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HYMN TO THE MUSES AND APOLLO

THE prelude is a mere cento from Hesiod: 1 is suggested by Theog. 1, 2-5 = Theog. 94-97, while 6 is modelled on Theog. 104. The old view, that the lines Theog. 94 f. are borrowed from the hymn, is no longer entertained. It is rightly pointed out that “ἐκ δὲ Διὸς βασιλῆες” is motiveless in the hymn, while it is quite suitable to the context of the Theogony. But although later than Hesiod, the abstract was doubtless made in ancient times, for purposes of epic recitation (cf. 6, 7). Guttmann's arguments for his theory of Byzantine compilation are worthless (see Gemoll p. 346).

For references to the joint worship of Apollo and the Muses see on h. Herm. 450.

[3] ἐΠὶ χθονί: in Hesiod “ἐπὶ χθόνα”; for the accusative in Hesiod cf. Theog. 187, Op.11; it is also Homeric, as in Od. 23.371 (especially in the Odyssey); h. Apoll. 69, h. Dem. 305. The dative “ἐπὶ χθονί” is commoner, Il. 1.88 etc. Even “ἐπὶ χθονός” is found in xx. 3.


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hide References (6 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (6):
    • Hesiod, Works and Days, 11
    • Homer, Iliad, 1.88
    • Homer, Odyssey, 23.371
    • Homeric Hymns, Hymn 2 to Demeter, 305
    • Homeric Hymns, Hymn 3 to Apollo, 69
    • Homeric Hymns, Hymn 4 to Hermes, 450
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