Hesiod and Daimonification in the Archaicand Classical Periods

Book chapter

Litwa, Matthew. (2020). Hesiod and Daimonification in the Archaicand Classical Periods. In Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought : Becoming Angels and Demons pp. 21 Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108921572.003
AuthorsLitwa, Matthew
Abstract

Chapter 1 treats Hesiod (early seventh century BCE), who envisioned the daimonification of the primal (golden) generation of humans. The golden generation was already close to the gods, the “model A” type of human. For Hesiod, it was important that the golden generation was righteous and good. After death, they became guardian daimones that granted gifts to humans. Hesiod also presented the daimonification of an individual, Phaethon. Phaethon represents a type of figure who obtained daimonic status owing to his beauty. Later, however, daimonification was linked with moral forms of excellence. Alcestis, a maiden from Thessaly, became a daimon by her supreme sacrifice, and Pythagoras was venerated as a daimon for his wisdom.

KeywordsHesiod ; daimon ; Phaethon; Pythagoras ; Alcestis ; Rhesus; Darius ; Evagoras ; benefaction; golden generation
Page range21
30
Year01 Jan 2020
Book titlePosthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought : Becoming Angels and Demons
PublisherCambridge University Press
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
Edition1
ISBN9781108921572
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108921572.003
Web address (URL)https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/posthuman-transformation-in-ancient-mediterranean-thought/hesiod-and-daimonification-in-the-archaic-and-classical-periods/89A84A3DEE370ECE0424BF0A1D1CD147
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Print2021
Online24 Dec 2020
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Deposited05 Sep 2024
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© M. David Litwa 2021

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