Kiln (poem) facts for kids
The "Kiln" (also known as "Potters") is a short, ancient Greek poem. It has 23 lines and is written in a special style called hexameter. This means it has a particular rhythm. Long ago, some people thought famous poets like Homer or Hesiod wrote it. But today, experts don't believe it was written by either of them. The poem asks the goddess Athena to help potters succeed. It also says bad things will happen if they don't pay the poet for his song. This poem is sometimes listed among Homer's short poems, called Epigrams, as number XIV.
Who Wrote the Kiln Poem?
Even though the "Kiln" poem is sometimes found with writings by Hesiod, most people don't think he wrote it. Other old writings suggest it was linked to stories about Homer. It seems the "Kiln" was written around 500 or 600 BCE. It might have been part of a bigger book about Homer that is now lost.
Homer's Story with the Potters
According to an old story about Homer's life, the great poet was traveling. He landed on the island of Samos. There, he met a group of potters. They knew he was famous. The potters offered Homer some of their pottery and other things they had. In return, they asked him to sing for them. Homer then sang the "Kiln" poem for them.
