What is Kleos in the Odyssey?

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Kleos (Greek: κλέος) is the Greek word often translated to "renown", or "glory". The Iliad is about gaining ultimate kleos on the battlefields of Troy while the Odyssey is the ten-year quest of Odysseus' nostos (or return journey). Telemachus fears that he has been deprived of kleos.



Simply so, why is Kleos important?

Kleos is a term used in Greek epic poetry that means immortal fame, but it can also mean rumor or renown. A very important theme in Homer's great epics The Iliad and The Odyssey, kleos often referred to having one's achievements venerated in poetry.

Also, what is hubris in the Odyssey? The dictionary defines hubris as overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance. In The Odyssey, Homer embodies hubris into the characters Odysseus, the Suitors, and the Cyclopes. The most prominent instance in which Odysseus shows hubris is while he and his men are trying to escape from the Cyclops Polyphemus.

Also know, what is nostos in the Odyssey?

Nostos (Ancient Greek: νόστος) is a theme used in Ancient Greek literature which includes an epic hero returning home by sea. The theme of Nostos is brought to life in Homer's The Odyssey, where the main hero Odysseus tries to return home after battling in the Trojan War.

What is Xenia in the Odyssey?

Xenia, the Greek concept of hospitality and the guest-host relationship, was, according to M.I. Finley in “The World of Odysseus”, a powerful institution in Ancient Greek times which solidified relationships between peoples and created alliances (100).

30 Related Question Answers Found

What does aristea mean?

A type of Lilac-purple flowers related to the iris. The plant's name is derived from the Latin arista meaning "point, ear of grain." Feminine form of the Greek name Aristeides meaning "the best kind." Pronounced: Ah-ris-TEH-ah. Famous real-life people named Aristea.

How does Odysseus show Kleos?

A Greek hero earns kleos through accomplishing great deeds. The Iliad is about gaining ultimate kleos on the battlefields of Troy while the Odyssey is the ten-year quest of Odysseus' nostos (or return journey). Telemachus fears that he has been deprived of kleos. This links to hereditary kleos.

What does the Greek word time mean?

Kairos (Ancient Greek: καιρός) is an Ancient Greek word meaning the right, critical, or opportune moment. The ancient Greeks had two words for time: chronos (χρόνος) and kairos. The former refers to chronological or sequential time, while the latter signifies a proper or opportune time for action.

What does Metis mean in Greek?

Metis (/ˈmiːt?s/; Greek: Μ?τις - "wisdom," "skill," or "craft"), in ancient Greek religion, was a mythical Titaness belonging to the second generation of Titans.

What is time in the Iliad?


The historical backdrop of the poem is the time of the Late Bronze Age collapse, in the early 12th century BC. Homer is thus separated from his subject matter by about 400 years, the period known as the Greek Dark Ages.

Why does Achilles choose to die?

However if you mean why did he resume fighting in the Trojan war after his resistance to Agamemnon and refusal to continue fighting in the war, well that's due to the death of his best friend Patroclus who in an effort to repel the trojans dresses as Achilles however he was slain by Hector.

What is Arete in Greek mythology?

Arete (Greek: ?ρετή), in its basic sense, means "excellence of any kind". The term may also mean "moral virtue". Homer applies the term of both the Greek and Trojan heroes as well as major female figures, such as Penelope, the wife of the Greek hero Odysseus.

Why is Xenia important?

Hospitality, or Xenia, is so essential in Greek society that Zeus, in addition to being the king of the Gods, is also the God of travelers (Wikipedia). This created an obligation for the host to be hospitable to their guests, and conversely, the guests had their own responsibilities as well.

What does epic simile mean?


Homeric simile, also called an epic simile, is a detailed comparison in the form of a simile that are many lines in length. The word "Homeric", is based on the Greek author, Homer, who composed the two famous Greek epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey.

What does the Greek word nostos mean?

Nostos is the Greek word for homecoming, the idea of returning home from a long journey. Nostos can also mean "Welcome Home" in the Greek language. Nostos is a theme dealt with in many Homeric writings such as the Odyssey, in which the main character, Odysseus, strives to get home after the Trojan War.

What is the Greek word for Homecoming?

Nostos: The Homecoming
We will begin with the most approachable meaning of nostos, the homecoming. The homecoming, usually by sea, became an important part of ancient Greek culture.

Why is hubris bad?

When found alongside contempt for the advice and criticism of others, hubris causes leaders to significantly overreach themselves, taking risky and reckless decisions with harmful, sometimes catastrophic consequences for themselves, their organisations, institutions, and even for society.

Is Odysseus arrogant?

It is Odysseus' arrogance that incurs the anger of Poseidon and it is his arrogance that continues to keep him wandering in alien waters and lands. He yells back at the cyclops. When he decides he can handle listening to the Sirens, but the rest of the crew need to be "protected" from it.

How is Odysseus proud?


Odysseus takes pride in his Trojan adventure for which gods punish him which keeps away from his home and put him through trials during his journeys. He faces magic of Circe, Calypso, and wrath of the Cyclops along with numerous adventures but ultimately prevails against the arrogant suitors and wins victory.

Who is Polyphemus father?

Polyphemus prays to his father, Poseidon, for revenge and casts huge rocks towards the ship, which Odysseus barely escapes.

What happens in Aeolus in the Odyssey?

Aeolus, in the works of Homer, controller of the winds and ruler of the floating island of Aeolia. In the Odyssey Aeolus gave Odysseus a favourable wind and a bag in which the unfavourable winds were confined. Odysseus' companions opened the bag; the winds escaped and drove them back to the island.