Iliad and Odyssey
The Culture, the Time, the Author
Origin



The Trojan War, according
to most historians, took place
in 13th-11th century B.C.
around modern day Turkey.
The Iliad and the Odyssey came into existence
around 8th-7th 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.
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.
There are many different tales
on his origin as a single entity.
He created the tales in
Dactylic hexameter –
to give the poetry a singsong rhythm.
The Guest-Host Relationship


Known as “XENIA” (hospitality) – under the command of Zeus
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.
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 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.
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.
For most epic characters, kleos comes as
the hero returns home.
Achilles is offered kleos aphthiton (“fame
imperishable”)
Hubris – “excessive pride”


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.
Arete – “excellence”


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
Aristeia


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:
Arming scene
Brilliance of armor/hero to followers
Initial exploit
Setback (wounding)
Divine inspiration
Renewed exploits
Double simile
The kill
Taunting the victim