Homeric Responses

This collection of essays explores the oral tradition and evolution of the Homeric epics, providing new insights into their composition and performance.

In Homeric Responses, Gregory Nagy offers a collection of insightful essays that delve deeper into his theories surrounding the oral composition and evolution of the Homeric epics. These timeless works, the Iliad and the Odyssey, have sparked enduring debates about their origins and the enigmatic figure of Homer. Nagy addresses the fundamental questions that have puzzled scholars for centuries, such as whether Homer was a real individual or a symbolic figure, the timeline of the poems' creation, and the methods by which they were transcribed. This ongoing inquiry is often referred to as The Homeric Question.

Nagy's essays build upon his previous explorations in Homeric Questions and Poetry as Performance: Homer and Beyond. He responds to critics while examining the significance of performance and the dynamic relationship between the audience and the poet in shaping these epic narratives. The role of the rhapsode, responsible for performing and passing down the poetry, is also a focal point of his analysis. Through this lens, he investigates the artistic creativity evident in the Iliad and Odyssey, highlighting aspects such as the 'irreversible mistakes' and cross-references that reveal the depth of these works.

Furthermore, Nagy discusses the Iliadic description of Achilles' shield, suggesting it serves as a connection to the world beyond the poem, reflecting the polis of its audience. Homeric Responses stands as a significant contribution to the field of Homeric poetics and enriches the broader study of Greek literature, offering readers a fresh perspective on these ancient masterpieces.