Theogony

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Hesiod’s Theogony was composed around 700 BCE, during the Archaic Period of ancient Greek history. What is the Archaic Period? What are some cultural, political, and historical achievements associated with this period?

Teaching Suggestion: In ancient Greek history, the Archaic Period is usually placed between 776 and 479 BCE. Students may benefit from discussing historical events and cultural and political developments of this period, including the establishment of the Olympic Games, the development of the Greek alphabet, the rise of the Greek city-state (known as the polis), and the extension of Greek trade across the Mediterranean. You might also discuss the Persian Wars, the two major Persian invasions of Greece that represent the transition from the Archaic Period to the Classical Period. Consider also calling attention to Hesiod’s place within this period as one of the first major literary figures of Greek history (alongside Homer).

• This short article from the National Archaeological Museum of Greece presents a brief introduction to the Archaic Period.
• This article from Khan Academy discusses the history of the Greek polis.

2. Hesiod’s Theogony is an epic poem that describes the origins of the Greek gods and their role in forming the cosmos. What do you know about the Greek gods and Greek mythology? What other ancient literary works or artforms do you connect with Greek mythology?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be helpful to explore the definition of Greek mythology (traditional stories that the ancient Greeks told about the gods and the distant past of their own communities) as well as the relationship between Greek mythology and Greek literature. Mythology was so important to Greek life that much of their literature and visual arts dealt predominantly with mythical stories. Hesiod was thus only one of many ancient Greek authors who wrote about the mythical past, alongside Homer, the Athenian tragedians (Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides), and many others.

• This History Channel article introduces Greek mythology.
• This article from the World History Encyclopedia discusses ancient Greek literature.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

What is the purpose of a myth? What are some myths that exist in your community, and on what issues do these myths reflect?

Teaching Suggestion: Myths reflect many aspects of our lives, including morality, religion, and history. The idea that myths are false by definition is therefore misleading: For many people (including the ancient Greeks), myths were important because they contained higher truths that were, in a sense, more real than history or science. Consider encouraging students to think deeply and critically about the myths that are still prevalent in their own societies and communities, including myths about sex, gender, race, and economic status (though it will be important to ensure that students approach such issues with sensitivity).

Differentiation Suggestion: To encourage agency and creativity, consider allowing students to create a visual representation of a myth of their choice (this can be a Greek myth, but it can also be a myth from a different mythological system). Students could provide their descriptions aloud in a presentation, during which they could explain what they think the myth represents and why it is important.