Iliad and Odyssey The Culture, the Time, the Author

Origin The Trojan War, according The Trojan War, according to most historians, took place to most historians, took place in 13 th -11 th century B.C. in 13 th -11 th century B.C. around modern day Turkey. around modern day Turkey. The Iliad and the Odyssey came into existence around 8 th -7 th century B.C. in the oral form, making it the oldest extant (still existing) pieces of Greek literature today. The Iliad and the Odyssey came into existence around 8 th -7 th century B.C. in the oral form, making it the oldest extant (still existing) pieces of Greek literature today. Poets would recite the poem for fourteen hours straight for audiences who would come and go. Poets would recite the poem for fourteen hours straight for audiences who would come and go.

Homer He is the “ author ” of the Iliad and Odyssey. But many speculate whether he was a single man or a accumulation of many poets. He is the “ author ” of the Iliad and Odyssey. But many speculate whether he was a single man or a accumulation of many poets. There are many different tales on his origin as a single entity. There are many different tales on his origin as a single entity. He created the tales in Dactylic hexameter – He created the tales in Dactylic hexameter – to give the poetry a sing- song rhythm. to give the poetry a sing- song rhythm.

The Guest-Host Relationship Known as “ XENIA ” (hospitality) – under the command of Zeus Known as “ XENIA ” (hospitality) – under the command of Zeus Xenia consists of three basic rules: Xenia consists of three basic rules: The respect from host to guest, the respect from guest to host, and the parting gift from host to guest. The host must be hospitable to the guest and provide him with food and drink and a bath, if required. The respect from host to guest, the respect from guest to host, and the parting gift from host to guest. The host must be hospitable to the guest and provide him with food and drink and a bath, if required. It is not polite to ask questions until the guest has stated his needs. The guest must be courteous to his host and not be a burden. It is not polite to ask questions until the guest has stated his needs. The guest must be courteous to his host and not be a burden. The parting gift is to show the host's honor at receiving the guest. This was especially important in the ancient times when men thought gods mingled amongst them. If you had played host to a deity (a concept known as theoxenia) and performed poorly, you would incur the wrath of a god. The parting gift is to show the host's honor at receiving the guest. This was especially important in the ancient times when men thought gods mingled amongst them. If you had played host to a deity (a concept known as theoxenia) and performed poorly, you would incur the wrath of a god. The Trojan war described in the Iliad resulted from a violation of xenia. Paris was a guest of Menelaus but seriously transgressed the bounds of xenia by abducting his host's wife, Helen. Therefore the Achaeans were required by duty to Zeus to avenge this transgression, which as a violation of xenia was an insult to Zeus's authority, resulting in the war. The Trojan war described in the Iliad resulted from a violation of xenia. Paris was a guest of Menelaus but seriously transgressed the bounds of xenia by abducting his host's wife, Helen. Therefore the Achaeans were required by duty to Zeus to avenge this transgression, which as a violation of xenia was an insult to Zeus's authority, resulting in the war.

Nostos – “ homecoming ” The idea of a glorious return from war. The idea of a glorious return from war. In the Iliad, nostos cannot be obtained without the sacking of Troy, which is the driving force behind Agamemnon's will to win at any cost. In the Odyssey, nostos is the main theme of Odysseus ’ journey. In the Iliad, nostos cannot be obtained without the sacking of Troy, which is the driving force behind Agamemnon's will to win at any cost. In the Odyssey, nostos is the main theme of Odysseus ’ journey.

Kleos - “ glory ” The ancient Greek concept of glory that is earned through battle. The ancient Greek concept of glory that is earned through battle. For most epic characters, kleos comes as the hero returns home. For most epic characters, kleos comes as the hero returns home. Achilles is offered kleos aphthiton ( “ fame imperishable ” ) Achilles is offered kleos aphthiton ( “ fame imperishable ” )

Hubris – “excessive pride” The chief flaw for Odysseus to overcome. The chief flaw for Odysseus to overcome. Hubris comes from a hero being aware of their own greatness. Achilles faces his own hubris when his pride causes his comrade Patroclus’s death. Odysseus must overcome his need to be recognized for being a smarty-pants in the Odyssey. Hubris comes from a hero being aware of their own greatness. Achilles faces his own hubris when his pride causes his comrade Patroclus’s death. Odysseus must overcome his need to be recognized for being a smarty-pants in the Odyssey.

Arete – “excellence” Can be defined as “ excellence ” or “ virtue ” … or… Can be defined as “ excellence ” or “ virtue ” … or… As a way to describe heroes and their mobile dexterity, with special reference to strength and courage As a way to describe heroes and their mobile dexterity, with special reference to strength and courage

Aristeia Literally “ a warrior ’ s prowess ” – an aristeia scene depicts a hero ’ s finest moments in battle.. to almost a berserker level. Literally “ a warrior ’ s prowess ” – an aristeia scene depicts a hero ’ s finest moments in battle.. to almost a berserker level. The format of an aristeia: The format of an aristeia: Arming scene Arming scene Brilliance of armor/hero to followers Brilliance of armor/hero to followers Initial exploit Initial exploit Setback (wounding) Setback (wounding) Divine inspiration Divine inspiration Renewed exploits Renewed exploits Double simile Double simile The kill The kill Taunting the victim Taunting the victim