Hymn 33 to the Dioscuri

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 short work is a hymn dedicated to the Dioscuri (Castor and Polydeuces), the twin gods born to Leda and Zeus. At the beginning, the poet calls upon the Muses to sing of these divine brothers. The central part of the hymn vividly describes their power as protective deities who rescue sailors facing shipwreck during fierce storms at sea. After praising the Dioscuri for calming the wild winds and waves and bringing salvation to humans, the poem concludes with a traditional greeting to the gods and the poet's promise to continue with another song.