Askra, Hesiod’s birthplace in Boeotia (central Greece), is situated at a short distance from its modern counterpart, the charming village of Palaiopanagia. Its slopes, covered with lush vineyards, face “god-haunted” Helicon, and the rectangular garrison that sits at the very top of the gentle town hill, the Hesiodic Acropolis.
Hesiod speaks in the first person; he is the first Greek epic poet to do so. He talks about his trip to the island of Euboea, where he performed for the funeral games of Amphidamas and won a great trophy. His father, an impoverished sea trader, came to Askra from the city of Kyme in Asia Minor. All of his poetry is didactic and is usually classified as “wisdom literature” (West 1978:3-25).
Hesiod speaks in the first person; he is the first Greek epic poet to…
2266 words
Citation: Athanassakis, Apostolos. "Hesiod". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 May 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=2114, accessed 24 November 2024.]
