lesson 2- the influence of Homer and Hesiod

Question 1

What did the works of Homer and Hesiod majorly influence?

Answer 1

The Greek’s attitudes to olympians- these attitudes didn’t change between the 8th-5th centuries BC and we know this as Herodotus writes about the continued influence of Homer and Hesiod in this time period

Question 2

Why are Herodotus’ references to Homer and Hesiod so significant?

Answer 2

he was writing as a historian and researcher- it demonstrates the significance that earlier poets had in teaching future generations about the gods

Question 3

What was the focus of the Homeric Hymns?

Answer 3

1. What the Greeks thought about the gods around 700 BC mainly focusing on the creation of the gods and their origins
2. They explained the Aetiology/cause of the god’s cult

Question 4

Why were the Homeric Hymns called “Homeric”?

Answer 4

because they are written in the same style and tradition as Homer’s poems

Question 5

The Homeric Hymns also explain the aetiology of the gods’ cults - what does the term aetiology mean?

Answer 5

The reason or cause for something, often coming from a historical or mythical explanation.

Question 6

What areas of advice does Hesiod give in Works and days?

Answer 6

1. Hesiod gives advice to his brother Perses in the agricultural arts- about when to perform certain agricultural tasks but also how to lead a morally good life- both of these tasks require the support of the gods
2. Hesiod encourages his brother Perses to avoid the goddess Eris (goddess of strife) and not let her influence him
3. He emphasises the power of Zeus and his daughter Right (goddess of justice) as well as providing advice on how to worship the gods

Question 7

which two gods does Hesiod particularly emphasise have power in ‘works and days’?

Answer 7

Zeus and his daughter right (goddess of justice)

Question 8

What does the quote from Hesiod Works and days 724-726 suggest about the nature of the worship of Zeus?

Answer 8

“Never pour gleaming wine to zeus in the morning with unwashed hands”- worshipping zeus was a thorough and serious task which had to be performed correctly which shows his power and influence on the people of Greece.

Question 9

What does Hesiod provide us with through both his works?

Answer 9

Description of the origins of the gods, why they are deserving of worship and how mortals should treat them.

Question 10

Why are the Olympians significant in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey?

Answer 10

They involve themselves in mortal affairs.

Question 11

How are the gods portrayed by Homer?

Answer 11

1. Portrayed as very powerful but also governed by personal impulse and desire
2. invested in mortal affairs and often have favourites (such as Athene favouring Odysseus in the Odyssey)
3. The gods are often used for light relief in order to contrast with the severity of the situation that mortals find themselves in
4. the gods can physically intervene
5. the gods can feel pity for mortals
6. sexual relationships between gods and mortals are justified/normal

overall, their personalities are just the same as any mortal

Question 12

Overall, what was the significance of Homer and Hesiod for Greek ideas about the Olympian gods?

Answer 12

The works of Homer and Hesiod set out how the ancient Greeks perceived the gods between the 8th-5th centuries BC,and were major influences on Greek attitudes towards the Olympians, which did not change in later periods. We know this as Herodotus wrote about the continued influence of Homer and Hesiod within this time period and quote that “They were the ones who made a theogony for the Greeks and gave the gods their names and distinguished their honours and powers and indicated their forms”