The Greeks believed that Odysseus really lived and they loved him so much he got his own story -- THE ODYSSEY. The Greeks called him "Cunning Odysseus" because of his scheming, bravery, intelligence, reluctant heroism, and amorality (unfaithful to his wife). He's a very nuanced character. Because he was such a fascinating character of flaws and attributes, stories continue to be told about Odysseus for some 3000 years.
For someone who hasn't read THE ILIAD and THE ODYSSEY in many years, this is a wonderful explanation of the stories, complete with their major themes. This overview also explains why a war would be fought over what is essentially a fight of two men over one man's wife (Paris fighting Helen's husband after abducting her and taking her to Troy). However, during Homeric times, the ideal Greek would come to another Greek's aid, when needed. This explanation offers the mindset of the Greeks during the time these stories were told.
THE ILIAD is essentially the telling of a small part of the ten-year war between Troy and the Greeks. THE ODYSSEY tells of the long journey of Odysseus to return to his wife, Penelope, and his throne of Ithica. Odysseus has many adventures and the reader learns that he has learned patience over his years of warring. He will need it to clear out his palace because suitors for Penelope's hand have taken over.
The final chapter covers how the tale of Odysseus has changed. The Romans turned Odysseus into a villain. Odysseus' reputation did not improve much during the Middle Ages because most authors read Latin, not Greek, and adopted the Romans' attitudes. Finally, in Dante's sympathetic portrayal of Odysseus in THE DIVINE COMEDY, things began to change. The author states that Odysseus is one of the most enduring figures in both literature and art. This is both well-written and offers an interesting analysis. Then, the author shows the extensive list of works based on these stories, including books, poetry, music, and opera.
For someone who hasn't read THE ILIAD and THE ODYSSEY in many years, this is a wonderful explanation of the stories, complete with their major themes. This overview also explains why a war would be fought over what is essentially a fight of two men over one man's wife (Paris fighting Helen's husband after abducting her and taking her to Troy). However, during Homeric times, the ideal Greek would come to another Greek's aid, when needed. This explanation offers the mindset of the Greeks during the time these stories were told.
THE ILIAD is essentially the telling of a small part of the ten-year war between Troy and the Greeks. THE ODYSSEY tells of the long journey of Odysseus to return to his wife, Penelope, and his throne of Ithica. Odysseus has many adventures and the reader learns that he has learned patience over his years of warring. He will need it to clear out his palace because suitors for Penelope's hand have taken over.
The final chapter covers how the tale of Odysseus has changed. The Romans turned Odysseus into a villain. Odysseus' reputation did not improve much during the Middle Ages because most authors read Latin, not Greek, and adopted the Romans' attitudes. Finally, in Dante's sympathetic portrayal of Odysseus in THE DIVINE COMEDY, things began to change. The author states that Odysseus is one of the most enduring figures in both literature and art. This is both well-written and offers an interesting analysis. Then, the author shows the extensive list of works based on these stories, including books, poetry, music, and opera.
