C C 303 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Epic Poetry, Cyclops, Hekatonkheires

• School: UT-Austin
• Department: Classical Civilization
• Course: C C 303
• Professor: Todd Curtis

Document Summary

What can you learn from the title of the book? theos = gods, things beyond nature. Cosmogony = chaos (void, dark gaping space), gods. We are not the focus of this story. Tells truth and lies because it is an aspect of entertainment. Gives him credibility, makes him a messenger" or gives him authority to his poetry/artistry. Idea that there is something before, and there is unfolding" and shows you how it all unrolls. Written for people who are in power, kings, literate, etc. Validation for kings, why they are in power. Set forth the major parts of the book, themes, and the unity of the parts. Ultimate victory of the olympian divinities under zeus. Muses = daughters of zeus (son of cronos) and mnemosyne (memory) Eros happens at the beginning because procreation needs to happen = unity. Aspects of the universe, not just normal" children. His relationship with this early god may potentially give him power.