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Reply Deity Discussion - Gods and Goddesses
Homeric Hymn 8: to Ares

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oceantail

PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:29 am


I found while reading my translation of the Homeric Hymns by Sarah Ruden, That Hymn number eight seems to have more in common with Athena then Ares. (I'll show you it now, its only 17 lines)
Quote:
Gold-helmeted, strong Ares,chariot-mounted,
Hard in your will, hand, shield, and spear; bronze-armored,
Staunch city saver, bulwark of Olympus,
Father of Victory, helper of Themis,
Tyrant to enemies, leader of good men,
King over Manliness! Your fiery globe whirls
Amoung the seven planets' tracks, your horses
Blazing forever over the third orbit
Hear me, ally of mortals, maker of fine youth:
Rain gently from on high into my being
Brightness and martial strength. Let me have power
To shake out of my head the bitter panic,
Defeating with my mind my soul's false impulse,
And yet keep down the temper that probokes me
Towards icy strife. But, blessed god, give courage--
The kind that lives in peace among the mild laws
Away from combat and death's savage demons.

Some things that lead me to say it would be closer to Athena are the father of victory(Nike is often depicted with Athena)
the lines about removing panic and false impulses (Athena being the goddess of wisdom) and, in my opinion, the greatest link is the "city saver" (Athena is the defensive and protective side of war, Ares depicted as the savage and offensive aspect)
This struck me as odd, and I am curious to hear what others might think about this.
PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:00 pm


Athena saves Athens, not other cities quite as much. It's important to remember that Hellenic religion differed from city-state to city-state and from city to countryside. If a god seems a little different in a particular primary source, it might be that it was written by or influenced by a Greek who was not Athenian, and is therefore very useful and interesting, because the vast bulk of our sources are indeed Athenian.

Theoi might have something of help to you if you haven't checked them already.

Sanguina Cruenta
Captain

Eloquent Bloodsucker

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Deity Discussion - Gods and Goddesses

 
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