Author

Theocritus

-300--260

Theocritus (-300--260) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

Wikipedia

Subjects

Pastoral poetry, Greek -- Translations into English Alexandria (Egypt) -- Poetry City and town life -- Poetry Country life -- Poetry Greek poetry -- Translations into English Mediterranean Region -- Poetry Pastoral poetry, Greek Pastoral poetry, Greek -- Translations into Swedish

Books by Theocritus

Theocritus, translated into English Verse

"Theocritus" translated into English Verse by C.S. Calverley is a collection of ancient Greek pastoral poetry, presumably compiled sometime in the late 19th century. This translation aims to present Theocritus’s Idylls, which celebrate rural life, love, and the beauty of nature, often through the lens of mythological themes and playful pastoral dialogue between characters such as shepherds and nymphs. The opening of "Theocritus" introduces us to the first Idyll, "The Death of Daphnis," featuring Thyrsis, a goatherd, and his musings on the beauty of nature and the pain of lost love. Set against a picturesque pastoral backdrop, Thyrsis calls upon the Muses to sing a lament for Daphnis, who has succumbed to unrequited love. This enchanting scene unfolds through their exchanges, highlighting themes of love and longing, as Thyrsis reminisces about Daphnis’ fate and the grief experienced by both humans and animals alike. The rich imagery and emotional depth set the tone for the rest of the Idylls, suggesting an exploration of love's joys and sorrows within a vibrant natural landscape.

Theocritus, Bion and Moschus, Rendered into English Prose

"Theocritus, Bion and Moschus, Rendered into English Prose by Andrew Lang is a collection of pastoral poetry and poetic narratives written during the late 19th century. This compilation includes works from Theocritus, known as the father of pastoral poetry, along with verses from Bion and Moschus, exploring themes of rural life, love, and natural beauty. Through their idyllic idyls, these poets capture the simplicity and essence of pastoral existence, featuring characters that often include shepherds and rural figures amidst the southern landscapes of Sicily and surrounding regions. At the start of this prose rendering, readers are introduced to Theocritus and his background as a Syracusan poet who flourished in the third century before Christ. The opening sections delve into a brief biography of Theocritus, the historical context of his work as it laid the foundation for pastoral poetry, and the social influences that shaped his art. The first idyl presented features Thyrsis, a shepherd, and the goatherd who engage in a lyrical exchange, contemplating themes of love and loss through the Song of Daphnis, setting the tone for a rich exploration of human emotions intimately connected with nature."

Ειδύλλια

"Ειδύλλια" by Theocritus is a collection of bucolic poems written in the 3rd century BC. These pastoral works transport readers to the ancient Greek countryside, where shepherds and goatherds meet in shady groves to exchange songs and stories. The most famous idyll tells of Daphnis, a legendary cowherd who vowed eternal faithfulness to his first love. When Love seeks revenge by testing his devotion, Daphnis faces a choice between constancy and desire, leading to tragic consequences mourned by wild creatures and divine figures alike.

Theocritos' Idyller

"Theocritos' Idyller" by Theocritus is a collection of bucolic poems written in the 3rd century BC. These pastoral works feature rustic shepherds and goatherds who meet in idyllic settings to exchange songs and stories. The most famous idyll tells of Daphnis, a legendary cowherd who vowed eternal faithfulness to his first love. When the god Love sought revenge by inflicting him with desire for another, Daphnis chose death over breaking his vow, mourned by animals, nymphs, and gods alike in this founding work of pastoral poetry.