Evelyn-White's translation of the Homeric Hymn to Hermes stands as a cornerstone of English-language access to this vibrant and engaging piece of ancient Greek literature. Contained within the broader collection of *Homeric Hymns*, this particular hymn offers a captivating narrative of Hermes' birth, his precocious thievery, and his subsequent reconciliation with his father, Zeus. This article will examine White's translation, its merits and potential limitations, and situate it within the wider context of the *Homeric Hymns*, touching upon related works and exploring the complexities of authorship and dating.
The *Homeric Hymns*, a collection of 33 poems dedicated to various Greek gods and goddesses, are a crucial source for understanding ancient Greek religion, mythology, and poetic practices. While attributed to Homer, scholarly consensus generally rejects the notion of single authorship. Instead, the hymns are considered to be the product of various poets, spanning a period likely from the 7th to the 3rd centuries BCE. This diverse authorship contributes to the stylistic and thematic variations observed across the collection. The hymns vary in length and complexity, ranging from brief invocations to elaborate narratives. Some, like the Hymn to Demeter (often studied alongside the *Hymn to Hermes* for its narrative strength and character development), provide detailed mythological accounts, while others function more as liturgical pieces, suitable for performance at religious festivals.
Evelyn-White's translation, appearing in his renowned collection, plays a significant role in making this rich body of work accessible to modern readers. His translations are known for their accuracy and readability, striking a balance between capturing the nuances of the original Greek and presenting a fluid English text. In the case of the *Hymn to Hermes*, this balance is particularly crucial, given the poem's lively and often humorous tone. The hymn is not simply a recounting of events; it engages in playful characterization, showcasing Hermes' cunning and Zeus's amused exasperation. White's translation successfully conveys this dynamic, allowing the modern reader to appreciate the inherent wit and dramatic tension within the narrative.
The *Hymn to Hermes* (Hymn IV) begins with the birth of the god, a dramatic event depicted with vivid imagery. Hermes is born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, a location imbued with mythological significance. Immediately after his birth, the infant god demonstrates his characteristic cunning and agility. He escapes his cradle, steals Apollo's cattle, and then masterfully hides his tracks. This episode forms the central narrative arc of the hymn, showcasing Hermes' innate talent for deception and his quick thinking. White's translation effectively captures the mischievous energy of this sequence, rendering the scene both entertaining and believable. The description of Hermes' crafting of the lyre from a tortoise shell is particularly well-handled, highlighting the ingenuity and artistry of the young god.
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