Book contents
- Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought
- Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought
- Copyright page
- Epigraph
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Hesiod and Daimonification in the Archaic and Classical Periods
- Chapter 2 Empedocles as Daimon
- Chapter 3 Plato and the Moralization of Daimonification
- Chapter 4 Daimonification in Xenocrates, Plutarch, Apuleius, and Maximus of Tyre
- Chapter 5 Moses Angelified in Philo of Alexandria
- Chapter 6 Origen, Angelification, and the Angelified Jesus
- Chapter 7 Plotinus as a Living Daimon
- Chapter 8 The Angelification of Zostrianos
- Conclusion
- Select Bibliography
- Index
Chapter 1 - Hesiod and Daimonification in the Archaic and Classical Periods
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 December 2020
- Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought
- Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought
- Copyright page
- Epigraph
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Hesiod and Daimonification in the Archaic and Classical Periods
- Chapter 2 Empedocles as Daimon
- Chapter 3 Plato and the Moralization of Daimonification
- Chapter 4 Daimonification in Xenocrates, Plutarch, Apuleius, and Maximus of Tyre
- Chapter 5 Moses Angelified in Philo of Alexandria
- Chapter 6 Origen, Angelification, and the Angelified Jesus
- Chapter 7 Plotinus as a Living Daimon
- Chapter 8 The Angelification of Zostrianos
- Conclusion
- Select Bibliography
- Index
Summary
Chapter 1 treats Hesiod (early seventh century BCE), who envisioned the daimonification of the primal (golden) generation of humans. The golden generation was already close to the gods, the “model A” type of human. For Hesiod, it was important that the golden generation was righteous and good. After death, they became guardian daimones that granted gifts to humans. Hesiod also presented the daimonification of an individual, Phaethon. Phaethon represents a type of figure who obtained daimonic status owing to his beauty. Later, however, daimonification was linked with moral forms of excellence. Alcestis, a maiden from Thessaly, became a daimon by her supreme sacrifice, and Pythagoras was venerated as a daimon for his wisdom.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean ThoughtBecoming Angels and Demons, pp. 21 - 30Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021