Homer
Homer receives honors for the epic task of recording most of Greek
mythology. A major figure in the literary
traditions of today, this poet probably lived before the eighth century
B.C.,
according to scholars. His major works, "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey,"
record the
adventures of gods, goddesses, heroes, heroines and other mortals of ancient
times.
Controversy surrounds the life of Homer, who some say may not have actually
written the epic poems at all. Most agree that the blinded storyteller wrote
from a series of oral tales that were part of the cultural history of
ancient Greece. The results are rich, musical texts that inspired writers
from William Shakespeare to James Joyce.
While some argue that the composer of "The Iliad," the story of Achilles,
was
not the same as the individual who penned "The Odyssey," the story of
Odysseus,
Homer is the poet with all the fame.
Discover these works and the
controversy
surrounding them at the following sites:
- The Homer Homepage
Offers links to e-texts, criticisms, discussion boards, images and maps.
Be sure to click on the miscellaneous details for Homeric allusions in the
music of Steely Dan, the film 2001 and more.
- Homer's Iliad
Dedicated to the full text of all 26 books, translated by Samuel
Butler.
- Homer's Odyssey
Also offers full texts in epic proportions
- Homer (Simpson)'s Odyssey
Who would have guessed the great poet would inspire cartoonists? Check out
this script, written by Jay Kogen and Wallace Wolodarsky and directed by
Wesley Archer, for the classic Simpson's episode available online.
- The Great Homer Nodding
Did Homer really write those poems? When were they written? And why were
there so many inconsistencies? This article examines these questions and
many more. Hear what scholars and cynics have to say about the great Homeric
mystery.
--- Nicole E. Magistro
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