7Th The Homeric Hymns

Anthropogony

The study of the origin of humans or humanity. It focuses on how humans came into existence, often involving myths or stories about the creation of mankind

Cosmogony

The study or of the origin of the universe or cosmos. It deals with how the world or universe was created, often involving divine or natural processes

Theogony

The study of the origin of gods or deities. It explains how gods came into being and their genealogies, often describing their relationships and roles in the cosmos.

Three kinds of Greek religion

Civic, Panhellenic, Mystery Cults

Civic religion

Religious worship as a polis, community building through bbq after a sacrifice

Panhellenic religion

Religious worship as Greeks, open to all Greeks

ex: the oracle of Delphi, festivals

Mystery Cults

Worship as an individual, anyone can join besides barbarians and murderers, rites were kept secret, the God of the mystery cult was thought to punish anyone who told the secret

The Oracle at Delphi

A sacred site where the god Apollo was believed to deliver prophecies through the Pythia, his priestess

Pythia

The priestess of Apollo at Delphi, who delivered oracles in a trance-like state

Festivals

Public celebrations in honor of the gods, often including sacrifices, games, and performances

Olympics

A Panhellenic festival held every four years in Olympia, featuring athletic competitions in honor of Zeus

Rhapsodes

Traveling performers who recited epic poetry, including the Homeric Hymns

The Homeric Hymns

A collection of ancient Greek hymns dedicated to various gods, attributed to Homer but likely composed by different poets

Hymn

A song or poem of praise to a god or goddess

The Homeric Hymn to Hermes

A hymn describing the birth of Hermes, his invention of the lyre, and his theft of Apollo’s cattle

Lyre

A stringed musical instrument invented by Hermes, often associated with Apollo and poetry

Metapoetics

A reflection on the nature of poetry and storytelling, often found in the Homeric Hymns

The Homeric Hymn to Demeter

A hymn telling the story of Demeter and Persephone, focusing on themes of loss, motherhood, and the seasons

Persephone

The daughter of Demeter, abducted by Hades to the Underworld, whose return to Earth marks the changing seasons

Demophon

A mortal child cared for by Demeter, whom she tries to make immortal in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter

Iambe

A servant who cheers up Demeter with jokes and humor in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter

The Eleusinian Mysteries

Secret religious rites in honor of Demeter and Persephone, promising initiates a blessed afterlife