|
Homer, the author of the two greatest epic poems,
Iliad and Odyssey, was born in Ionia (?),
probably in the ninth century BC. We don't know anything about his life
and many were the cities that contended for the honor of being his birth
place, Chios, Rhodes, Smyrna, Colophon, Argos, Salamis of Cyprus and even
Athens.
The meaning of the name Homer means hostage. Ancient Greeks not
only esteemed greatly his epics, but virtually were educated by them.
Various traditions speak of him. His father name was Meles and when
reached old age he was blind.
He died on the small island of Ios, where his grave was
shown. The importance of Homer rests mainly in his poetry. The sublime
passages express deep human emotions.
The so-called "Battle of the Ships",
between the Greeks and the Trojans.
The Iliad
Achilles fighting
with Hector, attic vase 490 BC
The poem tells the
story of Achilles wrath, caused by the Greek commander Agamemnon and its
disastrous consequences in the Trojan war.
The action covers mainly the events of the last four days of the war, but
various relating episodes are described, as well the many characters that
took part in this war.
Written in twenty four books, the epic was regarded by the Greeks as a
symbol of unity and heroism and a source of moral and practical
instructions.
The Odyssey
Odysseus, tied in the
mast of the ship, is watching
one of the Sirens committing suicide, 485 BC
The poem written in
twenty four books, as the Iliad, deals with the various incidents
connected with Odysseus return to his homeland. The description of
events takes place in the narrow interval of forty days.
The book consists of four parts. In the first part, the adventures of
Odysseus son Telemachos are described and that of the suitors of his
mother Penelope.
In the second part, the voyage of Odysseus in the island of Calypso is
described as well other adventures.
In the third part, Odysseus returns to his home meets Eumeus, his faithful
servant and Telemachos and plans for the vengeance of the suitors.
In the fourth part, Odysseus vengeance is described, as well the peaceful
reunion with his wife Penelope and his aged father Laertes. |
