The Homeric Hymns are a collection of hymns that were written to the Greek gods (and some of the famous heroes and demi-gods of the Greek heroic age).
Although the this collection of hymns is called ‘Homeric’, they were most probably not written by the poet Homer (the attributed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey). They have been given the title of ‘Homeric’ because they use the same poetic meters and language style as the Iliad and Odyssey.
Here is one of the Homeric hymns to Poseidon the god of the sea, horses and earthquakes.
That mighty god I begin to sing
He who moves the earth and the desolate sea The lord of the deep sea Shaker of the Earth
The gods gave you two honours: you are the tamer of horses and the saviour of ships
Farewell, Poseidon You hold up the earth Who is dark-haired; you are blessed and Kindly at heart Help those who sail upon the sea in ships
Click here to download a selection of Homeric hymns:
Click here to download some information and picture of Olympian Gods (as well as Poseidon and Hades):