This is the first collection of scholarly essays on the Homeric Hymns, a corpus of 33 hexameter poems celebrating gods that were probably recited at religious festivals, among other possible performance venues, and were frequently attributed in antiquity to Homer. After a general introduction to modern scholarship on the Homeric Hymns, the essays of the first part of the book examine in detail aspects of the longer narrative poems in the collection, while those of the second part give critical attention to the shorter poems and to the collection as a whole. The contributors to the volume present a wide range of stimulating views on the study of the Homeric Hymns, which have attracted much interest in recent years.

A rich source for students of Greek mythology and literature, the Homeric hymns are also fine poetry. Attributed by the ancients to Homer, these prooimia, or preludes, were actually composed over centuries and used by poets to prepare for the singing or recitation of longer portions of the Homeric epics. In his acclaimed translations of the hymns, Apostolos Athanassakis preserves the essential simplicity of the original Greek, offering a straightforward, line-by-line translation that makes no attempts to masquerade or modernize. For this long-awaited new edition, Athanassakis enhances his classic work with a comprehensive index, careful and selective changes in the translations themselves, and numerous additions to the notes which will enrich the reader's experience of these ancient and influential poems.

The Homeric Hymns have survived for two and a half millennia because of their captivating stories, beautiful language, and religious significance. Well before the advent of writing in Greece, they were performed by traveling bards at religious events, competitions, banquets, and festivals. These thirty-four poems invoking and celebrating the gods of ancient Greece raise questions that humanity still struggles with—questions about our place among others and in the world. Known as "Homeric" because they were composed in the same meter, dialect, and style as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, these hymns were created to be sung aloud. In this superb translation by Diane J. Rayor, which deftly combines accuracy and poetry, the ancient music of the hymns comes alive for the modern reader. Here is the birth of Apollo, god of prophecy, healing, and music and founder of Delphi, the most famous oracular shrine in ancient Greece. Here is Zeus, inflicting upon Aphrodite her own mighty power to cause gods to mate with humans, and here is Demeter rescuing her daughter Persephone from the underworld and initiating the rites of the Eleusinian Mysteries. This updated edition incorporates twenty-eight new lines in the first Hymn to Dionysos, along with expanded notes, a new preface, and an enhanced bibliography. With her introduction and notes, Rayor places the hymns in their historical and aesthetic context, providing the information needed to read, interpret, and fully appreciate these literary windows on an ancient world. As introductions to the Greek gods, entrancing stories, exquisite poetry, and early literary records of key religious rituals and sites, the Homeric Hymns should be read by any student of mythology, classical literature, ancient religion, women in antiquity, or the Greek language.

Composed for recitation at festivals, these 33 songs were written in honour of the gods and goddesses of the ancient Greek pantheon. They recount the key episodes in the lives of the gods, and dramatise the moments when they first appear before mortals. Together they offer the most vivid picture we have of the Greek view of the relationship between the divine and human worlds.

'The Homeric Hymns' are a collection of thirty-three anonymous ancient Greek hymns celebrating individual gods. The hymns are "Homeric" in the sense that they employ the same epic meter—dactylic hexameter—as the Iliad and Odyssey, use many similar formulas and are couched in the same dialect. While the modern scholarly consensus is that they were not written during the lifetime of Homer himself, they were uncritically attributed to him in antiquity—from the earliest written reference to them, Thucydides—and the label has stuck.

The Reception of the Homeric Hymns is a collection of original essays exploring the reception of the Homeric Hymns in the literature and scholarship of the first century BC and beyond, particularly texts and authors of the late Hellenistic, Imperial, and Late Antique periods.

A thorough analysis of the mechanics of the language of Homer as used in the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Step into the ancient world with Hesiod: The Homeric Hymns and Homerica, where the poetic legacy of two of the greatest figures in Greek literature comes alive. Homer and Hesiod take you on a journey through myth, divinity, and heroic tales, offering insights into the very foundation of Western storytelling. Through the epic Homeric Hymns and Homerica, readers will encounter the gods and heroes that shaped the ancient world. From the creation of the universe to the intricate tales of gods like Zeus and Athena, Hesiod’s and Homer’s voices capture the eternal power of myth and its profound influence on culture and civilization.But here’s the question: What role do these ancient myths play in understanding our modern world? Could these tales of gods and men still have relevance in the way we perceive life today? These works are more than just stories—they are windows into the Greek worldview. They reflect the beliefs, hopes, and challenges faced by the ancient Greeks, offering timeless wisdom about humanity’s place in the cosmos. Are you ready to dive into the mythic past and explore the ancient world through the eyes of Hesiod and Homer? Hesiod: The Homeric Hymns and Homerica offers a rich tapestry of epic tales and divine wisdom that will leave you captivated.If you love mythology and ancient literature, this collection is essential. Hesiod and Homer’s powerful words will take you on an unforgettable journey to the heart of ancient Greece. Don’t miss the chance to experience the foundational myths of Western civilization. Purchase Hesiod: The Homeric Hymns and Homerica today and immerse yourself in the immortal tales of gods and heroes!Explore the ancient world like never before. Purchase Hesiod: The Homeric Hymns and Homerica now and discover the myths that have shaped our understanding of humanity.