Chaos in Hesiod's Theogony
Certeza, Patrisha Bianca Y.
III - 2 BEE
Chaos in Hesiod’s Theogony
Chaos - as we define today, is complete disorder and confusion. Undeniably, when a concept becomes confusing, it leads us to more confusions and disorder, as if it is a mother giving birth. But, have you ever heard of the Theogony written by the great poet, Hesiod?
The Theogony of Hesiod may be described by my classmates as overwhelming, complex, scary, amazing, scandalous, revenge, peculiar, confusing, and complicated -- in short, chaotic, that we could even compare it to the issues and problems we are experiencing now that we are already in the 21st century. Ever wonder about some of these issues and problems?
First, the power of the Greek Gods. Specifically, with Zeus because he is the most powerful one. I can’t imagine how he thrust Metis because of being afraid that the child on her womb would compete with him. With this, I can compare Zeus with my uncle who is so full of pride and has this superior complexity. He would always correct everything you say and believe into, even if you are correct. And, to him, he is always the best and no one could do better than him. He is the oldest and uses it as his power over us. Unfortunately, his character became as the most hated one, not only in our family but also in our community.
Second, the story of generations and incest in Hesiod’s Theogony, which is comparable to some Filipino families. Teleseryes and variety shows like Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, features Filipino families wherein one husband has two or more wives, having too many children and living in just one roof. Can you imagine how their family tree would look like? Hmm, it may be like that of Hesiod’s Theogony that is so overwhelming with too many names and branches on it.
Lastly, violence. This problem is rooted from power. Just because the gods wanted to have and preserve powers, they did such violent acts, sexual violence in particular. And if we would wonder if it still happens today, the answer is yes. One day in quarantine because of Covid19, there were news reports saying that the rate of women and children experiencing sexual violence at home, increased.
Power, incest, stories of generations, and violence -- these are just some of the many problems that our chaotic world is experiencing now. When we are hungry for something for ourselves, we cannot think clearly that leads us to having confusions and disorder. And, pushing ourselves to the best that we can just to get or achieve that something, like power, we always forget to think of what is right and just. Within ourselves - this is where chaos begin to exist. And, the more we get confused, the more chaotic the situation gets. Thinking about the problems mentioned above, it merely starts with just a single person, involving another person until it multiplies to more and more persons involved -- just like a single confusion and disorder that we experience ourselves, that seems to multiply and become a chaos itself.
References:
Chaos • Facts the about primordial gaping void & beginning of everything. (2017, February 10). Greek Gods & Goddesses. https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/chaos/
Family tree of the Greek gods: Hesiod's theogony (Transliterated Greek names). (n.d.). THEOI GREEK MYTHOLOGY - Exploring Mythology in Classical Literature & Art. https://www.theoi.com/TreeHesiod.html
Violence and power theme in theogony. (n.d.). LitCharts. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/theogony/themes/violence-and-power
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