(Referring to a set text e.g. Herodotus Bk. 2) Is Herodotus truly the 'Father of History', or is he the 'Father of Lies'? Use examples from the set text you have studied or other material outside this.

It is important to realise that Herodotus is unique in his approach to History. The word 'history' literally means 'enquiry', coming from the Greek 'ἱστορια', and all Herodotus does is therefore enquiring. Indeed, at the start of his work, he says very clearly that he is merely reporting what was said to him ('λεγειν τα λεγομενα') and is passing no judgement on it whatsoever in terms of its credibility. Therefore, with this being established, it is impossible to call Herodotus the 'Father of Lies' since he never claims to be telling the truth.

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Answered by Darius M. Classical Greek tutor

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