Compare And Contrast The Account Of The Creation Myth

Compare And Contrast The Account Of The Creation Myth By The Roman Poe

Compare and contrast the account of the creation myth by the Roman poet Ovid in his poem the Metamorphoses 1. 1-469 (OM 5-18) to the earlier version of creation by the Greek poet Hesiod (ACM ). Then discuss how does Ovid's version of the creation myth relates to his general approach to myth in the Metamorphoses. Answer with response to one additional myth from Ovid's Metamorphoses, choosing from the following list: a. Perseus (Ovid Metamorphoses 4.668-5.289 (OM )) b. Arachne (Ovid Metamorphoses 6.1-400; OM ) c. Pygmalion (Ovid Metamorphoses 10. (OM ) d. The Deification of Caesar & Epilogue Ovid Metamorphoses 15. (OM ) Paper Length: 3 Pages (1.5 spacing, 12 font, typed) No Plagiarism You will be given a percentage grade, based on the following breakdown: Argument (70%) ï‚· Introduction: set out what you will be doing in this paper (5%) ï‚· Context 1: describe what is happening in Hesiod’s creation & Ovid’s creation (5%) ï‚· Analysis 1: compare the similarities & differences between Hesiod’s creation & Ovid’s creation (10%) ï‚· Analysis 2 (40%): how does Ovid’s creation relate to his general approach to myth? o Describe what is happening in additional myth from Ovid (5%) o Examine how this additional myth (i) responds to Ovids creation and (ii) shows Ovid’s general approach to myth. ï‚· Conclusion (10%): summarize your main points and findings at the end of your essay. Presentation (30%) ï‚· Length (5%) ï‚· Spelling & Grammar (5%) ï‚· Direct quotation of Hesiod Creation in Analysis 1 (5%) ï‚· Direct quotation of Ovid creation in Analysis 1 and 2 (10%) ï‚· Direct quotation of additional Ovid myth in Analysis 2 (5%)

Paper For Above instruction

The creation myths of Hesiod and Ovid offer compelling insights into ancient cosmological views, reflecting contrasting cultural perspectives and thematic emphases. Comparing Hesiod’s Theogony with Ovid’s account in Metamorphoses reveals both similarities in their divine genealogies and foundational narratives, as well as key differences in tone, purpose, and mythological interpretation. Understanding these differences illuminates how Ovid’s approach to myth functions within his broader literary project.

Hesiod’s Theogony, composed around the 8th century BCE, is primarily a genealogical account of the gods’ origins and the cosmos’s structuring. It begins with Chaos, a primordial void, followed by Gaia (Earth), who gives birth to Uranus (Sky), and their subsequent offspring, including the Titans and Olympian gods. Hesiod emphasizes the divine hierarchy, the legitimacy of divine rule, and the moral order underpinning the universe (Hesiod, Theogony, lines 116-468). For instance, Hesiod describes: “From Chaos came to be the first gods, Gaia and Tartarus, and Eros, who makes all things grow” (Hesiod, Theogony, lines 116-119). This assertive account establishes a cosmic order rooted in divine succession and natural law.

In contrast, Ovid’s creation myth, as presented in Metamorphoses Book 1, possesses a more poetic, fluid, and anthropocentric approach. Ovid begins with the chaos of a formless state, then depicts the emergence of Earth and Heaven, followed by the gods’ genealogies. His narrative emphasizes transformation and interconnectedness, often highlighting human involvement in divine processes. A key feature of Ovid’s myth is his poetic embellishment: “Earth was all of a piece, and the chaos of the void was broken; from the depths, Earth and Heaven came into being as separate entities” (Ovid, Metamorphoses, 1.18). Unlike Hesiod, Ovid’s account presents creation as an ongoing process characterized by metamorphosis rather than a fixed divine hierarchy.

When comparing these accounts, several similarities emerge. Both texts originate from Greek traditions and feature primordial chaos giving rise to Earth and Heaven. They also include divine genealogies culminating in the Olympian gods, emphasizing divine authority. However, their differences are notable: Hesiod’s tone is formal and authoritative, focusing on divine legitimacy and order; Ovid’s tone is poetic and dynamic, emphasizing transformation and human-like relationships among gods and mortals. Hesiod’s gods are largely static, whereas Ovid’s gods and mythic figures are subject to change and adaptation.

Analyzing Ovid’s creation myth reveals how it aligns with his overarching approach to myth in the Metamorphoses, which centers on transformation, fluidity, and the interconnectedness of mythic themes. Ovid’s version of creation is not merely a history of divine origins but also a reflection of his literary motif of metamorphosis. For example, the creation myth highlights the mutable nature of gods and the universe, illustrating that change is intrinsic to mythic and human experience.

To exemplify this, consider Ovid’s myth of Pygmalion (Metamorphoses 10), where an artist’s love transforms a statue into a living woman, embodying the theme of metamorphosis extending beyond the cosmos to individual characters. Ovid’s depiction responds to the earlier creation myth by emphasizing that transformation is a divine and human characteristic, reinforcing his view that myths are flexible stories reflecting moral and philosophical truths (Ovid, Metamorphoses, 10.1-352). The Pygmalion myth exemplifies how Ovid’s mythography underscores ongoing change, a core aspect of his literary philosophy.

Furthermore, this approach to myth reveals Ovid’s tendency to view divine narratives as adaptable and poetic rather than dogmatically fixed, contrasting with Hesiod’s more rigid, hierarchical view. His creative retellings serve to explore human concerns—love, art, power—through the lens of myth, illustrating that divine narratives are malleable and responsive to human experience. Ovid’s emphasis on metamorphosis thus no longer functions solely as a mythological theme but also as a reflection of the fluid nature of human identity and societal values.

In conclusion, the comparison between Hesiod’s and Ovid’s creation myths demonstrates significant differences rooted in their respective cultural contexts and philosophical outlooks. Hesiod’s myth emphasizes divine order and hierarchy, serving a moral and political purpose. Ovid’s myth, infused with themes of transformation and interconnectedness, reflects his broader literary approach that celebrates change and the fluidity of myth. The examination of Ovid’s Pygmalion myth further exemplifies his focus on metamorphosis, illustrating how myth can serve as a dynamic lens for exploring human and divine nature. Ultimately, these myths collectively underscore the evolving understanding of the cosmos and humanity’s place within it, shaped by distinct poetic and philosophical perspectives.

References

• Hesiod. (2006). Theogony and Works and Days. Translated by M. L. West. Oxford University Press.
• Ovid. (2004). Metamorphoses. Translated by David Raeburn. Penguin Classics.
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