Shelley’s version of an ancient Greek hymn speaks directly to Earth as the eldest of divinities, the foundation of all existence. Every living thing—whether swimming, flying, or walking on land—draws life from her inexhaustible wealth. The speaker feels reverence and affection for this nourishing power that fills the world with ripe fruit, sturdy cattle, and thriving families. There is a tangible sense of bounty and pleasure in the images of young people dancing through meadows, of cities filled with beauty and prosperity. Earth’s rule is absolute; she both grants and reclaims life, yet the tone is not fearful. Instead, the poem radiates gratitude and warm wonder. A personal note enters at the end, when the poet asks the goddess to bless his fleeting song with a happy life and to ensure that neither it nor other songs fade from memory. It’s a hopeful prayer folded into a hymn of praise.
Homer's Hymn to the Earth: Mother of All — Summary
O universal Mother, who dost keep From everlasting thy foundations deep, Eldest of things, Great Earth, I sing of thee! All shapes that have their dwelling in the sea, All things that fly, or on the ground divine Live, move, and there are nourished--these are thine; These from thy wealth thou dost sustain; from thee Fair babes are born, and fruits on every tree Hang ripe and large, revered Divinity!
The life of mortal men beneath thy sway Is held; thy power both gives and takes away! Happy are they whom thy mild favours nourish; All things unstinted round them grow and flourish. For them, endures the life-sustaining field Its load of harvest, and their cattle yield Large increase, and their house with wealth is filled. Such honoured dwell in cities fair and free, The homes of lovely women, prosperously; Their sons exult in youth's new budding gladness, And their fresh daughters free from care or sadness, With bloom-inwoven dance and happy song, On the soft flowers the meadow-grass among, Leap round them sporting--such delights by thee Are given, rich Power, revered Divinity.
Mother of gods, thou Wife of starry Heaven, Farewell! be thou propitious, and be given A happy life for this brief melody, Nor thou nor other songs shall unremembered be.