Darkthorn’s Blog

Homer

- bridged the dark ages and Archaic period

- part of a politically fragmented world, confusing and uncertain life, dependant on War-Lords for protection

- beginning of Greek’s travelling more, plying seas and trading abroad

- the Homeric Hero

o “doer of deeds” = strong, brave and skilled at fighting

o “speaker of words” = persuasive, get warriors to follow easily

o not worth living without honour (better to go out with a bang)

§ have to honour the gods, especially the patron one

§ honour is from the battlefield, hunting and athletics

§ wisdom is a minor honour

§ material representation of honour, such as an enemies’ armour or female slaves/concubines

- Heroic Pattern

o Noble birth

o Son of a God

o At birth, life is put in danger

o There is a triumph over beasts

o A journey to the Underworld

- Homeric Sins

o Recklessness, hubris (excessive pride)

o Orders justice of the gods

All notes Copyright Monash University.