Iliad: Homeric Terms

Supplication

A plea for help or mercy →

self-abasement / humiliation →

help granted / life spared →

status restored / a new relationship created

 

Analeptic Passage

A passage meant to flashback and fill in plot holes in the poem

Homeric Simile

A detailed comparison using "like" or "as" to enhance imagery, often found in epic poetry.

Two important elements of a homeric simile

Poetic originality and relatable to his audience 

lâos (Ancient Greek) means

"people" or "folk," often referring to a specific group or the citizens of a state in ancient texts.

Xenia or xenie^

the ancient Greek concept of hospitality and guest-friendship, emphasizing generosity and respect between hosts and guests.

Homeric type scene

a recurring narrative pattern in Homeric epics that organizes the story, often used in scenes of battle or feasting.

Arming scene

when a hero is getting ready to go into an important battle

Type Scene: Aristeia

A long heroic battle scene in which the hero kills many

Type Scene: the messenger scene

when a messenger of Zeus is sent to retrieve another god

Three Homeric ethics

• aidos

• kleos 

• time

Aidos

shame

kleos

glory

time

honor, worth, status

Forms of Wealth in Homeric Society

• persons 

• prestige goods acquired through competition

• cultural wealth: a skill someone has, cannot be exchanged  

• subsistence goods: food of sorts 

Geras

Prize

Apoina

ransom: paid in rescue of a persons life, usually exchanged between enemies

poine

penalty damages, paid in recompense for an injury usually exchanged between men in the same community 

apereisi

untold recompense

Type scene: divine Journey: using expansion

a god traveling from one place to another described in great detail (expansion) and when homer describes something in much detail it means its important 

Type scene: parainesis

giving a speech of advice or encouragement

Bird omen

a bird flying in from the right is good, left is bad

Homeric Parody

a scene that is a parody of an arming scene. Ex: hera getting ready to sleep with zeus

3 steps to dishonor a corpse

• spoilation 

  • stripping the armour

• prevention of burial 

  • dragging the corpse everywhere 

• mutilation of corpse 

Theomachy

Battle of the gods