Hesiod / Homeric Hymns / Epic Cycle / Homerica

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Texts in Greek with English translations on facing pages.
Contains the extant works of Hesiod, along with practically all that remains of the post-Homeric & pre-academic epic poetry:
Preface
Hesiod
The Homeric Hymns
The Epigrams of Homer
The Epic Cycle
Homerica: The expedition of Amphiaraüs. The taking of Oechalia. The Procasi. The Margites. The Cercopes. The battle of the frogs & mice
The Contest of Homer & Hesiod
Index

657 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,-0500

About the author

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Hesiod (Greek: Ησίοδος) was an ancient Greek poet generally thought to have been active between 750 and 650 BC, around the same time as Homer.
Several of Hesiod's works have survived in their entirety. Among these are Theogony, which tells the origins of the gods, their lineages, and the events that led to Zeus's rise to power, and Works and Days, a poem that describes the five Ages of Man, offers advice and wisdom, and includes myths such as Pandora's box.
Hesiod is generally regarded by Western authors as 'the first written poet in the Western tradition to regard himself as an individual persona with an active role to play in his subject.' Ancient authors credited Hesiod and Homer with establishing Greek religious customs. Modern scholars refer to him as a major source on Greek mythology, farming techniques, early economic thought, Archaic Greek astronomy, cosmology, and ancient time-keeping.

Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 20 votes)
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20 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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This older translation encompasses works that are attributed to Homer and Hesiod.

The Homeric pieces within it are all later than the Iliad and Odyssey.

I had already perused some of these works, especially those of Hesiod, in other versions.

Consequently, I only read the texts that I had not previously read.

This approach allowed me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the literary contributions of these two renowned ancient Greek poets.

By exploring the different translations and versions, I was able to compare and contrast the interpretations and styles, which added depth to my appreciation of their works.

Overall, this reading experience was both enlightening and enriching, as it provided me with a deeper insight into the world of ancient Greek literature.
July 15,2025
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Read for Coursera Greek & Roman Mythology

Er, yeah. It seems like the Greek version of Deuteronomy.

I'm really looking forward to Prof Struck's dissection of it, though!

This course on Greek & Roman Mythology through Coursera promises to be an exciting exploration.

The mention of something similar to the Greek version of Deuteronomy piques my curiosity.

I can't wait to see how Prof Struck will analyze and break down this aspect of the mythology.

His expertise and insights are sure to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and complex world of Greek and Roman myths.

It's going to be an engaging and enlightening journey as we delve into the stories and meanings behind these ancient myths.

I'm eager to learn and discover all that this course has to offer.
July 15,2025
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Interesting, but an older translation.

This statement implies that the translation in question has some elements that make it engaging or captivating. However, it also indicates that it is not a recent or up-to-date translation.

An older translation might have been done some time ago, perhaps using different language conventions or having a different perspective. It could still hold value, especially if it was done by a skilled translator or if it provides insights into the text from a particular era.

On the other hand, an older translation might lack the precision and accuracy that a more recent one could offer. Language evolves over time, and new words and expressions may have emerged since the original translation was made.

In conclusion, while an older translation can be interesting, it is important to consider its age and potential limitations when using it for study or reference. It may be beneficial to compare it with more recent translations to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the text.
July 15,2025
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Mostly, it is enjoyable to read Hesiod's Works and Day, his Theogeny, and several of the Homeric Hymns. These works offer a rich and fascinating exploration of ancient Greek mythology and culture. However, the majority of the fragments or references found within these texts may not provide as much enjoyment on their own. Instead, they are primarily of interest to scholars who are dedicated to studying and analyzing these ancient works in great detail.


Despite this, I would not mind having a nice old, musty, tangible copy of these works on my shelf. There is something special about holding a physical book in your hands, especially one that has a long history and has been read and cherished by many others over the years. Such a copy would not only serve as a valuable addition to my personal library but also as a reminder of the importance and significance of these ancient works.

July 15,2025
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While I truly did take pleasure in reading this, I had the distinct impression that it leaned more towards the academic side. I have perused Works and Days, Theogony, and The Shield of Heracles in the past, so for those, I simply gave them a cursory skim. Additionally, I felt that there was commentary intertwined with the works, and at times, I found myself somewhat confused as to whether I was reading the actual works or the commentary about them. However, among all of these, I must admit that I derived the greatest enjoyment from reading the Homeric Hymns.


The Homeric Hymns seemed to have a certain charm and allure that set them apart. They were filled with vivid descriptions and engaging stories that captured my imagination. The language used was both beautiful and evocative, making it a pleasure to read. Even though the other works had their own merits, the Homeric Hymns stood out for me as the most captivating and enjoyable part of this reading experience.

July 15,2025
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This article is truly worth reading once.

It presents interesting and valuable content that can capture the reader's attention.

However, it is recommended to read it quickly.

This is because the information is presented in a concise and straightforward manner.

By reading it quickly, you can gain a good understanding of the main points without spending too much time.

Moreover, the fast-paced nature of the article makes it engaging and keeps you hooked until the end.

So, don't hesitate to give it a read, but do it quickly to make the most of this worthwhile piece of writing.

July 15,2025
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I truly had a great liking for this book. It is an old one, having been in existence for a long time. However, if one keeps this fact in mind while perusing the book, it actually turns out to be extremely engaging. The content within its pages has the power to draw the reader in and hold their attention.


I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book if you have an interest in philosophy or any aspect of the history of philosophy. It offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that can be both educational and thought-provoking.


Moreover, it is not just a dry and academic read. It has a certain charm and趣味性 that makes it a great deal of fun to go through. You will find yourself immersed in the ideas and concepts presented, and before you know it, you will have completed the book with a sense of satisfaction and a newfound understanding.

July 15,2025
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This is my favorite single volume of the bilingual Loeb series.

It contains all of Hesiod's works, along with the fragments of the Epic Cycle, the Margites, and the satirical "Battle of Frogs and Mice".

The useful index is especially beneficial when dealing with Hesiod, considering all those names.

The Loeb series is renowned for its high-quality translations and parallel texts, allowing readers to easily compare the original language with the English translation.

This particular volume offers a comprehensive collection of some of the most important works from ancient Greek literature.

Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply someone interested in ancient Greek culture, this volume is a must-have.

The inclusion of the index makes it even more convenient to navigate through the text and locate specific names and references.

Overall, it is an excellent addition to any library and a great resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich world of ancient Greek literature.
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