good. This new Proem
The Proem (C/DK step 1.1-32) is by far more done part available away from Parmenides’ poem. This is certainly owed completely so you’re able to Sextus Empiricus, who quoted Outlines step one-29 of the Proem (C1) general and you may explicitly reported that they first started the newest poem (Coxon Try. 136). Not only are definitely the almost all such outlines (step 1.1-28) not cited by the all other old source, but their articles isn’t also stated from inside the passage. Simplicius quotes outlines C/DK 1.31-32 immediately following quoting traces much like Sextus’ step 1.28-29, and therefore talking about generally brought to prevent the latest Proem.
However, you will find particular controversy concerning your best ending of your Proem. When you are Traces step one.28-30 was claimed by several even more supplies (Diogenes Laertius, Plutarch, Clement, and you can Proclus), Simplicius alone rates outlines step 1.31-thirty-two. Conversely, Sextus proceeded their cut-off quotation of your own Proem immediately following line 1.29 toward lines already assigned to C/DK eight.2-seven, because if these instantaneously used. Almost all of the interpreters has actually used these two motions. Although not, there could be reasons in order to complications it reconstruction (compare Bicknell 1968; Kurfess 2012, 2014).
The fresh new Proem reveals mid-step, having a primary-individual membership away from an enthusiastic unnamed childhood (basically taken to getting Parmenides themselves) travelling along a beneficial divine path to see good didactic (together with unnamed) deity. The fresh youthfulness makes reference to himself operating inside the an excellent chariot that have fire-glaring rims turning on tubing-whistling axles, and this seems to be traversing the fresh heavens. The new chariot is actually removed because of the mares, steered of the Daughters of your Sunlight (brand new Heliades), which began the trip during the Home out-of Nights. Brand new class eventually finds a few tightly-locked, bronze-installing doorways-new Doors regarding Night and day. To go through these types of “aethereal” gates, this new Heliades need to persuade Fairness to help you unlock new doorways that have softer words. Immediately after effectively passage from this portal and driving to your yawning maw beyond, this new childhood is actually fundamentally welcomed from the unnamed goddess, and the youth’s basic-individual membership finishes.
Diels-Kranz broke up Sextus’ quote toward line of fragments (step one and you can 7) and you may added Simplicius’ lines into the avoid off C/DK step 1
Of numerous keeps consider the latest chariot travel with it a keen ascent into the heavens/white because the a beneficial metaphor to own gaining enlightenment/studies as well as leaking out out-of darkness/ignorance. But not, it can take a look you to definitely one chariot excursion brought of the sunshine goddesses is best understood because the adopting the ecliptic path of your own sun and you may Go out (and, that of the latest moon and Nights). This is exactly subsequent affirmed because of the one or two geographical places explicitly titled (the fresh new “Home from Evening” while the “Doorways regarding Day-and-night”), all of which can be typically found in the underworld of the Homer and you can Hesiod. Therefore, new chariot excursion is ultimately rounded, ending in which it first started (examine C2/DK5). Regarding Domestic out of Night-far underneath the center of one’s Earth-the fresh Heliades carry out go after an ascending arch to the east border of your own World, where sunlight/moonlight go up. The journey carry out after that remain after the ecliptic path right up all over the latest sky to help you apogee, and then arrive toward more tips here sundown regarding the Western. Will eventually collectively this station over the Earth they will gather its mortal costs. After this game highway, new troupe manage fundamentally are available into the newest underworld from the Doors out-of Day-and-night. Not merely is actually such doorways typically found instantaneously before our home from Evening, however the reference to chasm that lies past her or him is an appropriate poetical breakdown of your totally black Domestic away from Nights. About this understanding, rather than a metaphorical ascent for the enlightenment, new youth’s trip is actually an excellent didactic katabasis (an origin towards underworld). In addition suggests a prospective personality of private spokes-goddess-Evening (compare Palmer 2009).
