Odyssey information Flashcards
Around when was the Odyssey composed?
c. 725-700BC
What meter are the homeric epics in?
Dactylic hexameters
When is the Odyssey set?
The Bronze Age Mycenaean Period c. 1600-1100BC
Why can we assume listeners were already familiar with the stories of the Trojan War?
The epics jump into the middle
When does the evidence suggest the text of the Odyssey was standardised?
6th century BC
Who recited Homer?
Rhapsodes
How does Odysseus’ tale in 9-12 link to xenia?
It is his gift to the Phaeacians
Common epithets of odysseus? (3)
- nimble-witted
- much-enduring
- resourceful
Common epithets of Telemachus? (2)
- prudent
- thoughtful
What are formulae?
Repeated phrases slotted into the narrative e.g ‘rosy-fingered dawn’
Where are formulae often found?
in ‘type-scenes’ like the scenes of retiring for the night or Penelope’s veil
What did M. Parry suggest as an explanation for the use of repetitions?
Helped with oral composition because they already fit the metre and would help mark the plot for those reciting it
Do most scholars believe the Odyssey was composed by one or many poets?
1
Examples of parallel scenes in the Odyssey?
- scenes showing xenia often follow a similar pattern
- Athene beautifying Odysseus
What does repetition of smoke, fires and hearths keep a linked thread to?
Odysseus’ nostos
How many lines of the Odyssey are direct speech?
8000 / 12000
When does Homer use digression?
- story of the scar in book 19
- story of the bow in book 21
What are the main aspects of a Homeric hero?
- noble birth
- relationships with immortals
- kleos
- physical strength and beauty
- excellence in war
- excellence with words
- resourcefulness
- time
- nostos
How are Ithacans portrayed in the Odyssey?
- a “rough land” which “nurtures fine men”
- pious
- less luxurious palace than other places
- hold assemblies to discuss important matters
How are the Phaeacians presented in the Odyssey?
- idyllic and refined life
- sailors
- harmonious family life of royals
- though they’re sailors they don’t have contact with other tribes - Odysseus is warned to keep out of view because they don’t like strangers
- Alcinous has to be reminded of the way to treat a suppliant, and Odysseus’ gifts are paid through taxpayer money
Name of Odysseus’ dog?
Argus
Name of beggar Odysseus fights?
Irus
Name of Odysseus’ dead crew member?
Elpenor
Name of second-in-command on Odysseus’ ship?
Eurylochus
How many suitors are there? How many from Ithaca?
108 total
12 from Ithaca
Eurynome’s role in household?
Penelope’s housekeeper
Eurycleia’s role in household?
Odysseus’ nurse
Which suitor throws a stool at Odysseus?
Antinous
What suitor is nicer than the others, and nearly saves himself?
Amphinomus
Which suitor does Penelope call out as sacrilegious for plotting against someone who saved his father’s life?
Antinous
Which suitor is first to be killed?
Antinous
Which suitor tries to talk himself out of danger by offering to replace Odysseus’ gold and cattle?
Eurymachus
Which suitor does Penelope chastise by saying he never had a reputation to lose after he can’t string the bow?
Eurymachus
Order of recognitions in the Odyssey:
- Odysseus recognises Athene book 13
- Telemachus recognises Odysseus b16
- Argus recognises Odysseus
- Eurycleia recognises Odysseus
- Eumaeus + Philoetius are told of Odysseus’ identity
- suitors don’t have a chance to fully recognise Odysseus
- Penelope recognises Odysseus
How does xenia link throughout the Odyssey?
it is what started the Trojan war and most encounters in the epic cetnre on this - the suitors are not repaying their host therefore failing xenia
