Myth of the Ages
2023
This series of textile works titled Myth of the Ages allude to Hesiod’s “Five Ages of Man”, which is a Greek creation story that traces the lineage of mankind through five successive “ages” or “races” that were characterised by different levels of human development, technological advancement, and moral conduct.
The first age was the Golden Age, a time of peace, harmony, and abundance, where humans lived in a utopian society free from pain and suffering. During this time, humans enjoyed a close relationship with the gods, who granted them prosperity and longevity. The second age was the Silver Age, a time when humans became more aggressive and competitive, and their behavior began to deviate from the harmonious way of life that characterised the Golden Age. In this era, humans were less pious and had less respect for the gods, and as a result, they were punished with a shorter lifespan and more challenging living conditions.
The third age was the Bronze Age, a time when humans became even more warlike and began to develop technology and weapons to defend themselves. This era was marked by increased violence, greed, and selfishness, and humans began to turn away from the gods. The fourth age was the Heroic Age, characterised by the exploits of legendary heroes such as Achilles and Odysseus. In this era, humans continued to advance technologically, and their societies became more complex and stratified. This era was also marked by the rise of city-states and the development of democracy.
The fifth age, the Iron Age, was a time of moral decline and degeneration, marked by widespread warfare, poverty, and corruption. This era is often associated with the decline of the Greek city-states and the eventual conquest of Greece by the Romans. Principally, the “Ages of Man” in Greek mythology serve as a moral and historical framework for understanding human progress and decline, and they reflect the ancient Greeks’ belief in the cyclical nature of history.
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As a side note: Hesiod was a Greek poet who lived around the 8th century BCE. He is best known for his two surviving works, “Theogony” and “Works and Days.” “Theogony” is a poem that describes the origins and genealogies of the Greek gods and goddesses. Hesiod explains how the universe came into being and how the gods and goddesses were born. The poem also includes stories of the gods’ relationships with mortals and with each other.
“Works and Days” is a didactic poem that gives advice on farming, sailing, and other practical matters. Hesiod emphasizes the importance of hard work and honesty and provides guidance on how to live a virtuous life. The poem also includes a description of the five ages of man, which are characterised by different levels of virtue and degeneration.