Cadmus God Quote by John Milton
““ So spake the Enemie of Mankind, enclos'd In Serpent, Inmate bad, and toward EVE Address'd his way, not with indented wave, Prone on the ground, as since, but on his reare, Circular base of rising foulds, that tour'd Fould above fould a surging Maze, his Head Crested aloft, and Carbuncle his Eyes; With burnisht Neck of verdant Gold, erect Amidst his circling Spires, that on the grass Floted redundant: pleasing was his shape, And lovely, never since of Serpent kind Lovelier, not those that in ILLYRIA chang'd HERMIONE and CADMUS, or the God In EPIDAURUS; nor””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unidentified, possibly inspired by Miltonic style, 17th‑century mythic imagery
The passage describes a serpentine, divine figure with elaborate, symbolic features, blending myth and cosmic symbolism.
In simple terms: A majestic, snake‑like being is portrayed with vivid, mythic details.
Key Takeaway
Consider the power of mythic imagery to convey complex ideas.
Themes
myth
symbolism
divinity
nature
transformation
Mood
mysterious
enigmatic
Type
literary
mythic
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- creative writing
- visual arts
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
mythic archetype
cosmic order
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the serpent represent?
- How does the imagery affect your perception of divinity?
A Different Perspective
The obscure language may obscure meaning for modern readers.
