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Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns, and Homerica cover

Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns, and Homerica

Chapter 67: XXXI. TO HELIOS
By Hesiod
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Classics of LiteratureMythology, Legends & FolklorePoetry

About This Book

A collection of archaic Greek poetry combines didactic and cosmogonic works that outline the origins and genealogy of the gods while offering practical and moral precepts related to farming, justice, and daily life. Fragmentary genealogies, heroic remnants, and a descriptive shield-poem supplement these with mythic narratives and episodic catalogues of women and heroes. A suite of hymns and shorter homerica — including epigrams, epic-cycle fragments, burlesque pieces, and a poetic contest — presents invocations and brief mythic accounts alongside playful parody and material connected to cult and ritual practice.

XXXI. TO HELIOS

(ll. 1-16) 2534 And now, O Muse Calliope, daughter of Zeus, begin to sing of glowing Helios whom mild-eyed Euryphaessa, the far-shining one, bare to the Son of Earth and starry Heaven. For Hyperion wedded glorious Euryphaessa, his own sister, who bare him lovely children, rosy-armed Eos and rich-tressed Selene and tireless Helios who is like the deathless gods. As he rides in his chariot, he shines upon men and deathless gods, and piercingly he gazes with his eyes from his golden helmet. Bright rays beam dazzlingly from him, and his bright locks streaming from the temples of his head gracefully enclose his far-seen face: a rich, fine-spun garment glows upon his body and flutters in the wind: and stallions carry him. Then, when he has stayed his golden-yoked chariot and horses, he rests there upon the highest point of heaven, until he marvellously drives them down again through heaven to Ocean.

(ll. 17-19) Hail to you, lord! Freely bestow on me substance that cheers the heart. And now that I have begun with you, I will celebrate the race of mortal men half-divine whose deeds the Muses have showed to mankind.