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Thursday, June 24, 2010
I see....a long, perilous journey
Use the comment button to post summaries of articles dealing with prophecies (as plot/poetic devices), gods and Fate.
In the article “Homer's Conception of Fate,” author James Duffy describes the distinction between the will of Zeus and the power of fate, also known as the Moira, that can be found in the poet's work. While Zeus may be the king of the gods, even he is subject to the will of the fate each man was born with. Although it is only believed to have been alluded to twice in Homer's poetry, Fate in ancient Greek poetry is often personified by three women: Klotho (the spinner), Lakhesis (Apportion of lots), and Atropos (She who cannot be turned). Whatever Fate allots must be obeyed, even by Zeus. He and the other gods may interfere and shake things up a bit, but the ultimate decision or final outcome has already been determined.
Homer supports both the idea that the will of Zeus and fate are separate and the idea that they are one and the same. In one passage of the Illiad, Zeus is complaining about how the fate of Sarpedon was to be subdued under Patroclus. He wishes it were not so, but because even he is subject to the will of Fate, he must obey the higher power.
Generally, this academic article focused on various elements of prophesies found in “The Odyssey.” Specifically, this article explored the god’s interactions with humans and the different interpretations of bird signs. All throughout “The Odyssey” prophecies and foreshadowing are liberally given to the reader and the characters. While the general reader most likely knows that Odysseus will return home, the prophecies present a unique light when seen through the eyes of the characters. In short, the character’s final chapters have yet to be written at the times when prophesies are given. The vast majority of the bird references, most often an eagle approaching from the right, are foreshadowing of Odysseus eventual triumph over the suitors and the great spilling of their blood. However, the use of bird symbolism is not limited to physical birds appearing as signs from the gods. As this article points out, the grey-eyed goddess, Athena, herself alternately takes either the form of a bird swooping upward or disappears with the suddenness of one. The language of swooping that is used to describe Odysseus preparing for the final confrontation, “gathering himself up he swooped after them like a high-flying eagle” (Book 24, 538) is a clear example of such avian language. “The Odyssey” is rife with prophecy and interaction between the gods and this article lays out several specific examples of bird symbolism and the possible significance of each occurrence. -EB
1. Podlecki, Anthony J. Omens in the 'Odyssey'. Greece & Rome. 2, 1967, Vol. 14, 1.
In Kim Lumbard’s Humor Me: The Role of Prophecy, She breaks down the plot devises of The Odyssey. She says that the prophecies come in many forms. For this reason, the “plot devices” in the story are forms of characterization being revealed. This lies true when the character chooses whether or not to obey the advice of the Gods. She also says that there are five forms of prophecy. Strict prediction of the future, omens, signs, divine instruction, and divine condemnation. These form of prophecies are very meaningful, hard to decipher between but yet very separate in the book. She gives various examples of each type of prophecy. Strict Prediction of the future is basically a statement of the future, and is not judgmental. It’s displayed when Penelope says that she will not marry unless a man is capable of stringing her husband’s bow. Which Odysseus is the only capable of doing so. The prophecy is fulfilled. Omens are short prophecies connected to the event at hand. An example is when Halitheses talked of how the eagle attack after Telemakhos condemned the suitors. This meant if the suitors continued to bombard Odysseus’s household they would die. A good sign is when Odysseus asked Zeus for a sign of when to slay the suitors. Zeus replies by sounding off a thunder clap. Signs are much like omens, but are more specific than omens. They help decide the action that the character chooses, whether it be good or bad. Divine condemnation is when Aigisthos is specifically told by the Gods not to kill Agamemnon; however he ignores the advice and is immediately killed. Divine instruction is given to Hermes, Hermes then tells Odysseus how advice on how to defeat Circe’s trials. Circe then shows Odysseus how to make it through the underworld successfully. Divine instruction is given as much as the character is worthy of it.
Lumbard, Kim. "Humor Me: The Role of Prophecy." 29 June 2010 Web. http://www.ugcs.caltech.edu/~kel/cgi/NSShow?writing/The_Role_Of_Prophecy
The English Journal "The Study Club: Odysseus as a Hero" Feb., 1922, pp. 115-117, Vol. 11, No. 2
In the article about “Odysseus as a hero” it describes how Odysseus’s rank is below Achilles, but he’s a far greater feature than Achilles. Being that he’s one that can endure without despair and triumph against unbeliveable odds is considered a figure of heroism. Due to Odysseus’s heroism in Homer’s Odyssey Greek philospher has given the term Odyssey “ethical” whereas the illiad being given the term “Pathetic” . Amongst many Greek people who have read the Odyssey, Odysseus became a favorite character over Achilles. Achilles failed at becoming a favorite character in the illiad. Even though many young women resent Odysseus’s character due to him not being faithful to his wife Penelope. The long journey to fight the battle of going above and beyond to go back to Ithaca was received by many readers of the Odyssey. Some people have considered Odysseus crafty and in a way like a pirate. However, he didn’t stop getting to where he had to go. With the help of Athena disguising herself as many people in the Odyssey helped Odysseus become the hero he is now. Odysseus will always be considered a hero amongst many readers because of his strength and endurance in the story.
In James Duffy’s “Homer’s Conception of Fate,” fate is argued to be “absolute and stand above the gods” and “that the will of Zeus and fate are the same.” In a passage from The Iliad, Homer does not specify whether Zeus must yield to fate or not. Destiny has already been written for Sarpedon’s death and if Zeus had nothing to do with his fate then he would not be able to deal with similar situations. But as Zeus is in control over man’s destiny, this is untrue as this passage describes him as having control over Sarpedon’s fate. Of the poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, Duffy states, “there is no passage in the poems which unequivocally states that the gods are subordinated to fate,” in which I interpret to ultimately mean that mortals and the nonmortal gods are both subject to having a fate. Homer writes of the two ideas, but it is at last our decision to deem whether or not the gods are subject to fate.
Duffy, James. "Homer's Conception of Fate." Classical Journal 42.8 (1947): 477-485. Web. 25 Jun 2010. .
Heatherington,M.E."Chaos,Order, and Cunning in the Odyssey." Studies in Philology. Vol.73. Issue 3. (Summer76); p225, 14p.
In Heatherington's article she discusses the utter chaos in Odysseus's world and "a restoration of order" and stability. In striving for stability, the process is as important as the outcome. Odysseus true identity is not discovered but revealed. Odysseus must face some challenging obstacles but overcomes them by using his brain "to out-think, out-talk, and out-sneak virtually all the traps and tests he must confront" on his journey home. It is not surprising then that Athena, goddess of wisdom, comes to help him. "According to E.R. Dodds, 'the strongest moral force which Homeric man knows is not the fear of god, but respect for public opinion,' that is aidos." Sophrosyne, which means "keeping a clear head" or "a right judgement in all things". Aidos is the core of sophrosyne. It means respect. It gives a sense of duty and loyalty toward parents, rulers, and gods.
Being stuck on Kalypso's island gave Odysseus time to think about his own sin of pride and anger that caused him to be there. When he is freed from that island he is more careful about revealing who he really is. The suitors were deserving of punishment because they violated the laws of Zeus- abusing Penelope's hospitality and not being kind to a stranger. "To the Greeks 'the battle for justice was fought on the social rather than on the religious plane.'" The Homeric poems were used as instruments to teach moral and religious values; a way to live. Even in Homer's time there was a higher being known as Fate that even Zeus had no authority over. So you could say they were responsible for their own fate by the choices they made along the way.
In the article “Homer's Conception of Fate,” author James Duffy describes the distinction between the will of Zeus and the power of fate, also known as the Moira, that can be found in the poet's work. While Zeus may be the king of the gods, even he is subject to the will of the fate each man was born with. Although it is only believed to have been alluded to twice in Homer's poetry, Fate in ancient Greek poetry is often personified by three women: Klotho (the spinner), Lakhesis (Apportion of lots), and Atropos (She who cannot be turned). Whatever Fate allots must be obeyed, even by Zeus. He and the other gods may interfere and shake things up a bit, but the ultimate decision or final outcome has already been determined.
ReplyDeleteHomer supports both the idea that the will of Zeus and fate are separate and the idea that they are one and the same. In one passage of the Illiad, Zeus is complaining about how the fate of Sarpedon was to be subdued under Patroclus. He wishes it were not so, but because even he is subject to the will of Fate, he must obey the higher power.
Abstract of, “Omens in the ‘Odyssey’ ”
ReplyDeleteGenerally, this academic article focused on various elements of prophesies found in “The Odyssey.” Specifically, this article explored the god’s interactions with humans and the different interpretations of bird signs. All throughout “The Odyssey” prophecies and foreshadowing are liberally given to the reader and the characters. While the general reader most likely knows that Odysseus will return home, the prophecies present a unique light when seen through the eyes of the characters. In short, the character’s final chapters have yet to be written at the times when prophesies are given. The vast majority of the bird references, most often an eagle approaching from the right, are foreshadowing of Odysseus eventual triumph over the suitors and the great spilling of their blood. However, the use of bird symbolism is not limited to physical birds appearing as signs from the gods. As this article points out, the grey-eyed goddess, Athena, herself alternately takes either the form of a bird swooping upward or disappears with the suddenness of one. The language of swooping that is used to describe Odysseus preparing for the final confrontation, “gathering himself up he swooped after them like a high-flying eagle” (Book 24, 538) is a clear example of such avian language. “The Odyssey” is rife with prophecy and interaction between the gods and this article lays out several specific examples of bird symbolism and the possible significance of each occurrence.
-EB
1. Podlecki, Anthony J. Omens in the 'Odyssey'. Greece & Rome. 2, 1967, Vol. 14, 1.
In Kim Lumbard’s Humor Me: The Role of Prophecy, She breaks down the plot devises of The Odyssey. She says that the prophecies come in many forms. For this reason, the “plot devices” in the story are forms of characterization being revealed. This lies true when the character chooses whether or not to obey the advice of the Gods. She also says that there are five forms of prophecy. Strict prediction of the future, omens, signs, divine instruction, and divine condemnation. These form of prophecies are very meaningful, hard to decipher between but yet very separate in the book. She gives various examples of each type of prophecy. Strict Prediction of the future is basically a statement of the future, and is not judgmental. It’s displayed when Penelope says that she will not marry unless a man is capable of stringing her husband’s bow. Which Odysseus is the only capable of doing so. The prophecy is fulfilled. Omens are short prophecies connected to the event at hand. An example is when Halitheses talked of how the eagle attack after Telemakhos condemned the suitors. This meant if the suitors continued to bombard Odysseus’s household they would die. A good sign is when Odysseus asked Zeus for a sign of when to slay the suitors. Zeus replies by sounding off a thunder clap. Signs are much like omens, but are more specific than omens. They help decide the action that the character chooses, whether it be good or bad. Divine condemnation is when Aigisthos is specifically told by the Gods not to kill Agamemnon; however he ignores the advice and is immediately killed. Divine instruction is given to Hermes, Hermes then tells Odysseus how advice on how to defeat Circe’s trials. Circe then shows Odysseus how to make it through the underworld successfully. Divine instruction is given as much as the character is worthy of it.
ReplyDeleteLumbard, Kim. "Humor Me: The Role of Prophecy." 29 June 2010 Web. http://www.ugcs.caltech.edu/~kel/cgi/NSShow?writing/The_Role_Of_Prophecy
The English Journal "The Study Club: Odysseus as a Hero" Feb., 1922, pp. 115-117, Vol. 11, No. 2
ReplyDeleteIn the article about “Odysseus as a hero” it describes how Odysseus’s rank is below Achilles, but he’s a far greater feature than Achilles. Being that he’s one that can endure without despair and triumph against unbeliveable odds is considered a figure of heroism. Due to Odysseus’s heroism in Homer’s Odyssey Greek philospher has given the term Odyssey “ethical” whereas the illiad being given the term “Pathetic” . Amongst many Greek people who have read the Odyssey, Odysseus became a favorite character over Achilles. Achilles failed at becoming a favorite character in the illiad. Even though many young women resent Odysseus’s character due to him not being faithful to his wife Penelope. The long journey to fight the battle of going above and beyond to go back to Ithaca was received by many readers of the Odyssey. Some people have considered Odysseus crafty and in a way like a pirate. However, he didn’t stop getting to where he had to go. With the help of Athena disguising herself as many people in the Odyssey helped Odysseus become the hero he is now. Odysseus will always be considered a hero amongst many readers because of his strength and endurance in the story.
In James Duffy’s “Homer’s Conception of Fate,” fate is argued to be “absolute and stand above the gods” and “that the will of Zeus and fate are the same.” In a passage from The Iliad, Homer does not specify whether Zeus must yield to fate or not. Destiny has already been written for Sarpedon’s death and if Zeus had nothing to do with his fate then he would not be able to deal with similar situations. But as Zeus is in control over man’s destiny, this is untrue as this passage describes him as having control over Sarpedon’s fate.
ReplyDeleteOf the poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, Duffy states, “there is no passage in the poems which unequivocally states that the gods are subordinated to fate,” in which I interpret to ultimately mean that mortals and the nonmortal gods are both subject to having a fate. Homer writes of the two ideas, but it is at last our decision to deem whether or not the gods are subject to fate.
Duffy, James. "Homer's Conception of Fate." Classical Journal 42.8 (1947): 477-485. Web. 25 Jun 2010. .
Heatherington,M.E."Chaos,Order, and Cunning in the Odyssey." Studies in Philology. Vol.73. Issue 3. (Summer76); p225, 14p.
ReplyDeleteIn Heatherington's article she discusses the utter chaos in Odysseus's world and "a restoration of order" and stability. In striving for stability, the process is as important as the outcome. Odysseus true identity is not discovered but revealed. Odysseus must face some challenging obstacles but overcomes them by using his brain "to out-think, out-talk, and out-sneak virtually all the traps and tests he must confront" on his journey home. It is not surprising then that Athena, goddess of wisdom, comes to help him. "According to E.R. Dodds, 'the strongest moral force which Homeric man knows is not the fear of god, but respect for public opinion,' that is aidos." Sophrosyne, which means "keeping a clear head" or "a right judgement in all things". Aidos is the core of sophrosyne. It means respect. It gives a sense of duty and loyalty toward parents, rulers, and gods.
Being stuck on Kalypso's island gave Odysseus time to think about his own sin of pride and anger that caused him to be there. When he is freed from that island he is more careful about revealing who he really is. The suitors were deserving of punishment because they violated the laws of Zeus- abusing Penelope's hospitality and not being kind to a stranger. "To the Greeks 'the battle for justice was fought on the social rather than on the religious plane.'" The Homeric poems were used as instruments to teach moral and religious values; a way to live. Even in Homer's time there was a higher being known as Fate that even Zeus had no authority over. So you could say they were responsible for their own fate by the choices they made along the way.