Reading Books 11 and 12 really intrigued me. Book 11’s portrayal of the afterlife was very interesting, and I was amazed by the number of people he encountered. I guess the typical person in Homer’s time would know the stories behind the names, but I did not know of most of them. I’ve been looking up the stories online, and it’s helped me to have a better understanding of it.
I was wondering (since I’m not in the Afterlife class), how exactly the Greeks believed the underworld was arranged? From what I’ve understood in the past, it’s a world where all the dead go regardless of who they are, not like the Christian belief of heaven and hell. It seemed like Odysseus listed separately the dead souls who were being tormented, as if they were together in a different part of the underworld. I guess what I’m asking is, are there different realms of the underworld, based upon what the person did while living?
As for Book 12, my personal favorite line was Circe speaking to Odysseus: “Hardy man, your mind is full forever of fighting and battle work. Will you not give way even to the immortals?” (ll. 116-7). I feel like this captures a large part of Odysseus’ character. He refuses to give up, to stop fighting. However, I think it’s more than just wanting to fight all the time. It seems he will do anything to protect the lives of his men, given his strong response to the deaths of those eaten by Skylla: “They were screaming and reaching out their hands to me in this horrid encounter. That was the most pitiful scene that these eyes have looked on in my suffering as I explored the roots over the water.” (ll. 256-9). I think one of the things I respect about Odysseus as a character is his dedication to his men, which relates to the value of community.
Yay, we should so do a favorite quote of the week’s reading to stimulate the blog! I really like your quote and I agree that it really defines Odysseus.
Um, about the underworld…I am not the best to try to say anything about it, seeing as that I am trying very hard to grasp the concept myself in the jumping around of traditions (from Greece to Rome to Italy etc)…I just wanted to say something so it doesn’t look like I am completely ignoring the first part of your post. I just wanted to reply (especially to our new system of favorite quotes
Hopefully we will discuss it as a group together in class? *crosses fingers*
What a great idea– our favorite quotes. (Now, if you wish, you can do them in Greek, too!). The quote you chose, Erin, is rather propitious. In fact, Circe points out to him a characteristic that borders on hybris; notice he forgets Circe’s warning not to put on his armor; but, he does remember NOT to eat the cattle of Helios–the warnings Circe and Teiresias gave him. Interesting that he is able, consistently, to overcome his own physical desires (except for sleep!), but he repeatedly is unable to overcome the urgings of the warrior within.
Erin, you raise a really wonderful question about the structure of the afterlife–we’ll address this today in class, and those who are in the Afterlife course can try to fill us all in.