Challenges to the Power of Zeus in Early Greek Poetry

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Description

In the earliest extant works of Greek literature, Zeus reigns supreme in the Olympian hierarchy. However, scattered and scanty though they may be, there are allusions to threats of rebellion which challenge Zeus' supremacy. This book examines these passages, drawn from Homer, Hesiod and the "Homeric Hymns", to offer some new interpretations. While focusing on the theme of cosmic/divine strife, it becomes clear that hints of lost legends underlie these texts. Tracing their hidden logic helps to improve our understanding of early Greek poetry.

Reviews

... this book brings welcome attention to Zeus' 'story', and frequently draws suggestive connections between apparently allusive passages. [Yasumura] is often persuasive in pointing to compositional strife. -- Tobias Myers, Connecticut College, USA * Hermathena *

Author Bio

Noriko Yasumura is Professor of Classics at Kanazawa University, Japan.