Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics cover image

Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics

Hesiod

Jul 15, 2024
Professor Edith Hall and poet Alicia Stallings join Natalie to discuss the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who wrote about gods, farming, and pickling fish. Hesiod's autobiographical references reveal his struggles in life. The podcast explores Hesiod's poetry, grumpiness, and practical advice, as well as his influence on Greek mythology and human themes.
27:42

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Hesiod was a versatile poet known for sublime poetry on gods and detailed farming advice.
  • Hesiod's 'Theogony' delves into divine genealogies, shaping mythological narratives with key figures.

Deep dives

Hesiod: The Influential Poet from Antiquity

Hesiod, an ancient poet from the late eighth or early seventh century BCE, is a significant figure contemporary to Homer. Known for his works 'Theogony' and 'Works and Days,' Hesiod's poems are shorter than those of Homer, making them more accessible. Described as enormously influential, Hesiod provides autobiographical details in his poems, revealing his life in a small village in mainland Greece. Despite his grumpiness, Hesiod's contributions to poetry and mythology have left a lasting impact on ancient literature.

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