Classical Mythology, Day 3

Today’s class returns to a close reading of the particular story Hesiod’s Theogony presents about the succession from one generation of gods to another. While the ‘outer frame’ of the Theogony is teleologically minded and looks forward to a world in which Zeus reigns supreme, the ‘metaphysical’ foundations of this world in which everything is related by genealogy and the narrative structure of generational replacement presents an obstacle to a realm that is constant and without end. Hesiod’s narrative provides significant variations from one generation to the next that help in part to explain Zeus’ lasting preeminence.

But the Theogony also features Zeus facing conflict and managing it through violence and consensus-building. Central concerns for the Theogony then include how Zeus is different biologically and ethically from earlier generations/ This narrative is especially well-suited for a structural interpretation. The story, of course, is not wholly positive: part of the story of the Theogony is distinguishing ‘male’ from ‘female’ power and then appropriating the later into a patriarchy.

Ancient Authors Discussed

Homer, Archaic Period

Hesiod, Archaic Period

Ovid, Roman Imperial Period

Hyginus, Roman Imperial Period

Links to Blogposts

The Birth of Athena and Consumption of Metis

Hekate and Dog Sacrifices

A Nice Story about Zeus and Hera

Some Suggested Course Texts

Hesiod’s Theogony

Ovid’s Metamorphoses