Random notes from Hour 11 of the "
The
Ancient Greek Hero"
Helen wife of Menelaus interprets a
“sign” favorably to Telemachos who replies at Odyssey15:180, “May
Zeus, high thundering husband of Hera so grant it,” replied the spirited
Telemakhos; “if it should prove to be so, I will make vows to you as though you
were a god, even when I am at home.” Homeric foreshadowing of heroic honors
for Helen?
Odyssey 13:375 “Resourceful Odysseus,” said Athena, “noble son of Laertes and seed of
Zeus, think how you can lay hands on these disreputable people who have been
lording it in your house these three years, courting your godlike wife” The suitors were only there for three years?
Why did Odsseus have to visit
Tierasis? What did Tierasis tell him that Circe, Athena or common sense didn’t
already know? Was this like the wizard
sending Dorothy to the Wicked Witch for her broom?
Starting at Odyssey 8:145, Prince Laodamas invites Odysseus to join the
games, Have a try therefore at something,
and banish all sorrow from your mind…” Odysseus feels taunted because his
mind is set on his cares and infinite troubles.
Then Laodamas friend Euryalos flat out says to wily Odysseus “I gather, then, that you are unskilled in
any of the many sports that men generally delight in.” Followed by even
more insulting comments about Odysseus manliness. Finally, “For shame, sir,” answered resourceful Odysseus, fiercely, Your
ill-judged remarks have made me exceedingly angry … for your taunts have stung
me to the quick.” So wily Odysseus grabs a discus, throws it further than
anyone else and Athena disguised as a man in the crowd says “A
blind man, sir,” said she, “could easily tell your mark by groping for it – it
is so far ahead of any other. You may make your mind easy about this contest,
for no Phaeacian can come near to such a throw as yours.” Much-enduring great
Odysseus was glad “ Looks like
Laodama and Euryalos were the wily ones this day. Talk about white-washing the fence!
No comments:
Post a Comment