Hesiod's Theogony: Song Analysis

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Songs are one of the oldest forms of expressing the thoughts and emotions of men, and for good reason. They have allowed people to connect to each other, set the mood for various occasions, and have been a form of escape. Many an aggrieved person has found solace in music and that their spirits have been lifted after listening to a good song. Hesiod’s Theogony is an ancient Greek song worth reading because it can bring release to a broken mind by distracting from real-world worries with outlandish stories and teaching lessons that can be applied to various situations. The stories Hesiod sings about appear to be of the outrageous sort. For example, Hesiod describes how Ouranos had raped Gaia on a number of occasions and then stuffed the children she subsequently bore back into her womb. In retaliation, Cronos castrates his father and the rest of the children rise up and …show more content…

When Zeus and his siblings rose up to defeat their tyrannical father, Cronos, Zeus first sought to gain the trust and respect of the other gods so that they would join his cause. Zeus did not force his way into a position of power but was instead asked to rule over the other gods because of his wise and just nature (390 ff.). In this particular fable, it is shown that those who abuse what power they have will only find negative implications for the future whereas those who respect the people around them will reap the benefits. When Aphrodite is born of sea foam and Ouranos’ castrated genitalia, it is said that “she has fulfilled the honored function that includes virginal sweet-talks, lovers’ smiles and deceits, and all of the gentle pleasures of sex” (194-206). Before Eros became Aphrodite’s companion after her birth, she alone existed to tempt the minds and hearts of men; it was pure desire. Now exists the possibility for love and a personal connection between

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