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settare's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciate Hesiod because his work is probably the earliest and most ancient piece of western literature that we have. To me, reading ancient texts and stories brings with it a mysterious sense of wonder about ancient civilizations that I simply do not get from later works of literature.
But to be completely honest, Theogony is boring. The myths are interesting, but the poem itself, lacking the charm of Homer and just reciting long lists of who was who and who gave birth to whom is something I would recommend as bedside reading if you have a mild case of insomnia.
But I would recommend Theogony as general interest reading for these people:
- If you have an interest in ancient texts, the roots of western literature and history.
- If you like Greek Mythology. Modern retellings are all nice and well, but reading the original texts is a completely different experience that helps you let go of the labels and things that modern times have attached to these myths and the Greco-Roman gods.
- Again, if you have a mild case of insomnia.
- If you like weird and ancient and imaginative stories. Even though the poem itself is dry, the story told is quite fun.
- If you want to compare more recent versions of the myths with the "original".
- If you, like me, want to keep a reference for future "fact-checking".
- I'll complete this list if I can think of other reasons why Theogony, dry as it is, is worth reading still.
My other (more complete) review of [b:Theogony and Works and Days|6270484|Theogony and Works and Days|Hesiod|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527022746l/6270484._SY75_.jpg|2241338] is HERE.
But to be completely honest, Theogony is boring. The myths are interesting, but the poem itself, lacking the charm of Homer and just reciting long lists of who was who and who gave birth to whom is something I would recommend as bedside reading if you have a mild case of insomnia.
But I would recommend Theogony as general interest reading for these people:
- If you have an interest in ancient texts, the roots of western literature and history.
- If you like Greek Mythology. Modern retellings are all nice and well, but reading the original texts is a completely different experience that helps you let go of the labels and things that modern times have attached to these myths and the Greco-Roman gods.
- Again, if you have a mild case of insomnia.
- If you like weird and ancient and imaginative stories. Even though the poem itself is dry, the story told is quite fun.
- If you want to compare more recent versions of the myths with the "original".
- If you, like me, want to keep a reference for future "fact-checking".
- I'll complete this list if I can think of other reasons why Theogony, dry as it is, is worth reading still.
My other (more complete) review of [b:Theogony and Works and Days|6270484|Theogony and Works and Days|Hesiod|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527022746l/6270484._SY75_.jpg|2241338] is HERE.
raehink's review against another edition
3.0
I read this so long ago that I don't remember much about it other than that I liked it. I think it has to do with the Greek gods and how Zeus was made the chief god.
kisdead's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
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