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Chapter 1 - Hesiod and Daimonification in the Archaic and Classical Periods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 December 2020

M. David Litwa
Affiliation:
Australian Catholic University, Melbourne
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Summary

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.

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Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought
Becoming Angels and Demons
, pp. 21 - 30
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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