The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Epimenides explained
This chapter recounts the life and legends of Epimenides, a Cretan philosopher and prophet from Gnossus.
What happens
This chapter recounts the life and legends of Epimenides, a Cretan philosopher and prophet from Gnossus. It describes his miraculous fifty-seven-year sleep in a cave, his purification of Athens during a plague, his long life, his writings on theology and mythology, and his prophecies. It also includes a letter attributed to him advising Solon about tyranny in Athens.
Themes in this chapter
The Philosopher's Life and Character
Epimenides' legendary sleep, his role as a divine purifier, and his long life illustrate the extraordinary and semi-mythical character of early philosophers.
Political Engagement and Tyranny
Epimenides' letter to Solon warns about the dangers of tyranny and expresses hope for Athenian resistance, showing philosophical engagement with political issues.
Death and Legacy
The chapter discusses Epimenides' death at an advanced age, his veneration as a god by Cretans, and the preservation of his body by Lacedaemonians, highlighting his lasting legacy.
Characters to notice
- Epimenides of Crete
Central figure of the chapter; Cretan philosopher, prophet, and purifier of Athens.
- Solon
Recipient of a letter from Epimenides discussing tyranny and freedom in Athens.
- Nicias
Sent by Athens to Crete to invite Epimenides to purify the city during the plague.
- Xenophanes
Mentioned as a source for Epimenides' age at death.
- Demetrius of Magnesia
Cited as a critic who argued that Epimenides' letter to Solon was a modern forgery.
- Pisistratus
Referenced in Epimenides' letter as the tyrant of Athens.
Key passages
“He once, when he was sent by his father into the fields to look for a sheep, turned out of the road at midday and lay down in a certain cave and fell asleep, and slept there fifty-seven years; and after that, when he awoke, he went on looking for the sheep, thinking that he had been taking a short nap.”
Epimenides fell asleep in a cave while searching for a sheep and slept for fifty-seven years, waking up thinking only a short time had passed.
This legendary sleep is a central miracle in Epimenides' biography, symbolizing his connection to the divine.
“He took some black sheep and some white ones and led them up to the Areopagus, and from thence he let them wherever they chose, having ordered the attendants to follow them, and wherever any one of them lay down they were to sacrifice him to the God who was the patron of the spot, and so the evil was stayed.”
To purify Athens from the plague, Epimenides released black and white sheep on the Areopagus and sacrificed each where it lay down, appeasing the local gods.
This ritual purification explains the origin of nameless altars in Athens.
“Be of good cheer, my friend; for if Pisistratus had imposed his laws on the Athenians, they being habituated to slavery and not accustomed to good laws previously, he would have maintained his dominion forever... but as it is, he is lording it over men who are no cowards, but who remember the precepts of Solon and are indignant at their bonds.”
Epimenides reassures Solon that the Athenians, remembering his laws, will not tolerate Pisistratus' tyranny forever.
This letter reflects Epimenides' political insight and support for freedom.
