Death is an evil; the gods have so judged; had it been good, they would die

Death is an evil; the gods have so judged; had it been good, they would die

Sappho, the renowned Greek poet from the island of Lesbos, is known for her lyrical poetry that often explores themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human emotions. However, Sappho also delves into the darker aspects of life, including the inevitability of death. In one of her fragments, she writes, “Death is an evil; the gods have so judged; had it been good, they would die.”

This statement reflects Sappho’s belief that death is a negative and undesirable aspect of human existence. She sees it as a punishment or a curse, rather than a natural part of life. By stating that the gods have judged death to be evil, Sappho suggests that it is a divine decree that humans must endure this suffering. This perspective is in stark contrast to other ancient Greek beliefs that viewed death as a release from the trials and tribulations of mortal life.

Sappho’s assertion that if death were good, the gods would die is a thought-provoking one. It implies that even the immortal gods would not willingly choose to experience death if it were a positive or beneficial experience. This challenges the idea that death is a necessary and inevitable part of the cycle of life and suggests that it is something to be feared and avoided at all costs.