The Homeric Hymn to Demeter: Translation, Commentary, and Interpretive Essays

Book Overview

The Homeric Hymn to Demeter , composed in the late seventh or early sixth century B.C.E., is a key to understanding the psychological and religious world of ancient Greek women. The poem tells how Hades, lord of the underworld, abducted the goddess Persephone and how her grieving mother, Demeter, the goddess of grain, forced the gods to allow Persephone to return to her for part of each year. Helene Foley presents the Greek text and an annotated translation of this poem, together with selected essays that give the reader a rich understanding of the Hymn 's structure and artistry, its role in the religious life of the ancient world, and its meaning for the modern world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691014795
• ISBN13: 9780691014791
• Release Date: November 1993
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great

This is the best translation ever. I found this specific Homeric Hymn to be the one that you must absolutely must read.

excellent new translation

Foley provides us with an excellent new translation of one of the best known homeraic hymns in both the ancient and the modern world. Her commentary is insightful though at times the evidence could be stronger and the wording clearer. Definately not for the layperson in terms of analysis but an interesting read for new scholars and specialists alike.