1: Middle East, Near East, Greece
- Page ID
- 25549
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- Using the list of traits above, which traits apply to each epic hero in the texts?
- What is similar and/or different about heroes such as Gilgamesh, Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus?
- How do the characters view the gods, and how do the gods treat humans?
- What do we learn about what each society considers proper or improper behavior, again based on the text itself ?
- Is family love or romantic love more important in the text, and why?
The texts chosen for this chapter were influential in their own times and beyond. Gilgamesh was an ancient Sumerian king whose story was valued and retold by other cultures who invaded the area. The Bible remains one of the most widely read books in history. Homer’s epics form a cornerstone of western literature, and the two plays selected from ancient Greek drama influenced countless writers after them. Only the plays were originally written works; the other texts were part of an oral tradition before they were written down. Even then, the subject matter of the plays is not original to the authors: The audience knew the stories of Oedipus and Medea already. Homer was not the first (or the last) to compose poems on the Trojan War and its aftermath. Originality was not particularly prized in an oral culture, where only the best works were worth memorizing. Homer’s fame comes from how well he tells his version of events.
- 1.1: Prelude to Middle East, Near East, and Greece
- This page analyzes key ancient texts like Gilgamesh and the Bible, exploring their literary and cultural influence. It contrasts modern and ancient hero definitions, focusing on personal glory over altruism. Character dynamics, such as Gilgamesh's flaws and Achilles' egotism, reflect societal leader expectations. Additionally, the text underscores the roles of divine intervention and fate, illustrating how these themes informed ancient views on morality and human strength.
- 1.2: Hebrew Bible - “Genesis” and “Exodus”
- This page summarizes the structure and narratives of the Hebrew Bible, particularly focusing on the creation stories in Genesis, the lives of key figures such as Moses, and God's covenant with the Israelites. It details Moses' mission to lead the Israelites from Egypt, the plagues of Egypt, the Passover, the Exodus, and the establishment of laws and rituals, including the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle.
- 1.3: The Epic of Gilgamesh
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest literary epic, narrates the story of Gilgamesh, a part-divine king of Uruk, and his friendship with Enkidu, a wild man. Together, they seek mortality and wisdom through quests, facing challenges like confronting Humbaba and rejecting divine proposals. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh seeks Utnapishtim for eternal life but learns it’s unattainable.
- 1.4: The Iliad
- This page explores the epic narratives of Homer’s "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," detailing key characters and thematic conflicts, particularly the rivalry between Achilles and Agamemnon. Major plot points include Achilles’ withdrawal from battle due to dishonor, Hector's challenge to Achilles, the tragic outcomes of war, and the shared grief over loss.
- 1.5: The Odyssey
- This page follows Ulysses' journey from the fall of Troy, highlighting his struggles against divine forces and personal challenges, including his longing for home and family. Telemachus, his son, seeks news of Ulysses, addressing suitors who threaten their household. Ulysses, eventually returning disguised, confronts the suitors, leading to a bloody reckoning. In emotional reunions, themes of loyalty, deception, and the quest for identity are explored.
- 1.6: Medea
- This page explores Euripides' "Medea," focusing on the titular character's psychological turmoil stemming from Jason's betrayal. The narrative addresses themes of love, betrayal, vengeance, and women’s societal oppression in ancient Athens. Medea grapples with her isolation, maternal instincts, and rage, ultimately plotting revenge against Jason and the new bride.
- 1.7: Oedipus the King
- This page explores the tragic arc of Oedipus, a character created by Greek playwright Sophocles in his plays, particularly focusing on "Oedipus Tyrannus." It details Oedipus's quest for truth regarding his identity and fate, leading to the horrifying realization that he has killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling a dire prophecy.
- 1.8: The Apology of Socrates
- This page explores Socrates' defense in "The Apology," highlighting his arguments during his trial in 399 BCE against charges of corrupting youth and impiety. It details his journey of self-awareness, the quest for true wisdom, and reflections on his perceived ignorance. Socrates emphasizes the importance of virtue, justice, and philosophical inquiry over societal norms.
Thumbnail: Parthenon, Athens Greece. (CC BY 2.0; Steve Swayne).