Mythology-Poetry
Five Ages of Man, according to Hesiod.
“The man who spoke through the Muses”
Hesiod-(Ησίοδος), a figure of unparalleled significance in ancient Greek literature, was a poet, rhapsodist, writer, and mythographer. Often regarded as the second greatest poet after Homer, he was born in Askri, Boeotia, where his father had sought refuge.
It is believed that Hesiod lived at the end of the 8th century. His frequent visits to Mount Helicon, the legendary abode of the Muses, led him to claim that they bestowed upon him the gift of poetry. This sacred and rural environment, associated with the Muses, inspired his poetry and shaped its didactic and religious essence, bridging the gap between poetry and human experience. The enduring relevance of Hesiod’s poetry continues to connect us to the rich tapestry of ancient Greek literature.
The first chronological account of the successive Generations of mankind comes from Hesiod (between 750 and 650 BC) in his poem Works and Days (verses 109–201). It’s fascinating to read about the 5th generation of mankind we are part of. Hesiod’s depiction works like a ‘prophecy’; it’s remarkably accurate and will pique your interest, especially in its relevance to our present era.
Hesiod’s work is not just a poetic depiction of past and future events; it’s a…
