Epigrams (Homer) facts for kids
Seventeen short poems, called Epigrams, were believed to be written by the famous ancient Greek poet Homer. These poems have been kept safe in several old writings. Some of these include the Life of Homer (written by someone pretending to be Herodotus), the Contest of Homer and Hesiod, and the Homeric Hymns.
What Are Homer's Epigrams?
Epigrams are short, clever poems or sayings. The ones linked to Homer are thought to be even older than the Life of Homer text. This Life of Homer book seems to have been written around the epigrams to give them a proper story or background.
Who Else Wrote Them?
Even though these poems are linked to Homer, some people believe others wrote them. For example, Epigram III, which talks about Midas from Larissa, has also been said to be written by Cleobulus of Lindus. Cleobulus was one of the Seven Sages of Greece, who were known for their wisdom.
Epigram XIV was thought to be written by another famous Greek poet, Hesiod. This idea came from a writer named Julius Pollux. Also, Epigram XI has been described as sounding "purely Hesiodic," meaning it sounds just like something Hesiod would write.
Where Can We Find Them?
Some of these epigrams appear in other important ancient texts. Epigram III, for instance, is partly quoted in Plato's famous work, Phaedrus (section 264d). However, Plato does not say that Homer wrote it.
Epigrams III, XIII, and XVII are all found in the Contest of Homer and Hesiod. Epigram I is also included in some copies of the Homeric Hymns. These epigrams were even part of the very first printed collection of Homer's works. This collection was printed by Demetrius Chalchondyles in 1488.
