Multifaceted figure
Odysseus is the hero of the Iliad and the Odyssey. In these works, Homer describes Odysseus’ role in the final year of the Trojan War and his subsequent journey home. Odysseus represents the fearless adventurer who is constantly driven by a desire for knowledge and seizes every opportunity to discover new cultures, places, and people. At the same time, he is the embodiment of cunning, which he uses to deceive his enemies and to escape the most dangerous situations. Moreover, he is the devoted son, husband, and father who is willing to take any risk in order to return home and embrace his family.
Timeless figure
Odysseus is not merely a tough hero. He embraces his human existence, along with the essential experiences that come with it—such as love, fear, suffering, uncertainty, and longing for home. Ultimately, he is a mirror in which all of us—even today—can recognize ourselves. It is therefore no surprise that his exceptional complexity has inspired many artists, poets, and writers throughout the centuries. Over time, he has not only been used as a literary hero, but also in political and cultural-ideological contexts.
Course structure
In this course, we explore what makes Odysseus such a remarkable hero who continues to inspire centuries later. We begin with ancient Greek literature about Odysseus, followed by Latin literature. From there, we move on to modern English literature and the French reception of Odysseus. The course concludes with a lecture on Odysseus and philosophy. In this way, you will gain an overview of the reception of Odysseus through the ages and examine what makes him such an appealing and timeless hero.
Course coordinator: Philosopher Antonio Cimino
