# Stesichorus > 6th-century BCE Greek lyric poet **Wikidata**: [Q332797](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q332797) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stesichorus) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stesichorus ## Summary Stesichorus was a 6th-century BCE Greek lyric poet, widely recognized as one of the canonical Nine lyric poets of ancient Greece. He is best known for his contributions to early Greek literature, particularly through his innovative mythological narratives and choral compositions. ## Biography - Born: Circa 630 BCE, possibly in Metauros (Mètauron), South Italy - Nationality: Ancient Greek - Education: Not documented - Known for: Composition of epic lyric poetry, including the Palinode and mythological reworkings - Employer(s): Not documented - Field(s): Poetry, literature, ancient Greek choral composition ## Contributions Stesichorus is primarily known for his poetic works that reimagined traditional Greek myths, particularly through choral odes. His most notable surviving fragments include: - A foundational mythological narrative involving Helen of Troy, reinterpreted in his *Palinode*, where he recants an earlier condemnation of Helen and instead blames Paris. - His poetic works were influential in shaping early Greek literary traditions, particularly in the development of choral lyric poetry. - He is credited with composing long narrative poems, possibly including a *Genealogy of the Gods* and a *Sack of Troy*. ## FAQs ### Who was Stesichorus? Stesichorus was a Greek lyric poet from the 6th century BCE, known for his mythological narratives and choral compositions. He is considered one of the Nine lyric poets of ancient Greece. ### What are the major works of Stesichorus? His major works include the *Palinode*, a retraction and reinterpretation of his earlier condemnation of Helen of Troy, and other mythological narratives such as the *Iliad*-inspired *Sack of Troy*. His poetry was performed in choral settings and influenced Greek literary and religious traditions. ### Where was Stesichorus from? Stesichorus is believed to have originated from Metauros (Mètauron), a Greek colony in South Italy, which was part of Magna Graecia. ### What is the significance of the Palinode? The *Palinode* is significant for its self-corrective nature, where Stesichorus retracts his earlier criticism of Helen, shifting the blame to Paris. This work is considered a landmark in Greek poetic self-reflection and literary development. ### What is Stesichorus's legacy in Greek literature? Stesichorus is remembered for his role in shaping choral lyric poetry and mythographic writing. His works laid foundational groundwork for later Greek poets and dramatists, influencing the literary traditions of epic and choral performance. ## Why They Matter Stesichorus's contributions are pivotal in the evolution of Greek poetry, particularly in the transition from epic to choral lyric forms. His reinterpretation of mythological narratives, especially in works like the *Palinode*, introduced a new form of literary self-correction and reflection. His influence extended to later poets and dramatists, including Pindar and the tragedians, who drew from his mythological innovations. His work also helped establish a poetic tradition that balanced performance, religion, and literary narrative in ancient Greece. ## Notable For - Being one of the Nine lyric poets of ancient Greece - Composing the *Palinode*, a self-retracting poem that reinterprets the Helen myth - Influencing the development of choral lyric poetry in ancient Greece - Originating from Metauros, a Greek colony in South Italy - Pioneering the use of mythographic narrative in Greek poetry ## Body ### Early Life and Origins Stesichorus is believed to have been born around 630 BCE in Metauros (Mètauron), a Greek colony in South Italy. This region, part of Magna Graecia, was a significant cultural crossroads for Greek and Italic traditions. His birthplace situates him within a rich tradition of colonial Greek literature, which influenced his mythographic and poetic style. ### Career and Literary Output Stesichorus's career was centered on the composition of choral lyric poetry, a form that combined music, dance, and verse. His works were performed in public and religious settings, often involving mythological themes. He is credited with composing long narrative poems, including: - A version of the *Sack of Troy*, which may have been one of the earliest literary treatments of the Trojan War. - The *Genealogy of the Gods*, a mythological epic that detailed the divine lineage of Greek deities. ### Major Works The *Palinode* stands as one of his most significant contributions. In this work, Stesichorus retracts an earlier condemnation of Helen of Troy, instead blaming Paris for the Trojan War. This self-revision is unique in ancient literature and marks a key moment in the development of poetic self-awareness. Other fragments of his work suggest a deep engagement with mythological themes, including: - Reinterpretations of the stories of Phineus, the daughters of Leukippos, and the Dioskouroi. - His poetry often featured choral odes that were performed in religious and civic festivals. ### Influence and Legacy Stesichorus's influence extended beyond his lifetime. His poetic innovations were foundational for later Greek poets, including Pindar and the tragedians. His work contributed to the development of: - Choral lyric poetry as a distinct literary form. - The mythographic tradition in Greek literature, which influenced later classical authors. - A model for poetic self-correction, as seen in the *Palinode*, which later influenced Hellenistic and Roman poets. ### Cultural and Historical Context Stesichorus lived during the 6th century BCE, a period of significant cultural and literary development in Greece. His work reflects the broader intellectual and artistic currents of the Archaic period, particularly in the Greek colonies of South Italy. His poetry was part of a broader movement that included the works of Alkaios, Sappho, and Pindar. ### Modern Recognition Stesichorus is commemorated in the literary and historical canons as one of the Nine lyric poets of ancient Greece. His works survive in fragments, but their influence is evident in the literary traditions of epic and choral poetry. He is also recognized in numerous academic databases and encyclopedias, including: - Wikidata entries: Q12256827, Q60791378 - Library of Congress identifiers: n81003957 - Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) identifiers: 282509558, 316962007 His legacy continues to be studied in the context of early Greek literature, particularly in the evolution of choral and narrative forms. ## References 1. LIBRIS. 2007 2. Library of the World's Best Literature 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. BnF authorities 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. CiNii Research 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index15.html) 9. CERL Thesaurus 10. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 11. Quora 12. Enciclopedia Treccani