Corinna

Corinna (c. 5th century BC) was a Greek lyric poet from Tanagra in Boeotia. She is notable as one of the few female poets of ancient Greece whose work survives, albeit in fragmented form.

While relatively little is known about her life, tradition holds that she was a contemporary and rival of Pindar, a more celebrated lyric poet. Anecdotes suggest she defeated him in poetic competitions, allegedly due to her incorporating local Boeotian myths and dialect into her work, which resonated more strongly with the audience than Pindar's more panhellenic style. However, the veracity of these accounts is debated.

Corinna's poetry primarily focused on mythological subjects, particularly those related to Boeotia. Her poems often retold familiar myths with a particular emphasis on the roles and experiences of female figures. She wrote in a relatively simple and accessible style, using the Boeotian dialect, and her work was likely performed at local festivals and celebrations.

Fragments of her poems survive on papyri, discovered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These fragments offer valuable insight into Boeotian mythology, culture, and language. The Dithyramb, The Daughters of Asopus, and The Contest Between Mount Cithaeron and Mount Helicon are among the better-known titles associated with her.

Although only fragments of her work are extant, Corinna is considered an important figure in the history of Greek lyric poetry, providing a unique perspective on mythology and showcasing the literary tradition of Boeotia. Her focus on local narratives and her accessible style distinguish her from other contemporary poets.