The Homeric Hymns / A New Prose Translation; and Essays, Literary and Mythological

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

16338

Title

The Homeric Hymns / A New Prose Translation; and Essays, Literary and Mythological

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Andrew Lang presents a new prose translation of the Homeric Hymns alongside literary and mythological essays. This collection explores Greek religion through an anthropological lens, comparing ancient rites to global traditions. With a tone that balances scholarly rigor and accessible poetry, the work appeals to readers interested in mythology, comparative religion, and the origins of human belief systems.

Summary up to 500 words

Andrew Lang's volume presents a fresh prose translation of the Homeric Hymns, accompanied by essays that explore their origins and religious significance. Lang argues that the brief preludes in the collection were likely recited by rhapsodists before longer epic poems, whereas the narrative hymns to deities like Apollo, Demeter, and Aphrodite function as independent rhapsodies. The translation preserves the archaic flavor of the original Greek, adhering to a poetic style rather than modern colloquialism. The essays employ an anthropological method, interpreting Greek myths and rituals as survivals of ancient human speculation. Lang draws parallels between Greek deities and the practices of diverse cultures, including the Pawnees, Australians, and Egyptians, suggesting a shared human heritage in the quest to explain the world. A central theme is the humanization of the gods; while their lives are depicted as holidays, the hymns acknowledge human limitations, sorrow, and mortality, particularly in the grief of Demeter and the aging of Tithonus. The text addresses the corruption of the original manuscripts, noting that the collection's date and editorship remain unknown. Lang discusses the political motivations behind the second part of the Hymn to Apollo, which may have been added to favor the Delphian oracle over its rival at Delos. Through these translations and analyses, the book illuminates the darker, less majestic aspects of Greek religion, framing them as universal human attempts to master the secrets of the world. Lang emphasizes that these pieces illustrate many aspects of Greek religion, deriving its less majestic features from the earliest attempts at speculation. By comparing Greek rites to those of other tribes, he posits that all races have sought explanations for their rituals in the adventures of a more potent race, viewing these myths as survivals draped by the unique genius of the Greeks.

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Categories

• Classics
• Religion
• Poetry
• Essays