Discussion: Homeric Epithets and Lessons in Metre

[Elucubrator]

[face=SPIonic][size=18=12]Abstract of the Newsletter Article<br /><br />This article will introduce you to some of the oral composition techniques used by the ancient Greek bards in the construction of Homeric Verse. First it examines the structure of the dactylic hexameter and the points within it where a main caesura must be present. Then it looks at how the rhapsode uses formulaic noun-epithet pairs within this rhythymical structure to assist him in the free oral composition of epic verse. In order to help the reader develop a feel for the rhythyms inherent in the hexameter with which the bard would work, the author presents a short series of oral exercises based on the rhythyms of epic verse form. <br /><br />This board has been opened for discussion of the article in today's Greek Newsletter. You may access the article here:<br /><br /> Homeric Epithets and Easy Lessons in Homeric Metre<br /><br /><br />http://www.textkit.com/tutorials/20030515-homer-01-page1.php[/face][/size]

[ASim]

Sebastian, is there a way to download/print the entire article (e.g., as a .pdf file)? Or am I just failing to notice some special "print" button?<br /><br />Thanks, Ansgar.

[Jeff Tirey]

I'll add that feature in.<br /><br />thanks,<br />jeff

[Skylax]

Thank you for this interesting article. Homer must be glad over there, [face=SPIonic]e)n Ai(/dou[/face].<br /><br />However, pace tua liceat dixisse, something seems a little confusing to me. It is about the spelling and place in the hexameter of [face=SPIonic]diogenh\j )Odusseu/s[/face].<br /><br />In Homer, we find [face=SPIonic]diogenh\j )Oduseu/s[/face], with only one sigma, otherwise the upsilon would be long and the phrase wouldn't fit in with an hexameter.<br /><br />Moreover, we find the phrase at the very beginning of the verse (it is an hemistich of five half-feet) or in the feet II, III and the beginning of IV : BUM BUM [face=SPIonic]diogenh\j )Oduseu/s[/face]. I didn't see any passage where diogenh\j )Oduseu/s[/face][/size] begins at foot III.<br /><br />I think I missed something, although I enjoyed the article very much.<br /><br />... [face=SPIonic]o(\ d' o)/lbioj o(/n tina Mou=sai<br />filw=ntai: glukerh/ oi( a)po\ sto/matoj r(e/ei au)dh/[/face]<br /><br />"Happy is the man who the Muses love : from his mouth flows a sweet song." (Homeric Hymn to the Muses and Apollo)