Source edition
Homer. Hesiod, The Homeric Hymns and Homerica. Evelyn-White, Hugh G. (Hugh Gerard), editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: The Macmillan Co., 1914.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
The Homeric Epigrams is a collection of short verse poems traditionally attributed to the legendary ancient Greek poet Homer, exploring a wide range of themes. Many of these poems are spoken from the perspective of a wandering, homeless poet, beginning with laments over a harsh fate and prayers for safe travel and welcoming communities. The middle section depicts dynamic interactions with various aspects of ancient life, including prayers to gods of the sea and earth, warnings to sailors, playful negotiations with potters, and festive blessings of wealth for hospitable households. The collection concludes with a famous riddle exchange between the poet and young fishermen. Through these diverse verses, the work presents a vivid contrast between the poet's melancholy exile and the rustic, vibrant daily life and religious devotion of ancient Greek society.