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Homer’s Odyssey

This article examines the origins of Homer's Odyssey and explores the similarities with other ancient stories. It delves into key events in Books XXIII-XXIV, including Penelope's test, the reunion of Odysseus and Penelope, and the plot for revenge by the families of the suitors. The article also contemplates the meaning and themes of the text.

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Homer’s Odyssey

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  1. Homer’s Odyssey Endgames and The Greek Element

  2. Books XXIII-XXIV This art is NOT Greek, yet it appears to tell a similar story. Did the Odyssey Have Earlier Origins?

  3. Book XXIII • Eurykleia tells Penelope that Odysseus has returned • Eurykleia laughs • Penelope doesn’t buy it • “Dear nurse, the gods have made you mad!” • Eurykleia describes the slaughter, and laughs • Tells Penelope the sight of the corpses would warm her heart

  4. Book XXIII • Penelope doesn’t know what to do • “It is hard to comprehend the counsels of the gods that are forever.” • Off to see the suitors…and Telemakhos

  5. Odysseus and Penelope • Telemakhos shows his manhood by upbraiding his mom • Penelope Polytropa • “We have signs which we two alone know, signs hidden from others.”

  6. Penelope’s Test • After Od. cleans up, and a big party thrown, Penelope tests her husband • Tells Odysseus that the wedding bed will be made up for him IN THE HALLWAY • Odysseus is outraged • “You make my stern heart know that I am yours.”

  7. The Tree Bed • Odysseus had carved the bed from a huge olive tree • Inlaid with gold, silver, ivory • Covered with a bright purple ox-hide • One of the few examples of material wealth in Odysseus’ house

  8. REUNION • They have a good cry • Ship-land metaphor to express Odysseus’ joy at seeing Penelope • All is not joy yet, as “we have not yet come to the end of our trials”

  9. “When the two had their fill of the joy of love, they took delight in tales speaking to each other.” First recorded instance of pillow talk

  10. And Now For Something Completely Different… • Agamemnon and Achilles in the Underworld • Tangent, but important • Brings back the theme of fidelity (Penelope contrasted with Klytemnestra) • Plural authorship?

  11. Book XXIV • Odysseus goes to meet his father • With a bevy of armed guards, including Telemakhos • Laertes not very kingly • Reverses the meeting of Odysseus and Telemakhos • Again, Odysseus can’t resist another tricky exchange • Bad moon rising….

  12. The Families of the Suitors Plot Revenge • Rumor flies over Ithaka • Eupeithes, Antinoos’ father, want revenge • Dolius not among them • Father of Melanthius and Melantho • Dolius not among them • Athene helps again…with Laertes

  13. Athena’s Intervention • “Now halt – stop this bitter sparring; end your slaughter Ithakans and seek peace.” • Naturally, everyone just stops, even Odysseus (eventually)

  14. What does it all mean?!?! Themes revisited: • Chastity and fidelity of Penelope • Cunning of Odysseus and Penelope • The gods take an active role in human affairs • The evolution of Telemakhos is complete • Revenge taken and honor restored • BUT….

  15. The Problem of Book 24 • Was it a later addition? • Achilles and Agamemnon • Entrance of suitors into Underworld conflicts with Book 11 (Elpenor needs burial) • No fight with Dolius • Odysseus doesn’t carry out Teirisias’ instructions to sacrifice to Poseidon

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