Homeric Poetics

1
Homeric Poetics

• Aoidos - bard
• Phemius, Demodokus
• Orality - oral poetry
• Dactylic hexameter
• Andra moi Ennepe, Mousa polYtropon Hos mala
  Polla
• -uu-uu-uu-uu-uu--
• Memory - truth (a-leth-eia)
• Formulae - Milman Parry
• Epithets
• Type scenes xenia

2
Odyssey - The Story So Far

• Iliad
• Agamemnon and Achilles
• Tragic outlook
• Gods chaotic
• Achilles - frank and truthful hero

3
Structure of the Odyssey

• First Half I-XII.95 (21 days)
• Telemachy I-IV
• Odysseus wanderings V-XII
• Apologue
• Second Half XII.96-XXIV (5 days)

4
Gods and Human Responsibility

• Gods in literature and religion
• Polytheism and conflict
• Source of trouble for man
• Athene metis
• Poseidon chance
• Zeus upholder of justice and fate
• The case of Aegisthus evil hyper moron

5
Telemachy

• To win reputation
• Get acquainted with fathers network
• Take responsibility for property and life
• Learn about Orestes revenge
• Confirm his paternity
• Break cycle of submission to suitors

6
Telemachus and Odysseus

• Iliadland, establishment
• Planned stations
• Divine help decreases

• Beyond civilization
• Chance encounters
• Divine help increases

7
Nestor and Menelaus

• Too masculine
• Polykaste bathes T.
• Sacrifices to Poseidon on beach

• Too feminine
• Helens magic and recognition
• Double wedding