Homeric Hymn 18 to Hermes

Anonymous. Hesiod, The Homeric Hymns and Homerica. Evelyn-White, Hugh G., editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: The Macmillan Co., 1914.

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This work is the 18th of the "Homeric Hymns," a brief epic hymn of only twelve lines dedicated to the messenger god Hermes. The poem begins by praising the origin of Hermes' birth and his mother, the beautiful-haired nymph Maia. It briefly recounts the myth of how Zeus, hiding from his jealous wife Hera, united with Maia in the darkness of night to give birth to the swift god. Despite its short length, the poem vividly depicts the divine genealogy and the circumstances of his birth. It concludes with a warm greeting to Hermes and a transitional formula, as the singer prepares to move on to another song.