Homeric Uses of Light and Dark

Paper Summary:

This paper attempts to explore the Homeric uses of simple light and dark terms to develop possible symbolic meanings in the Lattimore translations of the epics "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey". It first explores references to light then dark uses in both epics and then explores individual uses in each epic. The order of explanation develops the point that in "The Iliad" light and dark references mostly describe war, while in "The Odyssey" the terms develop a wide array of objects and situations because there is no major war.

From the Paper:

"First, light seems to appear in both epics when referencing gods, weapons, and other general descriptions. Through reading both epics, one can discover that Homer has utilized light to develop the love and admiration for gods and goddesses, much like other ancient Greek writers. Such descriptions can be seen in The Iliad. In the text Apollo is referred to as: "lord of the silver bow" (Book I, 37) . Throughout the text Homer's descriptions also portray Hera as the goddess with the white arms. Also, when in Olympos the gods and goddesses are said to drink in golden cups. In The Odyssey goddesses are especially referenced through bright terms."

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