayer to Apollo

    ANONYMOUS · CARMINA LATINA EPIGRAPHICA · 2.1841

    Phoebus Tirynthia, I pray, please accept this offering on my behalf. This gift I offer in thanks to You for the good health and strength that I have had.

    Roman · personal

    Apollo

    GratitudeDedication
    late 2nd c. AD

    →
100. 100

     Prayer to Apollo

     MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 4.45.1-2

     An offering I gladly give You, Phoebus, a box of fragrant incense, from Palatinu Parthenius on behalf of his son.

     Roman · personal

     Apollo

     Dedication
     1st c. AD

     →
101. 101

     Prayer to Apollo

     OVID · REMEDIA AMORIS · 75-76

     From the very outset I pray to You, Apollo, inventor of music and of all the healing arts, come to my aid and this undertaking; bless it with Your laurel.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     InvocationPetition
     Augustan

     →
102. 102

     Prayer to Apollo

     OVID · REMEDIA AMORIS · 704

     Come, health-bearing Apollo, come favoring my undertaking.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     Invocation
     Augustan

     →
103. 103

     Prayer to Sol

     PACUVIUS · MEDUS · fr. 2

     Sol, I call to You that You may guide me on my search for my parents.

     Roman · literary

     Sol

     Petition
     2nd c. BC

     →
104. 104

     Prayer to Apollo and Diana

     PETRONIUS ARBITER · CARMINA · 94 PLM

     God of Delphi, I have dedicated to You a temple made of fine Sicilian marble, spoken aloud Your praises while accompanied by the sweet sounds of the calamus reeds. If ever You hear our prayers, Apollo, and if indeed You are divine, tell me now, by what means does a man without money seek to find it?

     Roman · literary

     Apollo, Diana

     PetitionDedication
     1st c. AD

     →
105. 105

     Prayer to Apollo

     PLAUTUS · AULULARIA · 394-396

     Apollo, please, help me, and with your arrows slay these treasure-laden thieves. As you have done before, swiftly come to my aid and draw your bow.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     PetitionProtection
     2nd c. BC

     →
106. 106

     Prayer to Apollo

     PLAUTUS · MERCATOR · 678-680

     Apollo, I beseech you, graciously grant peace, prosperity, safety and sound health to our family, and spare my son by your gracious favour.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     PetitionProtection
     2nd c. BC

     →
107. 107

     Prayer to Apollo

     SENECA · HERCULES FURENS · 592

     Your pardon I do desire, Apollo, if you see in my actions what is forbidden; for it was by the will of another that I revealed hidden things of the earth.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     Petition
     1st c. AD

     →
108. 108

     Prayer to Apollo

     STATIUS · THEBAID · 7.786-788

     Now my last words before I depart, if any gratitude I owe to your prophet, O Phoebus, I commend my home and family shrines to You, and leave to You the punishment of my faithless wife and my beautiful son's impassioned furor.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     PetitionDedication
     1st c. AD

     →
109. 109

     Prayer to Apollo

     STATIUS · THEBAID · 8.91-94

     O great Surveyor of all men, You who know the causes and principles of our actions, and who is a Father to me and Savior as well, I pray, lessen Your resolve against me and still Your angry heart, do not think me worthy of Your wrath one who is but a man and who fears Your laws.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     Petition
     1st c. AD

     →
110. 110

     Prayer to Apollo

     STATIUS · THEBAID · 10.337-345

     To You, Phoebus Apollo, go these spoils, prizes of the night, taken from distinguished nobles, not yet washed clean of their blood. I trust that truly I have offered You an acceptable sacrifice. I, Your faithful priest and defender of Your sacred tripod against uncivilized enemies, commit these to You. If I have not disgraced Your traditional rites and strictly kept Your rule, come often to me, think me worthy to often enter into my thoughts and seize my mind. Although now crude honors are offered You — these broken arms stained with blood of honorable men — if ever, Paean, You will grant the return of my native home and the temples I long for, God of Lycia, remember my vows, and however many rich gifts and as many bulls as I have promised, demand they be fulfilled.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     DedicationPetitionOath
     1st c. AD

     →
111. 111

     Prayer to Apollo

     TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 2.5.1-4; 122-123

     Give your favour, Phoebus, to a new priest who enters your temple. Be gracious, and with songs and lyre, come! When your fingers pluck the chords, and you give voice to song, I pray you may inspire my words into your praises. May your hair be ever flowing, Phoebus; may your sister be forever chaste.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     PetitionInvocationPraise
     1st c. BC

     →
112. 112

     Prayer to Apollo

     VALERIUS FLACCUS · ARGONAUTICA · 5.17-20

     Turn to us now, Mighty Archer, I pray that finally now, Apollo, You will come to our aid! Father, revive the life of this man. If You approve of what we do, then stir back to life he who is of the utmost importance for the success of our venture; and so from this one does the fate of all hands depends.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     PetitionInvocation
     1st c. AD

     →
113. 113

     Prayer to Apollo

     VALERIUS FLACCUS · ARGONAUTICA · 5.244-249

     Father Apollo, I pray to You, all-seeing guardian God, be gracious to me and protect me, watching over my kingdom. Be ever vigilant and warn me what strangers or what subjects of mine conspire against me. Whatever treacherous plots there may be, keep me alert and prepared.

     Roman · literary

     Apollo

     PetitionProtection
     1st c. AD

     →
114. 114

     Prayer to Bacchus

     CAESIUS BASSIUS · HYMN OF CALLIMACHUS

     Come, O Lyaeus, bihorned Bassareus, two-mothered Maenalius, come into this place I prepare with sleek, shiny hair. May You arouse with a crown of ivy and golden clusters of grapes, and bear shaft of new green wood, O Gentle One, may You come to this altar, Bacchus, Bacchus, Bacchus.

     Roman · ritual

     Bacchus

     Invocation
     →
115. 115

     Prayer to Bacchus

     ANONYMOUS · FLORES CARMINA · 2

     Bacchus, inventor of vines, may you arrive full of wines, may you pour forth the sweet liquid, to be compared with nectar, and make the old pleasant, and turned to another use, may it not lead harsh flavor to our spiteful veins.

     Roman · ritual

     Bacchus

     InvocationPetition
     →
116. 116

     Prayer to Bacchus

     GRATTIUS · CYNEGETICA · 475-476

     Liber expels light cares from the heart, Liber brings soothing relief from distress. Liber expels pains from the chest, Liber bears medicine to soothe a fever.

     Roman · literary

     Bacchus

     Praise
     Augustan

     →
117. 117

     Prayer to Bacchus

     HORACE · CARMINA · 2.19.7-8

     Euhoe! Save me Liber, spare me grave master of the fearful ivy-rod.

     Roman · literary

     Bacchus

     PetitionInvocation
     Augustan

     →
118. 118

     Prayer to Bacchus

     HORACE · CARMINA · 3.25.18-20

     In spring, O Lenaeus Bacchus, I follow You, a god wreathed with ivy.

     Roman · literary

     Bacchus

     PraiseInvocation
     Augustan

     →
119. 119

     Prayer to Silvanus

     ANONYMOUS · CARMINA LATINA EPIGRAPHICA · 2.250.12

     Come, O God, kind patron, come! May you favor us in your presence.

     Roman · personal

     Silvanus

     InvocationPetition
     2nd c. AD

     →