In the Homeric hymn to Aprhodite, similar to the song “Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison, the artists are both discussing a woman that is seems to leave none immune to their charm and beauty. Orbison writes, “I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth…No one could look as good as you, mercy.” He goes on to beg her to pay attention to him, hoping that she gives him so much as a glance, so completely engulfed with the energy she is giving off. In the Homeric hymn, the author writes about how no one, not even Zeus, is capable of ignoring the beautiful Aphrodite. Her looks and presence complete dominate the attention of everyone’s eyes.
The difference, though, is that in the hymn, the author talks about how there are a few people that are “unable to be persuaded” by Aphrodite, whereas in “Pretty Woman,” although quite a short and repetitive song, there seems to be no wiggle room for the people under the muse’s spell.
“But nobody else, none of the blessed gods, no mortal man, no one else can ever escape Aphrodite. She even leads astray the mind of Zeus himself, the lover of lightning, the greatest of all, the one who receives the greatest honor. And when she wants to, she can deceive that sage heart of his easily, and make even him mate with mortal women, hiding from Hera, his sister and wife.” (pg 70)