Greek terms Flashcards
‘Homecoming’. Refers to a hero who is returning home after a long time away
nostos
Is a concept in ancient Greek thought that, in its most basic sense, refers to “excellence” of any kind – especially a person or thing’s “full realization of potential or inherent function.” The term may also refer to excellence in “moral virtue.”
arete
Is a concept of hospitality. It is almost always translated as ‘guest-friendship’ or ‘ritualized friendship’.
xenia
‘Display of excellence’ is a scene in the dramatic conventions of epic poetry, where a hero in battle has his finest moments. May result in the death of the hero, and therefore suggests a “battle in which he reaches his peak as a fighter and hero”.
aristeia
Rite by which dead souls are questioned about the future, i.e., necromancy.
nekyia
Household. Refers to three related but distinct concepts: the family, the family’s property, and the house
oikos
Can be translated to prioritize glory. Carries the implied meaning of “what others hear about you”. A Greek hero earns it through accomplishing great deeds.
kleos
A common theme in Homer’s epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, the main example in the latter being that of Odysseus and his son Telemachus, who is concerned that his father may have died a pathetic and pitiable death at sea rather than a reputable and gracious one in battle. The Iliad is about gaining ultimate glory on the battlefields of Troy while the Odyssey is the ten-year quest of Odysseus’ nostos (or return journey). Telemachus fears that he has been deprived of glory. This links to hereditary glory.
kleos
“Wrath,” “rage,” “fury”. Establishes the Iliad’s principal theme: the “Wrath of Achilles”. His personal rage and wounded soldier’s pride propel the story: the Achaeans’ faltering in battle, the slayings of Patroclus and Hector, and the fall of Troy.
menis
Denotes the excessive pride that a character displays which leads to their ultimate demise. This act of pride is prohibited by the gods as they deem it as an act of defiance to their divinity and they punish the culprits heavily.
hybris (hubris)
