The Literary Significance of Iliad and Odyssey | Essays (university) Greek Literature

The Literary Significance of Iliad and Odyssey

Iliad and Odyssey are the oldest epic Greek poetry written by Homer dated around the

8th century B.C., but they are so influential and inspirational that even now they are

considered masterpieces. Even in today’s Western literature, these works continue to be

source for various writers. Is not it strange to see the reflections of such an old poetry in the

modern works? There are some points that distinguish Iliad and Odyssey from an ordinary

epic poetry and make it very important in terms of literature. Some of these points are

universal themes, the formation of a Greek identity and reflections on the other cultures.

Firstly, one of the most obvious reasons why Iliad and Odyssey have huge importance is

that they have universal themes. Ancient Greek literature mainly deals with human nature.

Also the first humanistic approaches in history were made by Homer. In the middle age,

humanistic images disappears and religious motifs, heaven, and hell, appears but after middle

age people rediscover classical literature and turn back to Ancient Greek movements

humanism and existentialism. The main thing that we can understand from this situation is

Homer reveals the hidden truth with his artistry because he has proved to us years later that

human nature remains the same and they like to be inspired. Human behaviours are

determinant of the beginning, continuation, and end of a war. In the Iliad, Achilles stands for

individual values. He only does what he wants so he does not join the war. One day, Achilles

completely changes the direction of the war because he loses his own control when his cousin,

Patroclus died, and Achilles kills Hector to take revenge. This situation can also be seen in

civilized societies. Even a person who has a very good education and has achieved a very

good status in society when the person he loves is killed, what he does automatically is punish

the person doing this in the same way. When people are angry, they hastily make unwise

decisions, and after a while they regret it. All the scenes in Iliad can be seen in almost every

war in modern world. The psychology of soldiers in Iliad is not different from the today's

soldiers looking at the dead bodies of their friends in the war. Consequently, Iliad provides a

realistic perspective of human natural conditions. People like to find themselves in what they

read.

Secondly, having knowledge about the regions of the old-time is very useful for

understand our cultures and works. Iliad and Odyssey contain important information about the

traditions, philosophical beliefs and geography of the ancient Greeks. For example, Greek

culture care about physical power. The best example of that is the contest which Odyssey

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The Literary Significance of Iliad and Odyssey Iliad and Odyssey are the oldest epic Greek poetry written by Homer dated around the 8th century B.C., but they are so influential and inspirational that even now they are considered masterpieces. Even in today’s Western literature, these works continue to be source for various writers. Is not it strange to see the reflections of such an old poetry in the modern works? There are some points that distinguish Iliad and Odyssey from an ordinary epic poetry and make it very important in terms of literature. Some of these points are universal themes, the formation of a Greek identity and reflections on the other cultures. Firstly, one of the most obvious reasons why Iliad and Odyssey have huge importance is that they have universal themes. Ancient Greek literature mainly deals with human nature. Also the first humanistic approaches in history were made by Homer. In the middle age, humanistic images disappears and religious motifs, heaven, and hell, appears but after middle age people rediscover classical literature and turn back to Ancient Greek movements humanism and existentialism. The main thing that we can understand from this situation is Homer reveals the hidden truth with his artistry because he has proved to us years later that human nature remains the same and they like to be inspired. Human behaviours are determinant of the beginning, continuation, and end of a war. In the Iliad, Achilles stands for individual values. He only does what he wants so he does not join the war. One day, Achilles completely changes the direction of the war because he loses his own control when his cousin, Patroclus died, and Achilles kills Hector to take revenge. This situation can also be seen in civilized societies. Even a person who has a very good education and has achieved a very good status in society when the person he loves is killed, what he does automatically is punish the person doing this in the same way. When people are angry, they hastily make unwise decisions, and after a while they regret it. All the scenes in Iliad can be seen in almost every war in modern world. The psychology of soldiers in Iliad is not different from the today's soldiers looking at the dead bodies of their friends in the war. Consequently, Iliad provides a realistic perspective of human natural conditions. People like to find themselves in what they read. Secondly, having knowledge about the regions of the old-time is very useful for understand our cultures and works. Iliad and Odyssey contain important information about the traditions, philosophical beliefs and geography of the ancient Greeks. For example, Greek culture care about physical power. The best example of that is the contest which Odyssey

succeed without difficulty while shooting an arrow through a line of twelve, while the suitors can not shoot the target. Physical power is seen as a treasure for ancient Greece. The importance of power can be seen in the literatures of other cultures, too. For instance, the story based on Scandinavia in the 6th century, Beowulf is known for his physical strength over the unbeatable monster Grendel. In addition, in Iliad we see respect upon the dead body which is closely connected with funeral rites of the modern age. This respect is such a strong that Achilles gives Hector’s dead body to his family. Homer uses suggestiveness in his poems, and he changes our fixed emotions and ideas. He teaches us the people we say never change can change. Giving dead body means that Greek culture emphasizes the impermanence of life. Besides, the theme of impermanence of life is seen in The Epic of Gilgamesh, written around the 14th century BIC in Mesopotamia. When Gilgamesh lost his friend, Endiku, he went on a quest like Achilles and faces many contradictions. What is more, we see hospitality in Iliad, Penelope has so many suitors in her house, she never rejects those visitors because of the fear of Gods. Also this fear seen in the English play, Abraham, and Isaac. There are many other works and cultures in history influenced by Greek culture, and it is clear it will continue to be even more. Permanence of the works is very important for literary. To sum up, every work that has been studied on and thought on gets what it deserves. Iliad and Odyssey are established years ago in literary standards that writers have imitated over the centuries. Homer deserves to be remembered for years with his works. Good poetry never dies.

The Literary Significance of Iliad and Odyssey, Essays (university) of Greek Literature

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