Like the generations of leaves, the lives of mortal men.   Now the wind scatters the leaves across the earth, now the living timber bursts with the new buds and spring comes round again.  And so with men: as one generation comes to life, another dies away.   - Iliad, vi. 171-175

                                                 

Representations of Homer's Ideas

Homer, whether real or fictional, is credited with writing two epics that constantly generate source material for the modern world. In this case, modern world refers to every world categorized as “modern” since Homer existed. The Iliad and The Odyssey with their captivating stories, fascinating characters and magnificent language have inspired intellectuals and artists alike.

It is said that “adaptation is the greatest form of flattery.” By that standard, Homer has been tremendously flattered over the years. The ideas and characters put forth in his epics have been adapted and modified in literature, art, theatre, film, social science, and self-identity.

Homer has had an impact not only on how an individual fits into the bigger picture, but on how to understand the bigger picture itself. This website explores the nature of Homer’s ideas and ways in which they can be interpreted.  

 

Click on different parts of Homer's head to further examine some of his ideas!

 

Ambassadors to Achilles Self-Identity in the Iliad Homer on Social Science Iliad vs. Odyssey Homer's Text vs. Ideas Human Suffering Films Homeric Metaphors Books Visual Odyssey

 

Topics include:

Ambassadors to Achilles

Derivation of Self-Identity in the Iliad

Ideas on Social Science

Contrast of Iliad and Odyssey

Homer's Text vs. Ideas

Human Suffering Inflicted by Nature as Gods

Homeric Metaphors

Visual Odyssey

and Representation in Films and Books