Source edition
Callimachus and Lycophron; Aratus. Mair, A. W., editor. London: William Heinemann; New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1921.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This hymn praises Apollo, the god of light and the arts, celebrating his diverse divine powers and the myths of city foundations. The poem opens with dramatic omens signaling the god's descent to his temple, calling upon the youths to begin their chorus and song. In the first half, Apollo's eternal youth and beauty are lauded alongside his various domains, including prophecy, healing, archery, pastoral care, and urban establishment. The second half recounts specific founding myths, such as the construction of the horn altar on Ortygia, the founding of Cyrene, and the origins of the Carneia festival. Finally, the work concludes by dismissing Envy and Detraction, presenting a refined poetic ideal that values a pure spring over a muddy river.