Greek Epic Fragments from the Seventh to the Fifth Centuries BC

Synopsis

Cyclic verse.

Greek epics of the archaic period include poems that narrate a particular heroic episode or series of episodes and poems that recount the long-term history of families or peoples. They are an important source of mythological record. Here is a new text and translation of the examples of this poetry that have come down to us.

The heroic epic is represented by poems about Heracles and Theseus, and by two great epic cycles: the Theban Cycle, which tells of the failed assault on Thebes by the Seven and the subsequent successful assault by their sons; and the Trojan Cycle, which includes Cypria, Little Iliad, and The Sack of Ilion. Among the genealogical epics are poems in which Eumelus creates a prehistory for Corinth and Asius creates one for Samos. In presenting the extant fragments of these early epic poems, Martin West provides very helpful notes. His Introduction places the epics in historical context.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the history and nature of Greek epic poetry, from its origins in oral tradition to its development into a written genre. It also discusses the challenges involved in studying fragmentary texts.

Chapter 2: The Epic Cycle

This chapter focuses on the Epic Cycle, a collection of epic poems that narrate the events of the Trojan War and its aftermath. The chapter analyzes the fragments of these epics, including the Cypria, the Iliad, and the Nostoi.

Example:
Fragment from the Cypria:

"And she [Helen] was seized by force, and Paris took her to sea, on board his ship with curved prow, sailing home to Troy."

Chapter 3: Other Epic Traditions

This chapter examines epic traditions outside the Epic Cycle, including the Argonaut cycle and the Theban cycle. It also explores the role of women and gods in epic poetry.

Example:
Fragment from the Argonautica of Apollonius of Rhodes:

"And Medea sought out a secret cave, where she mixed deadly poisons, herbs of different hues, with which she anointed the spear of Jason."

Chapter 4: Religious and Didactic Poetry

This chapter discusses epic fragments associated with religious and didactic traditions. It includes fragments from the Homeric Hymns and Hesiod's Works and Days.

Example:
Fragment from the Homeric Hymn to Demeter:

"Demeter, revered queen of harvests, come! I shall begin to sing of you and the maiden Proserpine, whom the loud-thundering lord of the underworld seized."

Chapter 5: The Influence of Epic Poetry

This chapter explores the lasting influence of Greek epic poetry on subsequent literature and culture. It examines how epic fragments were used by later poets and scholars, and how they contributed to the development of Western civilization.

Example:
Virgil's Aeneid draws inspiration from the Odyssey, adapting many of its themes and characters.

Conclusion

The book concludes by summarizing the significance of Greek epic fragments and emphasizing their ongoing relevance to the study of literature, history, and culture.