Greek Poems to the Gods

More about the book

The hymn—as poetry, craft, and a tool for worship and philosophy—was a vital art form in antiquity. While the Homeric Hymns have been popular, other significant collections remain less accessible to students interested in ancient religion. Unlike the epics, hymns are songs praising the gods, yet they also reflect human concerns. Reading these hymns offers valuable insights into classical life. This volume includes the early Homeric Hymns of uncertain authorship, the refined paeans of Hellenistic poet Callimachus, the mystical writings attributed to Orpheus, and the hymns of Proclus, the last major pagan philosopher from the fifth century AD, whose influence is profound. This collection brings together over a millennium of the ancient Greek hymnic tradition. Acclaimed translator Barry B. Powell revitalizes these texts in English, maintaining the poetic beauty of the original Greek. His insightful introductions and notes provide essential context, making the hymns accessible to both beginners and advanced students eager to explore their depths.