Unfortunately, some setbacks like COVID-19, online school, and quarantine as a whole have made the Holiday Season feel inadequate this year. Why Homer is Important. In the quest to discover news of his father, when Telemachus visited Nestor and Menelaus in Book 4, he also learns of their homecomings. He wrote the lliad and the odyssey. The Greek poet Homer is credited with being the first to write down the epic stories of 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey,' and the impact of his tales continues to reverberate through Western culture. He is generally regarded as the founding figure of Greek literary culture, and his poems served as something of a benchmark that Greek dramatists, poets, etc aspired to. Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook5. Homer's Odyssey and Dr. Seuss’ You're Only Old Once "What animal walks on all fours in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs at night?" Instead of following the crowd, Nestor, “with all the ships that followed pulled together, fled away, for [he] saw how the god was devising evils, and the warlike son of Tydeus fled and urged his companions on, and late, fair-haired Menelaos came to join [them]” (55). If this assumption is accepted, then Homer must assuredly be one of the greatest of the world’s literary artists. I discovered it as a 10-year-old, after my teacher had us trace Flaxman's spear-carrying, helmet-and-negligee-clad Athena on to drawing paper. Slight reminisces of Odysseus appear such as the recognition of Odysseus through his dog, Argos. According to Homer, a great warrior was one who usually belongs to Troy, or Mycenaean World, and a god was everlastingly to which there is evidence seen today in Linear B tablets. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society2. It is generally accepted that the poems were composed at some point around the late eighth or early seventh century BC. Telemachus, although never fully matching his father’s strength nor wisdom, returns into his country of Ithaka a transformed man. Homer's work was advanced with concern to the literature of the period; Homeric literature is an example of the oral epic within and without the Western standard; Homer's work also served as the foundation for other poets and writers whose works serve as examples of literary styles such as Aristotle and Plato. Odysseus’s homecoming can be described as a restoration, finding his wife twenty years later, ten years in war, and ten traveling back to his homeland. By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions. The Greek poet Homer is credited with being the first to write down the epic stories of 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey,' and the impact of his tales continues to reverberate through Western culture. With 24 books constructing its narrative, five homecomings (Telemachus, Odysseus, Agamemnon, Menelaos, and Nestor) are distinguished as predominant. I enjoyed it. The epic poems were likely composed near the end of the 8th century B.C.E. The poems contain descriptions which evoke this glorious lost age. by epicorreption. Once Odysseus makes his way to Ithaka he pretends to be someone else, a beggar, telling those around him he is a man of Crete- putting himself into a role of a merchant from a Cretan sailor- who has “met Odysseus.” In a sense the recreation of Odysseus’s identity as a sailor was a symbol used by Homer for sailors, finding ways to pass the time or make something of themselves, would invent stories such as monsters or evil creatures. Holy shi*t! The most important … The precise reasons for why their civilisation collapsed in the 12th century BC are still a matter of scholarly debate. Why Homer is Important. By Jen Murph y September 9, 2017 Why Homer is Important. Homer was the most important and earliest of the Greek and Roman writers. King Agamemnon’s story can be interpreted through the listening of the Sirens when Odysseus crosses through this path for it is only he who can hear the songs from the point of Klytaimestra, the “monster” who murdered her husband, although the Sirens have the potential to alter their story telling and thus make Agamemnon the villain- the source for his own death. Their qualities are significant of his taste and his view of the world, but they also reveal something more specific about his technique and the kind of … Recommending urging Menelaos of the great war cry to grant him permission to leave, Athena spoke and told Telemachus, once making land, to go to the swineherd to speak with the man in charge of the pigs, unsuspecting to find his twenty-year gone father there. Revealing himself to his son, Odysseus hides his individuality since Book 14, in evading any future dangers in his own country, let alone palace. The Atlantic covers news, politics, culture, technology, health, and more, through its articles, podcasts, videos, and flagship magazine. We are to learn from the Homers, not imitate our wretched heroes. For, it is a noble task to square our history and identity with our understanding of our philosophy and religion. According to Homer, a great warrior was one who usually belongs to Troy, or Mycenaean World, and a god was everlastingly to which there is evidence seen today in Linear B tablets. The most important … no privileged caste or group of interpreters who are also law- and justice-givers Odysseus, on the other hand, did not have as positive or straight homecoming as his son, but was engineered return through the authority of Athena. Hollywood has gifted us with the classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" film starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo 31 years ago, but it is still relevant and a magnificent delight, even in the times of the COVID-19 global pandemic. We take Homer as just the name instead of Anonymous that History gave to whoever came up with the epics being one or … "All My Life" is not your typical romance blockbuster. https://torteenblog.com/2018/06/04/announcing-best-friends-week/, The Importance Of Homer To Ancient Greek History, The Top 10 Modern Christmas Songs You Need On Your Playlist, It's Been Almost A Year Since The Pandemic Began, And I Still Haven't Adjusted To My 'New Normal', I Interviewed My Best Friend About Her COVID-19 Experience, And It Made Me More Appreciative, 17 Quotes From 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' That Are A 2020 Mood, COVID Doesn’t Magically Leave For The Holidays, So Celebrate With Caution, I Interviewed Harry Shum Jr. And Jessica Rothe About 'All My Life' And It'll Break Your Heart In The Best Way, 25 Quotes From ‘Christmas Vacation’ That Perfectly Encapsulate Your Mental State In 2020, 5 Ways To Get Into The Christmas Spirit This Year. It was then where Odysseus fully revealed himself, warrior and king, and the suitors were placed into war. They reach out to other Greek mythological traditions, and without Odysseus’s wanderings after Troy, the theme of homecomings or “heroes” would have no significance. This is particularly important if a person has lost some physical and cognitive abilities. One of the earliest works of Greek literature sets off during the end of the Mycenaean period and launch of the “Dark Age.” This was a time where heroes, intermediate between mortal man or a god, were first being demonstrated in the poetries of Hesoid and Homer. Posted on April 15, 2008 May 16, 2019 by Cheryl Lowe. The famous riddle of the sphinx that has been pondered for many years; it is a universal issue that affects all people of every nationality, ethnicity, religion, or geographic area. What surprises many readers is that it still has the power to enchant. More reasons why the Greek poet Homer may never have existed. Listening to her, Telemachus gains confidence and strength, recognizing Pallas Athene’s words in no longer being of an age to cling to childhood. Here he stayed for quite some time, until towards the last remaining books of “The Odyssey” where Athene, with her endless disguises and trickery mind, stood close to Telemachus during his wakeful sleep through the night speaking to him to no longer stay with Nestor on Lakedaimon, but rather remind him of his journey home. Having to repeatedly confront the question of what is real and what is merely the semblance of reality, Odysseus in the end of the poem recreates the world according to his liking and eliminates all negativity. Homer is the trace of that encounter—in war, despair and eventual reconciliation at Troy in The Iliad, in flexibility and mutual absorption in The Odyssey. Home means sanctuary, the place we can rest, relax, enjoy time with friends, learn, grow … and just be. When given the bow, granted agreement through Telemachus unlike the suitors, Odysseus was able to finish the contest and gain ownership within the palace. Why is Homer important ethically: Xenophanes (580-480BC) "from the beginning everyone has learnt according to Homer" Homer has: pre-eminent authority "pre" temporally "pre" culturally; not like scripture in important ways: not the word of God, infallible, etc. The stars of this movie talk about the reality of cinematic representation and star-crossed relationships. I wish I had waited to write the review. It was not a random thought for the sailors were also those of Cretans and Phoenicians who prayed to their gods for a safe homecoming, although Odysseus’s men always angered the gods, either through the eating of their meats or rejecting their laws, which resulted in this prolonged expedition. We take Homer as just the name instead of Anonymous that History gave to whoever came up with the epics being one or … Gold Rush The Simpsons has won 10 Emmys as Outstanding Animated Program (including, in 1997, for “Homer… This film is a must-watch every year as it brings forth the enthusiasm and holiday vibes in the hearts of every family during the holiday season! Unfortunately for Agamemnon, his death came to him by invitation from Aigisthos and his own wife in their home. The homecomings of Odysseus reflect the homecomings of the periods during this era. Christmas just has to look a little different. A marble bust of the Greek poet Homer in a 2008 exhibition. Attributed to the singular ancient Greek poet Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey are considered to be, not only, the most important works of ancient Greek literature but the oldest extant works of Western literature. Although chronology was not made sense in Homer, the first writings of him were in Athens, and it was from then on that he developed a world of values that Greeks later pertained to. During the time of the Trojan War, disagreement between Agamemnon and his brother rose. - Memoria Press. Answer to: Why is Homer important? Homer's work was advanced with concern to the literature of the period; Homeric literature is an example of the oral epic within and without the Western standard; Homer's work also served as the foundation for other poets and writers whose works serve as examples of literary styles such as Aristotle and Plato. When most of us think of Christmas music, we imagine the traditional songs in the public domain. The initial action that fumed and permitted the homecomings of most Achaeans began in the Trojan War. That there was an epic poet called Homer and that he played the primary part in shaping the Iliad and the Odyssey —so much may be said to be probable. Their homecomings were unlike the others, and both narrate their wanderings from Troy to Telemachus. Why Homer Matters is a magical journey of discovery across wide stretches of the past, sewn together by the Iliad and the Odyssey and their metaphors of life and trouble. ... Goethe called it and "The Iliad" "the two most important books in the world.") We are by and large discouraged from either inventing new words or deploying old phrases in our writing; reading Homer, one gets the impression that he was encouraged to do both. Odysseus’s return runs parallel with disastrous pitfalls of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae and leader in expedition to Troy. The first destination, as directed by Athene, was to Pylos to question the great Nestor. Taking on the suitors amongst side of his father and two other men, this fiction is one of a coming of age where a man breaks out of uncertainty and finds his potential power as well as belief in the supports of the gods. 2020 has been a rollercoaster ride of a year, with each month throwing us all in for a new loop. Although the listener does not receive much detail about him until Book 11 in the underworld, he takes the position of a counter-narrative of Odysseus, for it is also his brother, Menelaos, also assists Telemachus in Pylos. Homer as an oral poet But even if his name is known and his date and region can be inferred, Homer remains primarily a projection of the great poems themselves. It feels like Christmas snuck up on everyone, especially if you have been using Winter Break to sleep in and not worry about your day to day routine (totally not talking from experience). What is so great about Homer is the depth of his poetry in the Iliad and Odyssey. Why You Might Want to Read the Odyssey. A similarity as seen in both poets’ writings relates to the depiction of warriors and gods. The Simpsons Season 8 episode "Homer's Phobia" is one of the series' most acclaimed outings, winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less) in 1997.However, this episode almost didn't make it to air, as Fox censors reportedly objected to the show's exploration of gay relationships. Homer was a philosopher he also was one of the greatest and most important performer and writer of his time Why was homer important in Greek history? The Iliad is Homer's epic poem about an ancient war, gods and goddesses who no longer exist in our collective unconscious, and a society that has … What surprises many readers is that it still has the power to enchant. Traditions are hard to break, especially when it comes to the holiday season. Innocent and still maturing in age, here he meets Athena, disguised as Mentes, son of Anchialos the wise, who claims to be “guest-friends by heredity” with Odysseus and whom changes Telemachus’s perspective (32). Homer's epic poems preserve details about pre-dark age Greece that we would not otherwise have. Symbolically, Homer Barron represents northern industry following the Civil War, which expanded their businesses to the south after the Union victory. Kristen Haddox, Penn State University4. Those songs have existed so long, people don't remember a time without them. And simply make sure everyone is having the "hap-hap-happiest Christmas.". A marble bust of the Greek poet Homer in a 2008 exhibition. These stories do not stop here. Symbolically, Homer Barron represents northern industry following the Civil War, which expanded their businesses to the south after the Union victory. "Hallelujah! Why Read Homer’s Iliad? More reasons why the Greek poet Homer may never have existed. Menelaus set sail immediately, while Agamemnon insisted that a sacrifice be held first to pacify the godness Athene. Eurykleia, the housekeeper to Penelope, even saw clear signs of Odysseus’s arrival for a piercing scar left on his foot was noticeable when washing his feet. By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions. Clare Regelbrugge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. January 30, 2012. tags: Classics, linguistics, Literary Criticism. Homer (/ ˈ h oʊ m ər /; Ancient Greek: Ὅμηρος Greek pronunciation: [hómɛːros], Hómēros) is the presumed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are the foundational works of ancient Greek literature.The Iliad is set during the Trojan War, the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by a coalition of Greek kingdoms. The lion gate at Mycenae. The Importance of Identity in Homer's Odyssey Within the epic poem As expected, the suitors could not complete the task at hand. His influence was felt not only on literature but on ethics and morality via lessons from his masterpieces. Why Homer is Alaska’s Most Charming Town With seafood shacks, art galleries, and biking trails, this coastal community is more Cape Cod than rugged pioneer town. Answer to: Why is Homer important? Why is Homer important ethically: Xenophanes (580-480BC) "from the beginning everyone has learnt according to Homer" Homer has: pre-eminent authority "pre" temporally "pre" culturally; not like scripture in important ways: not the word of God, infallible, etc. Homer's most important contribution to Greek culture was to provide a common set of values that enshrined the Greeks' own ideas about themselves. 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