CLA160H1 Lecture Notes - James George Frazer, Iobates, Hippie
Document Summary
There are several instances where homer"s characters recount myths are several key points in the iliad and the odyssey at key points. These episodes of story within the story she light on homer"s view of the context and function of myth-telling. The first of these occurs in book 6 of the iliad. Homer shows an exchange of stories marking a pause in the relentless warfare on the battlefield outside troy. Interrupting the aristeia (display of valor) by the greek warrior diomedes. He encounter glaucus and asks who he is about to kill. This leads to an exchange of stories that are a pause in the violence. And the content of these myths seem designed to encourage peaceful conflict resolution. Diomedes says that he will harm anyone, so long as they are not immortal. He continues with a story of dionysus and lycurgus as a reason for why he does not want to fight against the gods.
