After the genealogy of the gods was spoken, the creator of the universe addresses the gods that it created. The gods are beings that have come into existence, but they are not undone by the will of the creator and are exempt from death.

However, in order to complete the universe, three more mortal races are still needed. The Creator provides the divine and dominant part of the species themselves, and entrusts the remaining mortal parts to the gods, who weave them together to create and nurture life.

Dialogue Text

Timaios (Continued). Therefore, regarding the generation of these gods, let us follow what those people say and accept it as follows: Oceanus and Tethys were born as children of the Earth and Sky, and from these two deities came Pontus, Cronus, Rhea, and other gods who are their contemporaries. Furthermore, Zeus, Hera, and all the gods known as their siblings were born from Cronus and Rhea, along with their descendants. Thus, both the gods who appear in visible form in the sky and those gods who reveal themselves only when they wish, having all been born, the one who created this entire universe spoke to them as follows:

Timaios (Continued): "O ye gods of the gods, you are my creations, works that I have made. That which is born from me cannot be unmade unless I will it. All things joined together can be separated. But to wish to separate what is beautifully and harmoniously united, and in good condition, is the act of an evil-doer. Therefore, since you are brought into being, you are not entirely immortal, nor completely unbreakable. Nevertheless, you shall neither be unmade nor receive a death sentence. For you possess my will, which is stronger than the bonds by which you were joined when you came to be. Now, understand what I am about to show you."

Timaios (Continued) There remain three mortal races that have not yet been born. If these do not come into being, then the cosmos will be incomplete. The cosmos must contain all kinds of living beings in order to be fully complete, but it does not currently possess them. However, if I were to bring these into existence and grant them life, I would become equal to the gods. Therefore, you should proceed according to your own nature to create living things, so that they may remain mortal, and this cosmos will truly be a whole. Imitate the power that I showed you when I brought you forth.

Timaios (Continued) Regarding those among them that are worthy of being called by the same name as the immortal ones, and which we call divine, and concerning the part that governs justice and those who always strive to follow it: I will sow the seed, give the beginning, and hand it over to you. The remaining part is for you to weave together the mortal with the immortal, create living beings, and live. Provide nourishment and nurture them, and receive back what has decayed.”