Hesiod
Greek · Poetry · Epic · Geography · Mythography; Poetry
3 works · 3,781 aligned sentences
τῆς δ’ ἀρετῆς ἱδρῶτα θεοὶ προπάροιθεν ἔθηκαν.
Before virtue the gods have set sweat.
Opera et Dies 289
Shield of Heracles
This epic poem centers on the fierce combat between the Greek hero Heracles and Cycnus, the son of the war god Ares. The story begins with the lineage and miraculous birth of Heracles to Alcmene, leading to his encounter with Cycnus in the sacred precinct of Apollo. As Heracles prepares for battle alongside his charioteer Iolaus, the narrative shifts to a detailed description (ekphrasis) of his magnificent shield forged by Hephaestus. Carved upon the shield are terrifying scenes of battling gods and monsters, the grim goddesses of death, and in contrast, the peaceful daily life of mortals engaged in weddings, agriculture, and festivals. Following this extensive description, the poem resumes with a rapid, intense clash where Heracles, empowered by Athena, slays Cycnus and wounds Ares himself. The work concludes with the divine retribution of Apollo, who commands a river to wash away the grave of the plunderer Cycnus.
Poetry6 chunks · §1-70–§407-480706 aligned sentencesRead →Theogony
This epic poem by Hesiod depicts the origin of the cosmos, the genealogy of the Greek gods, and the establishment of the divine order under the supreme rule of Zeus. Beginning with a hymn to the Muses of Mount Helicon, who bestow poetic inspiration upon the author, the narrative traces back to the emergence of the world from Chaos. As power shifts from Gaia and Ouranos to Kronos, violent generational conflicts arise, characterized by mutilation and the devouring of offspring. Eventually, the rescued Zeus rises to power, and amid episodes such as Prometheus's deception and the creation of Pandora, he leads the Olympians to victory in the Titanomachy and defeats the monstrous Typhoeus. Ultimately, Zeus secures his reign, establishing a stable divine order through various marriages, and the poem concludes by transitioning into the lineage of demigods born to goddesses and mortal men.
Geography14 chunks · §1-75–§939-10221,531 aligned sentencesRead →Works and Days
This didactic epic poem, addressed by Hesiod to his brother Perses, emphasizes the vital importance of justice and honest labor. The poem begins by explaining the origins of human suffering through the myths of Prometheus and Pandora, followed by the decline of humanity through the 'Five Ages', from the Golden Age to the current Iron Age, and the fable of the hawk and the nightingale warning against injustice. In the latter half, Hesiod provides practical advice on agriculture and seafaring, detailing the tools needed, seasonal tasks, and how to survive the harsh winter and scorching summer. The work concludes with various social and religious taboos, alongside a calendar of auspicious and inauspicious days. Ultimately, the poem guides the reader on how to live in harmony with the divine order of Zeus through diligent work and justice (dike).
Poetry12 chunks · §1-69–§759-8281,544 aligned sentencesRead →