Orphics

The Orphics were a philosophical and religious movement that emerged in the 6th century BCE, originating in Thrace and later spreading to Greece. The movement was named after Orpheus, a legendary poet and musician, who is believed to have introduced the Orphic teachings. The Orphics were characterized by their belief in the unity of all things and the existence of a single, divine principle, which they called the Logos or Nous (Mind). They emphasized the importance of wisdom, virtue, and self-discipline, and taught that the ultimate goal of life was to achieve union with this divine principle.

The Orphics had a significant influence on Greek philosophy and religion. Their ideas were adopted and developed by later philosophers, such as Pythagoras and Plato, and their religious practices, such as the use of sacred music and the worship of the gods, were incorporated into various Greek cults. The Orphics also had a lasting impact on Western thought, as their emphasis on the unity of all things and the importance of wisdom and virtue continues to resonate in modern philosophical and religious discourse.