Homeric Hymns

Think of the role of the gods’ ideals and powers. Select one hymn and articulate which ideals are in conflict and how that conflict is ultimately resolved.

The Muses both provide inspiration for artistic endeavors and are sources of scientific knowledge. Analyze hymns that praise the Muses. What does the role of the Muses reveal about the Ancient Greek understanding of knowledge and creation?

Analyze the intersection of the divine and mortal worlds. As the personifications of certain ideals and characteristics, how do the gods come to possess some human attributes? Which gods appear to have a stronger connection to the mortal world? Think about Hymn 5, “To Aphrodite” and Hymn 4, “To Hermes.”

Trace instances of gods transforming into their godly forms. Why do some gods conceal their identities and then strategically reveal them? What larger themes do these transformations reveal?

Divinities routinely turn themselves into animals or present themselves as mortals. What is the role of metamorphosis in the Homeric Hymns? How do instances of metamorphosis articulate a fluidity between animals, humanity, and the gods?

Think of the theme of motherhood. How do Demeter and Leto embody motherhood? How is motherhood juxtaposed against the goddesses who embody chastity and lust, such as Artemis and Aphrodite?

Think of Hera’s jealousy. How does it relate to the theme of intergenerational conflict? How does she strive to thwart Zeus’s power, and why do her efforts fail?

Divinities often have epithets, or an identifying descriptive phrase. Why are epithets important when it comes to reciting hymns? What important attributes of the gods do they isolate?