Motif
Best not to be born
best_not_to_be_born
A motif of the Lament, Mourning, and Tragic Recognition family, within the sub-family Fate and Mortality. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
1 occurrences
1 traditions
greek
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Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns, and Homerica THE MARGITES / THE CERCOPES / THE BATTLE OF FROGS AND MICE / OF THE ORIGIN OF HOMER AND HESIOD, AND OF THEIR CONTEST; lines 8642-8754 confidence: high
Homer answers that for humans it is best never to be born, or once born, to pass quickly through the gates of Hades.
In response to Hesiod's question about what is best for mortal man, Homer answers that it is best never to be born or to pass quickly through Hades' gates.
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