9.2 The concept of nostos (homecoming) in the epic
4 min read•august 6, 2024
The concept of , or homecoming, is central to ' epic journey in . It encompasses not just his physical return to Ithaca, but also the emotional and psychological challenges he faces along the way.
Odysseus' nostos is marked by transformation, identity struggles, and reunion with loved ones. His journey home tests his wit, loyalty, and determination, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation with the suitors and the reclaiming of his rightful place as king.
Odysseus' Homecoming
The Concept of Nostos
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- Nostos is a central theme in the Odyssey referring to the hero's homecoming or return journey after a long absence
- Odysseus' nostos is his arduous and eventful journey back to his homeland, Ithaca, after the Trojan War
- The concept of nostos encompasses not only the physical journey but also the psychological and emotional challenges faced by the hero during the journey
- Nostos is often associated with the hero's growth, transformation, and the restoration of his identity and status within his homeland
Reunion and Identity in Ithaca
- Odysseus' ultimate goal is to reunite with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus in Ithaca, his kingdom
- Upon his return, Odysseus initially conceals his identity to assess the loyalty of his household and to plan his revenge against Penelope's suitors
- Odysseus' homecoming is marked by a series of recognition scenes where he gradually reveals his identity to his loved ones (Telemachus, Eurycleia, Laertes, Penelope)
- The reunion with Penelope is the climax of Odysseus' nostos, as it symbolizes the restoration of his identity as the rightful king of Ithaca and the completion of his journey
Penelope and Telemachus
Penelope's Loyalty and Cleverness
- Penelope is Odysseus' faithful wife who remains loyal to him during his 20-year absence
- She cleverly fends off the advances of the suitors who seek her hand in marriage, believing Odysseus to be dead
- Penelope devises a clever ruse of weaving a burial shroud for Laertes, Odysseus' father, promising to choose a suitor upon its completion
- Each night, she secretly unravels the shroud to delay her decision, symbolizing her unwavering loyalty to Odysseus
Telemachus' Growth and Role
- Telemachus is Odysseus' son who grows from a boy to a young man during his father's absence
- In the beginning of the Odyssey, Telemachus embarks on his own journey to seek information about his father's , demonstrating his maturity and initiative
- Telemachus plays a crucial role in assisting Odysseus in defeating the suitors upon his return to Ithaca
- The relationship between Odysseus and Telemachus is a key aspect of the Odyssey, as it explores themes of father-son bonding, coming of age, and the transmission of knowledge and values
The Suitors and the Loyalty Test
- The suitors are a group of noble men who seek Penelope's hand in marriage and exploit the hospitality of Odysseus' household during his absence
- They represent the antithesis of the values embodied by Odysseus, such as loyalty, honor, and respect for the gods
- Odysseus' return to Ithaca involves a test of loyalty for his household, as he assesses who has remained faithful to him and who has sided with the suitors
- The loyalty test culminates in a dramatic showdown where Odysseus, with the help of Telemachus and loyal servants, confronts and defeats the suitors, restoring order to his household
Odysseus' Journey
Transformation and Growth
- Throughout his journey, Odysseus undergoes significant transformation and growth as a character
- He faces numerous challenges (Cyclops, Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis) that test his wit, resourcefulness, and determination
- Odysseus learns valuable lessons about humility, the importance of following the gods' will, and the consequences of his actions (blinding Polyphemus, angering Poseidon)
- The journey allows Odysseus to mature as a leader, husband, and father, preparing him for his eventual return to Ithaca
Identity and Nostos
- Odysseus' identity is closely tied to his role as the king of Ithaca and his status as a legendary hero of the Trojan War
- Throughout his journey, Odysseus' identity is challenged and transformed as he faces various obstacles and adopts different personas (e.g., "Nobody" with the Cyclops, beggar in Ithaca)
- The theme of identity is central to Odysseus' nostos, as his journey is not only about returning home but also about reclaiming his rightful place in Ithaca
- Odysseus' successful nostos and the restoration of his identity is symbolized by his ability to string his bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe heads, a feat that only he can accomplish
Key Terms to Review (16)
Aeneas: Aeneas is a Trojan hero and the central character of Virgil's 'Aeneid', representing the ideal Roman values of duty and piety. He is significant not only for his role in the narrative of the Trojan War but also as the mythological founder of Rome, embodying themes of sacrifice, destiny, and divine influence throughout his journey.
Aeneid: The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil, chronicling the journey of the Trojan hero Aeneas as he seeks to find a new homeland in Italy after the fall of Troy. This foundational text not only explores themes of heroism and destiny but also emphasizes the importance of homecoming and the establishment of Rome as a pivotal point in history.
Divine intervention: Divine intervention refers to the involvement of gods or supernatural forces in human affairs, often guiding, aiding, or hindering characters throughout epic narratives. This concept is crucial in epic poetry, as it illustrates the relationship between mortals and deities, influencing fate, destiny, and personal choices.
Epic simile: An epic simile is an extended comparison that typically relates a heroic or extraordinary event to everyday experiences or objects, often elaborating on details and using vivid imagery. This technique enhances the narrative by creating a more profound connection between the grand events of the epic and the audience's understanding.
Fate: Fate refers to the predetermined course of events that is believed to govern human lives and destinies, often depicted as an unchangeable force in epic literature. In the context of ancient Greek and Roman epics, fate intertwines with concepts of divine influence, personal choice, and heroic deeds, shaping the characters' journeys and the overarching narratives.
In medias res: In medias res is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the midst of things,' and it refers to a narrative technique where a story begins in the middle of the action rather than at the beginning. This approach engages the audience right away, allowing for immediate immersion into the plot and characters, which is a characteristic feature of epic poetry and influences its structure and storytelling style.
Journey motif: The journey motif is a recurring theme in literature where characters embark on a significant physical or metaphorical journey, leading to self-discovery, transformation, and the pursuit of goals. This motif is crucial in epic poetry, where the journey often symbolizes deeper emotional and spiritual quests, reflecting the challenges and growth experienced by the hero.
Katabasis: Katabasis is a term that refers to a descent into the underworld or a journey to the realm of the dead, often undertaken by a hero in epic literature. This journey can symbolize various themes, such as the quest for knowledge, self-discovery, or the confrontation of one's fears. In many epics, katabasis serves as a pivotal moment that leads to transformation and often connects to broader themes of nostos, as the hero seeks to return home after their descent.
Nostos: Nostos refers to the theme of homecoming and the longing to return home, which is a central motif in ancient Greek literature, especially in epic poetry. It embodies the emotional journey of characters as they seek to reclaim their place in their homeland and restore familial bonds, while also reflecting on personal growth and transformation throughout their adventures.
Odysseus: Odysseus is the legendary Greek hero of Homer's epic poem, 'The Odyssey,' known for his intelligence, cunning, and resourcefulness. He is celebrated as a complex character who embodies the qualities of an epic hero, navigating immense challenges on his journey home after the Trojan War while exploring themes of identity and human experience.
Prophecy: Prophecy refers to a foretelling or prediction of future events, often delivered through a divine message or oracle. In the context of epic poetry, prophecies serve as crucial narrative devices that influence the characters' decisions and highlight themes of fate and divine will.
Return narrative: A return narrative is a storytelling structure that centers on a hero's journey back to their homeland after a long absence, often involving trials and adventures along the way. This narrative framework is crucial in epic poetry as it emphasizes themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional significance of homecoming, reflecting the protagonist's growth and transformation throughout their journey.
The journey to the underworld: The journey to the underworld refers to a narrative element often found in epic poetry, where a hero travels to the realm of the dead to seek knowledge, confront fears, or gain insight. This journey is not just a physical passage; it represents a transformative experience that often highlights themes of death, fate, and the search for understanding one's identity and purpose, which are central to the concept of nostos or homecoming in these epics.
The Odyssey: The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, recounting the adventures of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. This narrative is essential in exploring themes of heroism, the struggle for identity, and the significance of family and homecoming in ancient Greek culture.
The suitors' defeat: The suitors' defeat refers to the pivotal moment in 'The Odyssey' when Odysseus, after a long absence from home, confronts and ultimately vanquishes the group of suitors who have overrun his household in Ithaca. This event symbolizes the restoration of order and justice, highlighting themes of vengeance, loyalty, and the rightful claim to one's home.
Xenia: Xenia refers to the ancient Greek concept of hospitality and the generous treatment of guests, emphasizing respect and kindness between hosts and visitors. This principle not only fosters social bonds but also reflects the values of honor and reputation in Greek culture, connecting deeply with themes of hospitality, loyalty, and moral obligations.