The concept of good and evil in Greek mythology (the poems of Homer and Hesiod)

Abstract

This research justifies an in-depth reading of the moral structure in Greek mythology, as a reflection of the moral and human conflict in ancient Greek thought, and as a mirror of the early Greek consciousness of self and the world. In the Homeric epics, good is manifested in the values ​​of heroism and loyalty, while evil appears in wars and revenge. For Hesiod, however, the concepts take on a life-affirming and cosmic dimension, as good is linked to justice and work, while evil is embodied in injustice, laziness, and the vagaries of nature. Through this interplay, the texts reveal a philosophical vision that sees good and evil not as absolutes, but as two intertwined forces that govern human life and its relationship with the world.  The research reveals how the two Homeric epics contributed to shaping a heroic narrative intertwined with human weakness and hesitation. Good is not presented as absolute purity, nor evil as pure ugliness, but rather they intertwine within the fabric of human experience, giving rise to a conflict where strength is integrated with wisdom, justice with violence, and loyalty with the desire for revenge. The analysis also highlights that Hesiod adopted a more explicitly cosmic and ethical perspective, linking the concepts of good and evil to action, striving, justice, and the capricious nature that simultaneously bestows and withholds. Through a critical comparison between Homer and Hesiod, the outlines of a comprehensive philosophical vision emerge, establishing a profound understanding of human existence and highlighting the role of myth in shaping values ​​and guiding behavior throughout the ages.