Nostos: The page for nostos has some information on it, but it is brief. I think the theme of nostos is very present in several of the epics we've read. The men in the Trojan War wanted nostos, and Odysseus' goal throughout his epic was homecoming. I want to expand on this article and give a more extensive background and coverage of it.
Katabasis: The current page has almost no content about katabasis in Greek mythology aside from a basic definition of the term. I want to add the importance and examples of katabasis, notably in the Odyssey. This is an important part of Odysseus' journey, and it allows us to see several important characters and interactions that could be expanded.
Homeric Simile: In the Iliad and Odyssey, similes were an integral part of the storytelling. I hope to expand on what is already there and possibly provide examples to illustrate the similes used by Homer.
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Epic Hero
editThe epic hero is a common element of epic poetry. While commonly considered the protagonist of an epic poem, the epic hero is one that often displays leadership and other characteristics that are desired in the society for which the epic is written. Greek poets such as Homer or Apollonius wrote epics that reflected popular virtues in Greek society. The poetic embodiment of the Greek word hêrôs implies a religious aspect[1] while at the same time referring to divine heritage.[2]
Characteristics of epic hero
editOne typical trait of epic hero is an ability that sets them apart from other humans.[3] An easily recognizable example of this in epic is Achilles' abilities in battle. Odysseus' art of speech or deception is another example of special abilities from epic heroes.
Many epic heroes also encounter a trip to the supernatural world that is not typically open to normal humans.[3] This experience is often encountered through a katabasis or a decent to the Underworld. In the Odyssey, Odysseus visits Tiresias and encounters several spirits.[4] In the Aeneid, Virgil's hero Aeneas also visits the world of the dead to see his father.[5]
Epic heroes also commonly strive for eternal fame or glory (kleos). Achilles ensures his young death by pursuing kleos through his actions as a Greek warrior against the Trojans.[6]
They also are subject to the will and fates of the gods, many of them set with a fate specifically set out for their lives by the king of the gods. Achilles fate in the Iliad (dying young with glory or dying at an old age unknown) is specified by Zeus. Odysseus' fate to return home to Ithaca is a large part of his journey in the Odyssey.[4] Aeneas' journeys are fated to take him to Italy where he is to provide the foundation for the future Romans.[5]
Another common theme found among epic heroes is divine heritage or divine favor. For Achilles, his mother was Thetis, a water goddess who secures Zeus' favor for her son through supplication of the god.[6] Odysseus' favor came from Athena.
Examples of epic heroes
edit- Jason in Apollonius' epic, The Argonautica
- Ariadne in Catullus' poem Catullus 64
References
edit- ^ "Heroes and the Homeric Iliad". www.uh.edu. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary". www.etymonline.com. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ^ a b "Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle" (PDF). EdSitement. National Endowment for the Humanities. Retrieved http://edsitement.neh.gov/sites/edsitement.neh.gov/files/worksheets/Elements%20of%20the%20Epic%20Hero%20Cycle.pdf.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help); External link in|access-date= - ^ a b Lattimore, Richmond (1975). The Odyssey of Homer. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061244186.
- ^ a b Ahl, Frederick (2007). Aeneid. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199231959.
- ^ a b Lattimore, Richmond (1951). The Iliad of Homer. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. ISBN 9780226470498.