Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey Part B

 

 
 Teiresias
Source: Wikipedia

 

Homer's Odyssey
Translated into English by Tony Kline here 

There's immediately the belief of leaving a corpse unburied means a soul can't rest. That's why there was such a scramble for Patroclus and Hector's bodies in 'The Iliad.' Almost symbolic in that way about burying or dealing with things completely to find peace.

Teiresias' prophecy, though he promised Ulysses that he'd reach home, also warned that having Poseidon as an enemy would make the journey long and arduous. Also warned not to let greed take his crew or the repercussions would be a longer, rougher journey potentially alone. The seer also spoiled the ending of the book.

Hearing how his mother died waiting for him was painful. Also, how his father was living as a servant waiting for him. Then all these wives and daughters of heroes came and spoke to him. I wonder what this part of the story was for since it seems disjointed?

Despite his glory and prestige in life -- death was Agamemnon's undoing. I also pity Cassandra's fate. She was taken from her country only to die in the arms of the man who brought about the fall of Troy. Agamemnon also warned Ulysses against wife since he was killed by his, at the same time praising Penelope for her virtue.

Also, I would have thought that the Elysian Fields would have been a wonderful place, but Achilles seems to regret his choice of glory over a simple life. He would have much rather lived than died. Very poignant from a man who'd been raised on a warrior mindset.

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