Prose Set Text Group 2 (2025–26): Herodotus, Book 1, 29–45 — OCR A-Level Greek

Herodotus Book 1, chapters 29–45 (Prose Set Text Group 2 for OCR A-Level Greek 2025–26) covers the meeting between Solon and Croesus, the story of Tellus and Cleobis and Biton, and the tragic fate of Atys, Croesus' son. This passage explores themes of human happiness, divine jealousy, and the limits of human foresight, and is essential for understanding Herodotus' historical method and moral worldview.

This set text focuses on Herodotus' account of the meeting between the Athenian lawgiver Solon and the Lydian king Croesus, which takes place in the early 6th century BC. The passage is a moral and philosophical dialogue that explores the nature of happiness and the dangers of pride. Solon's refusal to flatter Croesus and his stories of Tellus and Cleobis and Biton serve as a warning that human life is subject to sudden changes of fortune, and that only the gods can guarantee lasting prosperity.

The second part of the passage (chapters 34–45) narrates the tragic death of Croesus' son Atys, which fulfils Solon's warning. Croesus dreams that Atys will be killed by an iron spearhead, and he takes elaborate precautions to prevent this, but the prophecy is fulfilled in an unexpected way when Atys is accidentally killed by a boar's tusk during a hunt. This episode highlights the themes of fate, divine jealousy, and the limits of human foresight, and it sets the stage for Croesus' eventual downfall.

For OCR A-Level Greek, this text is significant not only for its linguistic features but also for its historical and literary value. Students are expected to analyse Herodotus' narrative techniques, his use of speeches and digressions, and his philosophical outlook. The passage also provides insight into Greek views on tyranny, wisdom, and the relationship between mortals and the divine, making it a rich source for essay questions and critical analysis.

• →The concept of 'ὄλβος' (prosperity) and 'εὐτυχία' (good fortune) versus true happiness, which Solon defines as a life that ends well.
• →The theme of 'φθόνος' (divine jealousy) and how the gods punish excessive pride (hubris) in mortals.
• →The use of 'λόγος' (speech) and 'ἔργον' (deed) in Herodotus' narrative, especially the contrast between Solon's words and Croesus' actions.
• →The role of oracles and dreams in Greek religion and how they are often misinterpreted by characters, leading to tragic outcomes.
• →The structure of the passage: the dialogue between Solon and Croesus, followed by the narrative of Atys' death, which serves as a moral exemplum.

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text
• Identify, analyse and evaluate literary techniques and characterisation
• Understand the social, cultural and historical context of the text
• Use appropriate technical terms in English to describe literary features
• Select relevant information from the text to support arguments
• Present information in a clear, concise and coherent manner

• 💡Ensure familiarity with the English translation of the surrounding context (Herodotus, Book 1, 1–28 & 46–56) to support analysis
• 💡Use the prescribed Bloomsbury edition (OCR Anthology for Classical Greek AS and A Level: 2024–2026) for study
• 💡Prepare to write an essay in Section C that synthesises the set text with the wider context read in translation
• 💡Always quote the Greek text to support your points, even if you are writing in English. This shows the examiner that you have engaged with the original language.
• 💡When discussing themes, link them to specific episodes and characters. For example, the theme of 'divine jealousy' is illustrated by the deaths of Cleobis and Biton, who are rewarded for their piety but die young.
• 💡Pay attention to Herodotus' use of direct speech. Solon's speech is a set-piece that is carefully crafted to persuade, and you should analyse its rhetorical devices, such as the use of examples and the structure of the argument.

• Misconception: Solon is saying that wealth is unimportant. Correction: Solon does not dismiss wealth; he says that wealth can contribute to happiness, but it is not sufficient on its own. A person must also have good health, a good family, and a noble death.
• Misconception: Croesus is a purely negative character. Correction: While Croesus is proud and foolish, Herodotus also portrays him as a generous and loving father, which makes his tragedy more poignant.
• Misconception: The story of Atys is just a simple moral tale. Correction: It is a complex narrative that explores the relationship between fate and free will, and it uses dramatic irony to show that human attempts to control the future are futile.

1. 1Week 1: Read the entire passage in Greek and English, making notes on vocabulary and grammar. Focus on understanding the main narrative and the speeches.
2. 2Week 2: Analyse the themes and literary techniques. Write short paragraphs on each theme (happiness, fate, divine jealousy) and identify key quotes.
3. 3Week 3: Practice translation and comprehension questions. Use past papers and mark schemes to familiarise yourself with the exam format.
4. 4Week 4: Write full essays on likely topics, such as 'How does Herodotus present the relationship between humans and the gods?' and get feedback from your teacher.
5. 5Week 5: Review your notes and do active recall exercises. Create flashcards for key Greek phrases and their meanings.

• 📋Translation: You will be asked to translate a passage from the set text into English. Practice by translating each chapter and checking your accuracy.
• 📋Comprehension: Questions that test your understanding of the content, such as 'Why does Solon refuse to call Croesus happy?' Answer these in full sentences, using evidence from the text.
• 📋Essay: A longer question that asks you to analyse a theme or character, such as 'Discuss the role of fate in the story of Atys.' Structure your essay with an introduction, clear paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• 📋Literary analysis: You may be asked to comment on Herodotus' style, such as his use of speeches or his narrative technique. Focus on specific examples and explain their effect.