Theogony 215-16: Cronos’ Golden Hesperides, or Sheep for Apples?
Degener, John
The study proposes an alternative correction of the apparent transposition of lines 213 & 214 in The Theogony to replace Hermann’s proposed correction upheld in M. L. West’s standard edition. The alternative ordering of the lines herein proposed provides for the recovery of a homology between The Theogony and The Works and Days that aligns the Hesperides with the Gold generation. Along with this realignment of the two works there arises a novel perspective on the question as to whether the mēla associated with the Hesperides, long supposed to be apples, are rather sheep as is the case in the homologous passage in The Works. The prospect of taking sheep for apples here opens a series of issues with ontological and mythical implications leading finally to prospects for exploration of further homologies between Hesiod’s and Homer’s poems, most pointedly in connection with Odysseus’ katabasis.
↧