RE-AIR: Conversations: From Homer, With Love… The Evolution of Oral Storytelling w Dr Joe
Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! Greek & Roman Mythology Retold
Deep Dive
Why do scholars believe the Iliad and Odyssey were written down in the 6th century BCE?
The cultural pressures of the Persian Wars likely influenced the Greeks to emphasize Trojan War narratives, which represented Greeks banding together against an external threat. This made the stories more popular and provided a reason to write them down.
How did the Iliad and Odyssey evolve from oral storytelling to written texts?
The Homeric epics evolved from oral traditions with less fixity to greater fixity, eventually becoming textualized in the 6th century BCE. The process involved storytelling traditions that were sung in parts and eventually compiled into the texts we know today.
What role did the Persian Wars play in the popularity of the Iliad and Odyssey?
The Persian Wars made the Trojan War narrative more appealing to Greek audiences because it represented Greeks uniting against an external enemy, similar to how the movie 300 resonated during the Iraq War. This cultural context likely influenced the emphasis on these stories and their eventual writing down.
Why are the Trojans portrayed more sympathetically in the Iliad?
The Trojans are portrayed as more sympathetic because the Iliad is not just about Greeks versus Trojans; it’s about the human condition and the problems of heroes. The story emphasizes that the Trojans are part of the race of heroes, making them worthy opponents and not simply villains.
How does the Iliad reflect the political struggles of its time?
The Iliad reflects the political struggles of its time by depicting a society transitioning from monarchy to oligarchic and democratic models. The Achaeans represent an oligarchic aristocracy, while the Trojans’ monarchy is criticized for prioritizing family interests over the people, leading to their downfall.
What is the significance of the 'heroic age' in Greek mythology?
The 'heroic age' represents a period in Greek mythology marked by the wars around Thebes and Troy, which Zeus used to end the race of heroes. This era is seen as a break from the past, with the Iliad and Odyssey serving as cultural memories of this transition.
Why do modern readers often misunderstand the Iliad as a celebration of war?
Modern readers often misunderstand the Iliad as a celebration of war because they focus on the glory of heroes and battles. However, the Iliad actually critiques war, showing how violence and conflict harm both individuals and communities, and ultimately, the only good reason to fight is to protect loved ones.
How does the Iliad challenge the concept of monarchy?
The Iliad challenges monarchy by showing how the Trojans’ royal family prioritizes its interests over the people, leading to poor decisions and ultimate defeat. The story suggests that monarchies, unlike oligarchies or democracies, cannot make decisions for the good of the city.
What is the evolutionary model of the Iliad’s development?
The evolutionary model suggests that the Iliad evolved over time from oral storytelling traditions, moving from less fixity to greater fixity before being written down. This model emphasizes that the text we have today is the result of a long process of development and adaptation.
Why do some scholars believe the Iliad was written down in the 9th or 8th century BCE?
Some scholars argue that the Iliad was written down in the 9th or 8th century BCE because this is when alphabetic writing first appeared in Greece. They also believe this timing is closer to the supposed Trojan War, making the story more historically relevant.
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