Genesis and structure of the orphic mystery cults

The article explicates the genesis and structure of the Orphic mystery cult; it is an attempt to reconstruct the Orphics doctrine, their symbolism, rituals and lifestyle. The constitutive element of this cult was the mythological figure of Orpheus, semi-divine poet, musician and theologian, who left the hymns dedicated to the gods and their relationship with mortals. It is the writings of Orpheus, which contained secret knowledge, and the means of initiation into it, they were used by the Orphics. The mystery cult was a sort of sacred self-organization tool of ancient man, within it wandering priests conveyed the teachings of the divine singer and poet Orpheus Samothrace on ways of initiatic liberation of people from their Titanic nature, for inclusion to the ranks of immortal gods and heroes.