The Odyssey By Homer, The Blind Poet Demodocus Essay

Although viewed as an intangible, inexplicable phenomenon, power has been vital to every civilization since the creation of man. It has mesmerized monarchs and aristocrats, while motivating the poorest of the poor, all in hopes of harnessing this unique concept. Specifically, relational power has been a strong influence, relying on the personal connection an individual can create with groups of people. No era or nation has been exempt from this and it has manifested itself through totalitarian regimes, strong central governments, and gaps between the rich and the poor. In particular, this concept of power has been evident in a multitude of ancient myths in which power is wielded by mortals through a variety of different mediums such as rhetoric, brute strength, and intelligence which highlights the significant themes a society holds in high regard. Certain forms of rhetoric have been able to wield a unique type of power. In the Odyssey by Homer, the blind poet Demodocus sings for the Phaeacian royal court about the war in Troy. Demodocus â€Å"made them see [the Trojan War] happen† with his mastery of language (Odyssey, VIII, 541). Although he does not have his own individual sight, his supernatural ability makes up for up for this weakness. Demodocus is blessed by the gods to be able to make others see which has its own merit because of its potential power. In this case, he paints the scene of the Trojan war when he sings about it with precise detail and truth. His audience canShow MoreRelatedThe Odyssey by Homer1210 Words   |  5 Pages Homer’s â€Å"The Odyssey† takes place ten years after the events in â€Å"The Iliad†, to which the Odyssey is an indirect sequel, and the fall of Troy; even though the story is believed to have been composed some time during the eight century B.C.E. it is estimat ed to be set sometime between 1300 and 1000 B.C.E. in Mycenaean Greece during the Bronze age. In this novel all Greek heroes have returned home after the fall of Troy, except for Odysseus who after a three year journey has been held captive by theRead MoreEssay about Homers The Odyssey1646 Words   |  7 PagesHomers The Odyssey The Odyssey is a companion to The Iliad, a story of the Trojan War. Both The Iliad and The Odyssey are epic poems written by Homer. In The Odyssey, Homer relates the misadventures of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, that occur during the decade following the defeat of Troy. In doing so, the fates of his fellow warriors are also made known. The Odyssey begins on Mount Olympus, in the palace of Zeus, king of the gods, where a discussion takes place regarding the woes of humans andRead MoreOdyssey and Odysseus Outstanding Qualities2184 Words   |  9 Pagesï » ¿Odyssey Review/Essay Questions 1.What aspects of social and political life in Homeric times are reflected in the â€Å"Odyssey†? =The aspects in the social and political life in Homeric times that are reflected in the Odyssey are the leadership and hierarchy. These are depicted by kings, warriors and peasants who sometimes live un-heroic simple life.Other than that it shows the culture of the Greeks wherein if you will court a lady,you should bring gifts. 2.What is the purpose of the many allusionRead MoreComparing Virgil s Aeneid And Homer s Odyssey2766 Words   |  12 PagesJourney, fate, conflict and divine intervention demonstrate the morals and ideas of the age and cultures in which both Virgil and Homer lived. The lives of the main characters, Odysseus and Aeneas must fulfill their destiny with direct interference from the Gods and Goddesses. With the gods and goddess not always sharing the same motives or best interest of the main character would make the journey to achieve their destiny extremely difficult. The gods and goddess can be vengeful just as much asRead MoreThe Odyssey Study Guide2304 Words   |  10 Pagesï » ¿Study Guide Questions: Homer’s Odyssey Directions: Provide clear and accurate responses to the following questions. Incorporate quoted evidence for support , provide page numbers, and insightful analysis (how or why the information/quote is important). Use blue/black ink and make your responses legible. Book I 1. What does the invocation (the first 13 lines) say the poem as a whole will emphasize? 2. What first impression does this book give us of the gods? How much of a roleRead MoreOdyssey Historical Background6500 Words   |  26 PagesThe Odyssey ~ Background Information * The novel covers a 10 year period. * The novel was written approximately in 720 B.C. * The novel takes place in 1230 B.C. ~ during the Bronze age. * The Iliad (written first) and The Odyssey are based on historical events that took place about 1230 B.C. * Both novels are considered epic poems * The Odyssey is defined as a journey. This is the story of Odysseus’ journey back home after the Trojan War. From The Odyssey, Homer chose theRead MoreEssay on The Odyssey21353 Words   |  86 PagesThe Odyssey Set in ancient Greece, The Odyssey is about the hero Odysseus long-awaited return from the Trojan War to his homeland, Ithaca, after ten years of wandering. The current action of The Odyssey occupies the last six weeks of the ten years, and the narrative includes many places - Olympus, Ithaca, Pylos, Pherae, Sparta, Ogygia, and Scheria. In Books 9-12, Odysseus narrates the story of his travels in the years after the fall of Troy, and this narrative includes other far-flung