Homer and Hesiod are famous for their work concerning poetry. This paper compares them as poets. To begin with, Hesiod was a well-known Greek poet, who was identified as a hard worker throughout his work between the 750 and 650 BC. He wrote his story in the first European poetry using the similar words used by the ancient writers. During this period, Hesiod was trying to establish a relationship with the Greek religious clients. Viewing the scholars’ arguments, they pointed out Hesiod as the main source of the Greek mythology, knowledge on farming, and a great timekeeper. He analyzes the kings where he says, “pour sweet dew on the king’s lips, which accounts for their honey-sweet speech” (The Great Conversation 83).
On the other side, featuring the western traditional writings, Homer is identified as a great epic poet. Most of the epics entailed the Western literature. Homer lived in the 850 BC and his epics were well known since they contained literature that tried to shape the Greeks’ culture. Homer was also a popular Greek teacher. Therefore, Homer and Hesiod compare in that they are famous Greek poets, who are known for their efforts to influence the Greek’s culture and growth. They also compare in that they both used similar traditional formulas in their poems. The poets are examples of united people with a common interest concerning the epics poetry.
Hesiod’s poems revolve around creation. He uses the title ‘theogony,’ which can be defined as ‘the birth of the gods.’ He proceeds to analyze creation and confirms that creation appears orderly. He says that the god’s birth featured a unified universe. He talks about the gods’ behaviors and actions, which seem to be chaotic. He indicates that the god’s behaviors are in question. Theogony is the most dominant theme in Hesiod’s poetry. On the other hand, Homer compares with him since his poetry revolves around gods as well. He confirms Hesiod’s poetry by indicating that the gods were immoral. He states Zeus’s action as a god in his poem ‘lliad.’ Immorality about gods is the most dominant theme in Homer’s poetry.
However, Hesiod and Homer differ in a few things. Hesiod’s poetry contains myths about gods. He begins with the theme ‘theogony’ by stating the emergence of chaos. Hesiod is identified as a legend. He asks, “would Homer have neglected to mention the Muses if he were imitating Hesiod?” (The Great Conversation 86). His poems base on the topics surrounding value of the hard work and demonstrates about necessity. He stresses about honesty and faithfulness that could lead to prevailing of justice. He indicates that the society’s judgment would depend on how the community and individuals viewed the issue about justice. In contrast, Homer was concerned about the prosperity of human life. Homer goes on to criticize the Hesiod’s society. Homer appraises the prestigious and superior individuals in the society. He says, “Hesiod’s kings are revered explicitly for their ability to mollify quarreling parties” (Janko 86). Homer seems to base his arguments on wars because he is supportive of them in the society. On the other hand, Hesiod sobers up when addressing the issue concerning the conflict in the society. He does not glorify wars in his poetry but talks about a unified community. However, Homer addresses issues more critically than Hesiod does. Conclusively, Homer and Hesiod provide a recap of their poetry, which motivates individuals to read and understand the epic texts. They pose questions on religion and explain about gods.
Works Cited
The Great Conversation, Volume 1, Melchert, 7th edition, Oxford University Press, 2014.
Janko, Richard. Homer, Hesiod and the Hymns: diachronic development in epic diction. Cambridge University Press, 2007.
