The Hymns to Ares, Herakles, Ausklepios, and Pan Summary

"The Hymn to Ares"

This hymn, unlike many of the others, begins with a frequent repetition of the god's name juxtaposed with his various attributes - "superior force," "has armor of bronze," "leader of most just men," etc. The poet asks the god to both help him find the courage to "shake off cruel cowardice," and restrain "that shrill voice in my heart that provokes me to enter the chilling din of battle." His final prayer is for Ares to help him "linger in the safe laws of peace..."

"The Hymn to Herakles"

This hymn to the great mythic warrior (more commonly known as Hercules) reveals him to be yet another child of Zeus by yet another woman other than Hera, refers to his many wanderings and feats of...