Many scholars agree that the Iliad and Odyssey underwent a process of standardization and refinement out of older material, beginning in the 8th century BC. This process, often referred to as the “million little pieces” design, seems to acknowledge the spirit of oral tradition.
What do scholars believe about Homer?
The Mystery of Homer
Some scholars believe him to be one man ; others think these iconic stories were created by a group. A variation on the group idea stems from the fact that storytelling was an oral tradition and Homer compiled the stories, then recited them to memory.
Why do many scholars believe the epics attributed to Homer are based on oral legends?
The Odyssey continues to be read in the Homeric Greek and translated into modern languages around the world. Many scholars believe the original poem was composed in an oral tradition by an aoidos (epic poet/singer) , perhaps a rhapsode (professional performer), and was more likely intended to be heard than read.
Why are Homer’s epics so important what did they influence?
Homer’s most important contribution to Greek culture was to provide a common set of values that enshrined the Greeks’ own ideas about themselves . His poems provided a fixed model of heroism, nobility and the good life to which all Greeks, especially aristocrats, subscribed.
Was the odyssey based on oral tradition?
College Literature. Twentieth-century research demonstrated that Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey began as part of an ancient Greek oral tradition , and were passed down by word of mouth through generations of oral poets before and for some time after the invention of the alphabet.
Why might scholars not be sure that Homer existed?
6. Biography of Homer: Why might scholars not be sure that Homer existed? They don’t know enough about him and don’t know where he was born .
How do we know Homer existed?
Scholars are uncertain whether he existed . If real, he is believed to have lived about the 9th or 8th century BCE and was a native of Ionia. A poet in the oral tradition, his works were likely transcribed by others. He is traditionally portrayed as blind, and some claim he was illiterate.
Was the Trojan War real?
For most ancient Greeks, indeed, the Trojan War was much more than a myth. It was an epoch-defining moment in their distant past. As the historical sources – Herodotus and Eratosthenes – show, it was generally assumed to have been a real event .
What is Homer’s full name?
| Homer | Born Homer c. 750 BC Ionia (Ἰωνία) or Chios (Χίος) | Died Ios, Greece | Resting place Tomb of Homer, Ios | Nationality Greek |
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Why does Homeric literature still survive today?
Homeric literature still survives today because of the importance placed on it in the ancient world and because of its influence that has passed down...
What are the greatest values for Homer in a male dominated society?
The highest virtue in Homeric society was arête —manliness, courage in the most general sense, and the excellence proper to a hero.
Why was a polis important?
Ideally, the polis was a corporation of citizens who all participated in its government, religious cults, defense, and economic welfare and who obeyed its sacred and customary laws .
Why is the Iliad so important?
The Iliad, an epic poem by Homer, provides a unique insight into both Greek history and the formation of a Greek identity . ... Beyond its significance for promoting a historical understanding of a Greek identity, The Iliad also serves as a lesson in warfare in modern days.
When did oral tradition begin?
The modern concept of oral history was developed in the 1940s by Allan Nevins and his associates at Columbia University.
What is the Greek oral tradition?
When something is described as having an oral tradition, it typically means that the stories were passed along through verbal storytelling methods . ... Tales were often sung by a bard while they accompanies themselves on an instrument, such as a lyre.
What’s the meaning of oral tradition?
Oral tradition, also called orality, the first and still most widespread mode of human communication. Far more than “just talking,” oral tradition refers to a dynamic and highly diverse oral-aural medium for evolving, storing, and transmitting knowledge, art, and ideas .
