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The Homeric Hymns
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 pr
...morePaperback, 128 pages
Published
September 1st 1976
by Johns Hopkins University Press
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There are two well-known Hymns in Homeric Hymns collection which are Hymns for Demeter and Apollo which are two very different story from one another. There are also incoherent pieces of poems which are included in my copy of Homeric Hymns but I would rather prefer reading it accompanied with notes.
As for Hymn to Demeter, I do admit, it took me a long while to realize it was the story of Persephone's mother and how Hades's abduction (dirty uncle) made Demeter angry and moody and bitchy the whole...more
Jun 16, 2012
Me the Awesome (You can call me Joe)
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone; especially fans of mythology
Recommended to Me the Awesome by:
Myself
This is such a fantastic book. One of my favourite ancient Greek works, because of its easy-to-readness, the lyrical prose, and the fact that it's basically a factbook about the gods.
Also, it includes a heap of great info about Hermes, who is my favourite god. The section of the book that's about him is actually the longest part, I think.
Muse, sing of Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maia, lord of Cyllene and Arcadia rich in flocks, the luck-bringing messenger of the immortals whom Maia bare, the ric...more
Also, it includes a heap of great info about Hermes, who is my favourite god. The section of the book that's about him is actually the longest part, I think.
Muse, sing of Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maia, lord of Cyllene and Arcadia rich in flocks, the luck-bringing messenger of the immortals whom Maia bare, the ric...more
This collection of hymns follows the style of Homer's writings and due to that and to tradition are said to have been written by him. The first two hymns were missing until the late 1700's, but even then only a small fragment of hymn one was recovered (although nearly all of hymn two was found). Aside from difficulties resulting from a few missing lines these hymns are easy to follow and it is a marvel this much remains now for readers to enjoy.
Although the works of Homer, Hesiod and others were...more
Although the works of Homer, Hesiod and others were...more
Beautiful translation of what will become one of your favorite books of short-form Ancient verse. Cannot recommend this highly enough!
I read this for a Classical Mythology course. These hymns are not written by Homer himself, but rather written in a similar style to him. The hymns are absolutely beautiful and each one is just begging to be analyzed. Some are a little peculiar (the hymn to Ares springs to mind), but they are absolutely worth the read.
Beautiful early versions of ancient Greek myth written as they were once sung. Hard to believe these sophisticated tales were recited in their entirety from memory over two millennia ago. The Hymn to Demeter is a particularly moving version of the popular myth of Persephone.
May 15, 2013
Eddy Allen
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance-and-poetry
From the abduction of Persephone by Hades to Hermes' theft of Apollo's cattle, the Homeric Hymns recount some of the most compelling and significant episodes in Greek mythology. They were recited at festivals to honor the Olympian gods and goddesses, to pray for divine favor, and for victory in singing contests. They stand now as works of great poetic force, full of grace and lyricism, ranging in tone from irony to solemnity, ebullience to grandeur. Enhanced with an informative introduction that...more
Whether they were written by Homer or not, these hymns provide a view into the Ancient Greek that goes beyond what we normally see by reading the Iliad and the Odyssey.
These are pagan songs of praise and contain several notable myths which are engaging. The language is breathtaking. After this, read Shelley's translations.
A quick read. Fills in some gaps and reiterates some things you may have heard or read in other works of the ancient world.
Más que un clásico. Una de mis lecturas universitarias
http://www.laodiseadelcuentista.blogs...
http://www.laodiseadelcuentista.blogs...
A really fun book. Good information in the Prologue, and the Hymns themselves are a great read.
Oct 29, 2012
Jeffrey
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction-mythology
Too old testament for my liking, but I did get some details of mythology that I had gotten from other places.
Gorgeous. I like Aphrodite best, despite the fact that as a goddess I can't stand her. However, I love the Anchises/Aeneas story, which features heavily in the hymn. I have several friends who like Demeter best, but the whole Persephone/Hades myth has never been a favorite of mine. My myth teacher likes Hermes best. No matter which your favorite is, the language is simply beautiful in each and every hymn.
Aug 23, 2011
Joel
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
faves,
classical-world,
literature,
religious,
poetry,
mythology-and-folklore,
worth-rereading
My copy is an old, yellow-paged thing bought from a library book sale, but still it is one of my most prized books. The stories are just magical. I never understood why this volume gets overlooked when mentioning the original sources of Greek myths. It belongs with Hesiod, Ovid, Vergil, & the epic works of 'Homer' (this collection is even less likely to have been written by Homer than they).
I'm hooked on Greek myth!
I'm so glad I got this specific edition of The Homeric Hymns. Every page has detailed footnotes (sometimes longer than the original text on the page) that gives history, comparisons to other myths, definitions, and more. It is a very comprehensive text that gives the reader more knowledge and understanding than a reading of the hymns on their own could ever do.
I'm so glad I got this specific edition of The Homeric Hymns. Every page has detailed footnotes (sometimes longer than the original text on the page) that gives history, comparisons to other myths, definitions, and more. It is a very comprehensive text that gives the reader more knowledge and understanding than a reading of the hymns on their own could ever do.
Jun 09, 2011
Jerrod
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
anthropology,
my-library,
classics,
occult,
philosophy-of-religion,
mysticism,
spirituality
I've had my eye on this for a while now. I'm glad to be so pleased. The work has an introduction and great foot notes through out. Granted I'm looking for all the extra info I imagine it would be just as useful for every beginner or expert...
In the end the real pleasure is to read Homeric works of literature.
In the end the real pleasure is to read Homeric works of literature.
I found this a bit boring and disappointing.
One of my favorite books. Much easier to read, I think, than Ovid's Metamorphosis, even though that is a fantastic read as well. Hymn to Hermes is a hoot to read.
Another good read that was used in one of my history classes. A great collection of poems preserved from thousand of years ago.
Seriously? Homer wrote _three_ poems?
You'd think somebody would have pointed this out to me earlier.
You'd think somebody would have pointed this out to me earlier.
Not easy to find but worth a read showing how interpretations have changed since the 19th century
Five stars to Batrachomyomachia for being funny and epic. None for everything else.
I am reading the Homeric Hymns to clear my head after researching for classes/papers.
Nov 25, 2012
Oneirae
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ancient-poetry,
favorites
I get more out of these every time I read them.
Amazing, and certainly vital reading.
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Jun 07, 2009 08:37am