The Hymns to Hephaistos, Poseidon, Zeus and the Muses Summary

"The Hymn to Hephaistos"

This hymn, written in unusually short lines, praises the god who brought the work of men "who formerly lived in caves like animals" into wider acceptance and ease. For the origins of Hephaistos, see Part 10, "The Hymn to Pythian Apollo."

"The Hymn to Poseidon"

This brief hymn to the god Poseidon evokes his power over the sea, and prays for his blessing on the ships and sailors that travel on it.

"The Hymn to Zeus"

This equally brief hymn to Zeus speaks plainly and simply of his wisdom and power, praising him for being "the most famous of all" and "the greatest."

"The Hymn to the Muses"

The final brief hymn in this section praises the Muses, related as they are to the...