Odysseus

Reading Homer

Homeric Greek | Odyssey 1.93–98: Variants in Telemachus’ visits, Nestor, and Athena

We are pleased to share this segment in the CHS series on reading Homeric epic in ancient Greek. In each installment we read, translate, and discuss a small passage in the original Greek in the most accessible way. In this segment, Gregory Nagy, Leonard Muellner, and Douglas Frame read Odyssey 1.93–98. Topics include: a Cretan variant in the scholia, nostos as a song about homecoming, a journey as initiation, the… Read more

Reading Homer

Homeric Greek | Odyssey 1.80–92: Epithets of gods, of cattle, of Achaeans, and of Odysseus

We are pleased to share this segment in the CHS series on reading Homeric epic in ancient Greek. In each installment we read, translate, and discuss a small passage in the original Greek in the most accessible way. In this segment, Gregory Nagy, Leonard Muellner, and Douglas Frame read Odyssey 1.80–92. Topics include: epithets of gods, of cattle, of Achaeans, and of Odysseus; nostos, the roles of Hermes and Athena;… Read more

Topic for Discussion

Thersites: An Unbridled Tongue

He is one of those bit players in Homer who are so unforgettable. Caustic, repulsive, and comedic all at the same time, Thersites has always been the source of controversy. Who was he? And was he intended to be dangerously insurrectionist or only entertaining? It is an often overlooked aspect of the Thersites story that he was said by post-Homeric tradition to have been a cousin of Diomedes. Along with… Read more

Topic for Discussion

Nestor’s Epic Success?

Nestor in the Odyssey is home in Pylos. He got a safe nostos, he is surrounded by his beloved wife and his children: six boys and several daughters and daughters-in-law. He seems ageless. In this passage from the Sourcebook, a wonderful scene with his guests and family is shown. The setting is perfect. The sacrifice is detailed beautifully. Athena herself is present. The guest of honor is Telemachus. The scene… Read more

Texts,  Word Study

Connections: merimna, the Argo, Jason, and More

Classical Inquiries has published an article by Gregory Nagy asking, "What is on Homer’s mind?" In that posting, Nagy argues that "all humans have on their minds both the ship Argo and the hero Odysseus." A key word for Nagy's argument is merimna, which he defines as a 'care, concern, a troubled thought', or even 'a song that is on one's mind'. We are happy to share a curated selection of passages designed to help readers… Read more