Homeric Epics

Welcome to the LibGuide for Homer and his Epic Poems: The Iliad and the Odyssey.

Here you will find a variety of resources to help you in your research. 

Picture from http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/67/82667-004-D88DB7B0.jpg​

 Very little is known about Homer. He is the attributed author of two of the greatest Epics of literature: The Iliad and The Odyssey. His epic poems provided the basis of Greek education and are still important pieces of literature studied in both high school and college courses. For more information about Homer you can read his Encyclopedia Britannica biography linked below.  

Terracotta kylix (drinking cup), Attributed to the Amasis Painter ca. 540 BCE, depicting Book XIII of the Iliad.

From the Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/255939

The Iliad tells the epic of the final year of the Trojan War between the Greeks (Achaeans) and the Trojans. The war began with the abduction of Helen, wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, by the Trojan Paris. Menelaus, with his brother Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, sail to Troy to bring Helen back to Sparta. The first nine years depicts the war and its various battles, all leading to the events in the Iliad. Each of the Gods show support for the Greeks and Trojans, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Trojans:

Priam--King of Troy.

Hector--Son of Priam, Trojan Warrior.

Paris--Son of Priam, abducted Helen.

Helen--Queen of Sparta and captive of Paris.

Greeks (Achaeans):

Agamemnon--King of Mycenae

Menelaus--King of Sparta

Odysseus--King of Ithaca

Achilles--Leader of the Myrmidons. Son of Nestor, King of the Myrmidons, and Thetis.

Gods:

Zeus--Claims neutrality, but easily swayed.

Hera--Supports the Achaeans.

Athena--Supports the Achaeans.

Thetis--Nereid (Sea Nymph) and Mother of Achilles, persuades Zeus to chose a side in the Trojan War.

Apollo--Supports the Trojans.

Poseidon--Supports the Achaeans.

Hephaestus--Shows support for the Achaeans through Thetis and Achilles. 

Ares--Supports the Trojans.

Terracotta oinochoe (jug) of an Archer, attributed to Odysseus

From the Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/251485

The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus and his journey back to Ithaca and his wife Penelope ten years after the Trojan War. Odysseus' journey is long, perilous and full of danger as he meets one mythological being and creature after another. Some aid him in his journey home while others seek to destroy him and his men. Meanwhile, Penelope ,who is still faithful to Odysseus, is approached by many suitors hoping to take Odysseus’ place. Yet, she is cunning in staving off her suitors, while their son, Telemachus, is attempting to throw them out.

Odysseus--King of Ithaca

Penelope--Queen of Ithaca

Telemachus, Son of Odysseus and Penelope

Calypso--Nymph of the Island Ogygia

Nausicaa--Princess of Phaeacia

Circe--Sorceress. 

LC Subject: Greek literature -- History and criticism.

LC Subject: Mythology, Greek

LC Subject: Helen of Troy (Greek mythology) in literature 

LC Subject: Homer -- Characters -- Penelope

LC Subjcet: Homer -- Characters -- Women

LC Subject: Homer -- Criticism and interpretation

LC Subject: Homer. Iliad

LC Subject: Homer. Odyssey

LC Subject: Epic poetry, Greek -- Translations into English