Key Terms from Slides

homecoming

The return of a hero or important figure, typically after a long journey or battle.

subaltern

A term used to describe a marginalized or oppressed group in society.

nostos

A Greek term meaning 'homecoming' or 'safe return.'

Nostoi (the lost epic)

An epic poem that is no longer extant, describing the returns of Greek heroes after the Trojan War.

Odysseus

The hero of Homer's Odyssey, known for his long journey home after the Trojan War.

Telemachus

The son of Odysseus and Penelope in Greek mythology.

Penelope

The wife of Odysseus, known for her fidelity and cleverness.

Athena

Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare, who aids Odysseus in his journey.

Menelaus

King of Sparta and husband of Helen, involved in the Trojan War.

Agamemnon

King of Mycenae and leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War.

Aegisthus

Lover of Clytemnestra and murderer of Agamemnon in Greek mythology.

Clytemnestra

Wife of Agamemnon, known for her role in his murder.

xenia

The Greek concept of hospitality, often seen as a sacred bond between host and guest.

Eurycleia

The nurse of Odysseus, who recognizes him upon his return home.

Helen

The wife of Menelaus, whose abduction by Paris led to the Trojan War.

Nausicaa

The daughter of King Alcinous in the Odyssey, who helps Odysseus.

Arete

A concept in Greek philosophy referring to virtue, excellence, or moral quality.

Calypso

A nymph who detains Odysseus on her island for several years.

Phemios

A minstrel in the Odyssey, known for his singing in the court of Odysseus.

Demodocus

A blind bard in the Odyssey, known for his skill in singing.

metapoetry

Poetry that is self-referential, or about the art of poetry itself.

kleos

The Greek concept of glory or fame, often earned through heroic deeds.

Orestes

Son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, known for avenging his father's murder.

Dendra Panoply

A type of armor discovered at Dendra, associated with the Mycenaean period.

melee

A confused hand-to-hand fight or battle.

bronze armor

Armor made from bronze, commonly used in ancient warfare.

boar tusk helmet

A type of helmet used in Mycenaean Greece, often adorned with boar tusks.

Pylos combat agate

A gem found at Pylos, depicting scenes of combat, important in Mycenaean archaeology.

duel

A formalized combat between two individuals, often with weapons.

gallows humor

A form of humor that finds comedy in serious, painful, or difficult situations.

simile

A figure of speech that compares two things using 'like' or 'as.'

ransom

The payment for the release of a prisoner or captive.

prothesis

The ritual preparation of a corpse in ancient Greek funerary practices.

pyre

A structure for burning a body as part of a funeral ritual.

cremation burial

A method of burial where the body is burned before being interred.

lament

A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

libation

A ritual pouring of liquid as an offering to a deity or spirit.

funeral games

Ritualized competitions held during funerals to honor the deceased.

Tholos tomb

A beehive-shaped tomb, common in Mycenaean Greece.

shaft grave

A type of burial in a vertical shaft, common in the Early Bronze Age.

inhumation

The act of burying a body without cremation.

Lefkandi Heroon

A monumental burial site in Lefkandi, important for understanding Greek burial practices.

Polyphemus

A Cyclops in the Odyssey who is blinded by Odysseus.

Cyclopes

A race of one-eyed giants in Greek mythology.

Circe

A sorceress in the Odyssey who transforms Odysseus' men into pigs.

Scylla

A sea monster in the Odyssey that attacks Odysseus' ship.

Charybdis

A sea monster in the Odyssey, known for creating a deadly whirlpool.

Tiresias

A blind prophet in Greek mythology who appears in the Odyssey.

hospitality

The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, often considered a sacred duty.

Lotus Eaters

A group of people encountered by Odysseus, who eat the narcotic lotus and forget their homes.

Noman

A name used by Odysseus to deceive the Cyclops Polyphemus.

Sirens

Mythological creatures whose singing lures sailors to their doom.

Eumaeus

The swineherd of Odysseus, who helps him upon his return home.

Phoenicians

An ancient civilization known for their maritime trade and the creation of the alphabet.