The Hellenic religion is a religion of multitudes--of many, many multitudes of Gods, mostly. some are very well known and much hailed and some... well, not so much. Like Hesykhia, daughter of Diké, personification of tranquality and peace. Through Her mother, she is linked to Justice and thus Her tranquality is the tranquality of victory. She is only mentioned once in the surviving Hellenic poetry we have at our disposal and that is in Pindar's Pythian odes.
Pindar is generally considered both Hellas' best poet, and its most difficult to understand. He is most famous for his epinicians, poems celebrating victors at the major Hellenic games. Pindar was paid to write them, which is probably why so many have survived.
According to ancient scholars, Pythian 8 was performed in 446 BC, shortly before Pindar's death. Pythian 8 is the first Pindaric ode known to have been performed on Aigina since the island lost its freedom to Athens. It opens with invocation of Hesykhia, who is besought to accept the song in honor of Aristomenes, the victor. But peace and justice bring out hatred and pride, as embodied in the giants Porphyrion and Typhon. They were slain by Zeus and Apollon; and Apollon, lord of Pytho, brings completes the circle to bring us back to the victory, the victor, and Aigina. I won't quote the whole poem, but here is the part about Hesykhia for your enjoyment and contemplation. If you would like to read more, you can find it here.
Pindar - Pythian Ode 8
Pindar is generally considered both Hellas' best poet, and its most difficult to understand. He is most famous for his epinicians, poems celebrating victors at the major Hellenic games. Pindar was paid to write them, which is probably why so many have survived.
According to ancient scholars, Pythian 8 was performed in 446 BC, shortly before Pindar's death. Pythian 8 is the first Pindaric ode known to have been performed on Aigina since the island lost its freedom to Athens. It opens with invocation of Hesykhia, who is besought to accept the song in honor of Aristomenes, the victor. But peace and justice bring out hatred and pride, as embodied in the giants Porphyrion and Typhon. They were slain by Zeus and Apollon; and Apollon, lord of Pytho, brings completes the circle to bring us back to the victory, the victor, and Aigina. I won't quote the whole poem, but here is the part about Hesykhia for your enjoyment and contemplation. If you would like to read more, you can find it here.
Pindar - Pythian Ode 8
"Hesychia, kind goddess of peace, daughter of Justice
and lady of the greatness of cities:
you who hold the high keys of wars and of councils,
accept for Aristomenes this train of Pythian victory.
and lady of the greatness of cities:
you who hold the high keys of wars and of councils,
accept for Aristomenes this train of Pythian victory.
For you understand, in strict measure of season,
deeds of gentleness and their experience likewise.
And you, when one fixes anger without pity fast in his heart,
are stern to encounter the strength of the hateful ones,
and sink pride in the bilge."
deeds of gentleness and their experience likewise.
And you, when one fixes anger without pity fast in his heart,
are stern to encounter the strength of the hateful ones,
and sink pride in the bilge."
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