We were pleased to welcome back Olga M. Davidson, Boston University, for a discussion on 'Persian epic and the embedding of a song of lament'. The event took place on Thursday, September 19 at 11 a.m. EDT, and was recorded. Read more
The combined research of Nagy and Davidson on ancient “Life of Homer” and medieval “Life of Ferdowsi” narratives respectively has shown that the traditional “biographies” about these two poets, as transmitted by a vast variety of communities, can be studied as sources of historical information about the reception of Homer and Ferdowsi. Even though the stories about these poets’ lives are myths, the actual uses of the various different myths… Read more
Classical Inquiries has published a set of videos and texts featuring the work of Gregory Nagy and Olga M. Davidson on myths relating to the "Lives of Homer" and the "Life of Ferdowsi." We are happy to share a curated selection of passages and resources designed to help readers make new connections while exploring this topic in greater detail. Read more
We were delighted to welcome Olga M. Davidson for a CHS Open House discussion during which she introducie the great Persian poet Ferdowsi, and his epic Shāhnāma. She has argued that the heroic tradition of this epic is deeply ancient, stemming from Indo-European poetic traditions. A primary example is the great warrior Rostam, who upholds Iranian kingship while at the same time posing a threat to kings who prove unworthy… Read more
