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Oedipus the King Summary

2004-12-14T16:12:59Z

Ssrich:

Oedipus the King [[Image:Oedipus the King.gif]]

There is a plague in Thebes. Oedipus has sent Creon to find out news from the gods how they can get rid of the plague. When Creon returns, he tells them that Apollo told them to get rid of the murderers of Laius, their first king. Oedipus wants to find out who killed him so they call on the prophet Tiresias. He tells them that Oedipus is the murderer. Oedipus is offended by this nonsense, and after intense arguing, he sends the prophet home. Oedipus then starts arguing with Creon, because he blames him for what has happened. Jocasta enters the room and stops them from arguing. Jocasta tells Oedipus that the prophets told her that her husband would be killed by their child, and the slave told them this did not happen either because he was killed by thieves. Jocasta said her son was only a child, like three years old. While Jocasta is praying, a messenger from Corinth comes and tells her that Oedipus’ father, Polybus, is dead. They first rejoice at this news because it appears that the prophets did not know what they were talking about, because this meant that Oedipus could not be his father’s murderer. Later, the messenger informs Oedipus, that Polybus was no more a father to him than he was. They learn that this man had received Oedipus as a child, from a Shepard. He was a Shepard of Laius. He had been given to him by the queen (Oedipus’s wife; mother) to go and have killed, because the prophets had told her that her child would kill his parents. The Shepard didn’t have the heart to kill a baby, so that’s how Oedipus ended up in Corinth. Oedipus trying to keep from fulfilling the prophecy of killing his parents, left Corinth and ran into Laius on the triple road, and killed him not knowing that this was really his father.

Jocasta began to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and ran off to her room telling Oedipus he should just let it die. Leave it alone. But Oedipus was determined to find out his birthright. Jocasta hung herself, while Oedipus was learning of his cursed destiny, and he took the brooches from her dress and gouged his eyes out. After being blinded, he faced his people and told them to get Creon so that he could be put to death. Oedipus asks Creon to take care of his daughters because he knows that no man would want to marry them. He asks to see his daughters one last time, and then Creon separates them and takes Oedipus to be executed.

File:Oedipus the King.gif

2004-12-14T16:11:43Z

Ssrich: Oedipus Tragedy

Oedipus Tragedy

Oedipus the King Summary

2004-12-14T16:10:47Z

Ssrich:

Oedipus the King

There is a plague in Thebes. Oedipus has sent Creon to find out news from the gods how they can get rid of the plague. When Creon returns, he tells them that Apollo told them to get rid of the murderers of Laius, their first king. Oedipus wants to find out who killed him so they call on the prophet Tiresias. He tells them that Oedipus is the murderer. Oedipus is offended by this nonsense, and after intense arguing, he sends the prophet home. Oedipus then starts arguing with Creon, because he blames him for what has happened. Jocasta enters the room and stops them from arguing. Jocasta tells Oedipus that the prophets told her that her husband would be killed by their child, and the slave told them this did not happen either because he was killed by thieves. Jocasta said her son was only a child, like three years old. While Jocasta is praying, a messenger from Corinth comes and tells her that Oedipus’ father, Polybus, is dead. They first rejoice at this news because it appears that the prophets did not know what they were talking about, because this meant that Oedipus could not be his father’s murderer. Later, the messenger informs Oedipus, that Polybus was no more a father to him than he was. They learn that this man had received Oedipus as a child, from a Shepard. He was a Shepard of Laius. He had been given to him by the queen (Oedipus’s wife; mother) to go and have killed, because the prophets had told her that her child would kill his parents. The Shepard didn’t have the heart to kill a baby, so that’s how Oedipus ended up in Corinth. Oedipus trying to keep from fulfilling the prophecy of killing his parents, left Corinth and ran into Laius on the triple road, and killed him not knowing that this was really his father.

Jocasta began to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and ran off to her room telling Oedipus he should just let it die. Leave it alone. But Oedipus was determined to find out his birthright. Jocasta hung herself, while Oedipus was learning of his cursed destiny, and he took the brooches from her dress and gouged his eyes out. After being blinded, he faced his people and told them to get Creon so that he could be put to death. Oedipus asks Creon to take care of his daughters because he knows that no man would want to marry them. He asks to see his daughters one last time, and then Creon separates them and takes Oedipus to be executed.

Oedipus Rex

2004-12-14T16:03:47Z

Ssrich:

[[Image:Oedipus.png|thumb|Oedipus and the Sphinx]]''Oedipus the King'', by the tragedian [[Sophocles]], is based on a legend deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Athens. The myth of Oedipus contains a historical and religious authority based on the cultural values of an oral tradition. It concerns the relationship between humans and their gods and, perhaps more importantly, primal hopes and fears that unearth a terror and despair normally buried in human consciousness. Oedipus is a typical Athenian who commits the most egregious of human taboos: incest and patricide. Within the character of Oedipus are both the faults and virtues of the Athenian people. Some critics suggest that Oedipus might be a warning to Athenians that have ushered in a new era of intellectualism.

== Character Traits ==

* Conscientious and patriotic ruler
* Quick to rage — anger — does not listen to anyone
* Confidence in human intelligence — self-confidence
* Man of action and decisiveness, even if imprudent
* Obdurate — Jocasta says “You’re so unbending” (l. 769).
* Courage in the face of despair
* Impiety — disdainful and supercilious
* Wants to know the truth at all costs

Much of the tension in ''Oedipus the King'' revolves around dramatic irony: the gap between the one meaning known by the audience and the other known to the players:

* Every step prompted by his intelligence is one step closer to tragedy
* His knowledge is ignorance
* His clear vision is blindness

Oedipus falls because of the man that he is, not through some random event in nature or fated outcome. His self-discovery comes at a huge cost: his own destruction. Although the oracle predicts what Oedipus will do, it does not determine the latter’s actions. Oedipus has erred in his faith in human intelligence; there are powers in the universe that are beyond our control and our understanding.

Aristotle mentions ''Oedipus'' eleven times in his ''Poetics''. Aristotle’s obvious favor of Sophocles’ play suggests that it is the measure of all [[tragedy]].

== Free Will versus Fate ==

“Even if everything is determined, we have no way of knowing what the total pattern is, so we must act on our own best judgment; free will is, therefore, a necessary illusion. Apparently wise men attain some insight into this pattern (or are given it by the gods), but all of us have the freedom to disregard such insight, follow our own desires, and suffer the consequences.” Walter Agard’s ''The Humanities for Our Time'' (1949).

The concept of human suffering loses all significance if humans have no free will.

“The central idea of a [[Sophocles|Sophoclean]] [[tragedy]] is that through suffering a man learns to be modest before the gods.” Bowra

“His ''Oedipus'' stands for human suffering, and he neither attempts, like [[Aeschylus]], to justify the evil, nor presumes, like [[Euripides]], to deny its divine origin” J.T. Sheppard

“[[Sophocles]]’ difficulty is the problem of suffering, as Aeschylus’ is the problem of sin.” A. Zimmerman

“It’s all chance, chance rules our lives.” Jocasta, l. 1070

“I count myself the son of Chance.” Oedipus, l. 1188

== Themes and Motifs ==

* Sight and blindness
* Light and darkness
* Historia — a free spirit of inquiry
* Knowledge comes only through suffering
* The responsibility of humans for their own acts
* The error of setting human reason above obedience to the gods
* Consequences of excessive pride
* Ship and navigation metaphors (e.g., ll. 1010-11; 1454)

Chorus — present and objectively severe and conventional, gradually growing more troubled and anxious, and finally into utter despair.

Archetype of drama? Hero’s quest for himself.

[[Oedipus the King Summary]]

== Questions for Consideration ==

# Many consider ''Oedipus the King'' as the greatest of the Western [[tragedy|tragedies]]. Even if you are not familiar with other Greek [[tragedy]], consider the greatness of ''Oedipus the King'' from your own perspective. What themes common in the [[tragedy]] resonate for us today?
# All of the crucial action of the play takes place off stage: Oedipus' killing of his father, etc. Consider the dramatic effect of this decision: what is, therefore, highlighted if not the egregious acts committed by the protagonist?
# Even though during his investigation, Oedipus begins to suspect the truth of the situation, yet he pushes on to prove the terrible truth. What does this say about Oedipus specifically and the [[tragedy|tragic]] hero in general? Does this shed any light on Oedipus' eventual death?
# What is Oedipus' [[hamartia|tragic flaw]]? Is there only one?
# Professor Literary Critic states that "to Sophocles, man has become an emancipated individual with a free will who cannot excuse his deeds by blaming Fate, the gods, or oracles. Reason is thus man's highest possession and greatest power." Discuss the contrast of fate verses free will in ''Oedipus the King''.
# When Oedipus discovers his crimes, he blinds himself. Discuss the symbolic significance of this action. What does this act say about vision in general? (Perhaps start by thinking about that other blind character have we met this semester...)
# If Oedipus represents both the best and the worst of his culture, what values can we infer from our reading of the tragedy?

[[Category:World Literature]]

The Iliad/Book 22

2004-12-11T01:13:02Z

Ssrich: The Iliad (Book 22)

[[Image:AchillesHector.jpeg]]

This part of the Iliad seems to be more focused on a battle between Achilles and Hector. Naturally, Achilles is upset at Hector’s triumph over Patroclus and he wants revenge. Hector talks to his father (King Priam) and his mother and they want him to stay safe inside the walls, but Hector is determined to go on into battle with Achilles. Once he arrives where Achilles is, he loses his nerve and starts to run while swift Achilles chases him all over Priam. Finally Zeus sees the need to intervene, because he feels that death has to fall on one of the men, and he sends Athena to balance the scales. She tells Achilles that they will destroy Hector and tells him to rest while she goes out and deceives him. She comes to Hector in the form of his brother Deiphobus. She persuades him to go on to face Achilles and stop running and he does just that. After Achilles missed with the first spear at Hector he thinks he has the battle won until Achilles blocks his spear with his shield and Deiphobus does not give it back to him. Hector then realizes that Athena has tricked him and his death is close to him. Achilles drives the spear into his neck the part that was unarmored and Hector pleads for him to take his body to the Trojans so he can die and honorable death. Achilles basically laughs at him before he dies, and then drags Hector’s body by his chariot back to Priam. Hector’s mother, father, and wife all mourn over Hector’s death. His wife states, “there is no need for the stores of fine clothing they are fit only to burn.”

File:AchillesHector.jpeg

2004-12-11T01:11:47Z

Ssrich: Achilles and Hector

Achilles and Hector

The Iliad/Book 22

2004-12-11T01:06:38Z

Ssrich:

[[Image:Example.jpg]]

This part of the Iliad seems to be more focused on a battle between Achilles and Hector. Naturally, Achilles is upset at Hector’s triumph over Patroclus and he wants revenge. Hector talks to his father (King Priam) and his mother and they want him to stay safe inside the walls, but Hector is determined to go on into battle with Achilles. Once he arrives where Achilles is, he loses his nerve and starts to run while swift Achilles chases him all over Priam. Finally Zeus sees the need to intervene, because he feels that death has to fall on one of the men, and he sends Athena to balance the scales. She tells Achilles that they will destroy Hector and tells him to rest while she goes out and deceives him. She comes to Hector in the form of his brother Deiphobus. She persuades him to go on to face Achilles and stop running and he does just that. After Achilles missed with the first spear at Hector he thinks he has the battle won until Achilles blocks his spear with his shield and Deiphobus does not give it back to him. Hector then realizes that Athena has tricked him and his death is close to him. Achilles drives the spear into his neck the part that was unarmored and Hector pleads for him to take his body to the Trojans so he can die and honorable death. Achilles basically laughs at him before he dies, and then drags Hector’s body by his chariot back to Priam. Hector’s mother, father, and wife all mourn over Hector’s death. His wife states, “there is no need for the stores of fine clothing they are fit only to burn.”

The Iliad/Book 22

2004-12-11T01:00:23Z

Ssrich: The Iliad (Book 22)

This part of the Iliad seems to be more focused on a battle between Achilles and Hector. Naturally, Achilles is upset at Hector’s triumph over Patroclus and he wants revenge. Hector talks to his father (King Priam) and his mother and they want him to stay safe inside the walls, but Hector is determined to go on into battle with Achilles. Once he arrives where Achilles is, he loses his nerve and starts to run while swift Achilles chases him all over Priam. Finally Zeus sees the need to intervene, because he feels that death has to fall on one of the men, and he sends Athena to balance the scales. She tells Achilles that they will destroy Hector and tells him to rest while she goes out and deceives him. She comes to Hector in the form of his brother Deiphobus. She persuades him to go on to face Achilles and stop running and he does just that. After Achilles missed with the first spear at Hector he thinks he has the battle won until Achilles blocks his spear with his shield and Deiphobus does not give it back to him. Hector then realizes that Athena has tricked him and his death is close to him. Achilles drives the spear into his neck the part that was unarmored and Hector pleads for him to take his body to the Trojans so he can die and honorable death. Achilles basically laughs at him before he dies, and then drags Hector’s body by his chariot back to Priam. Hector’s mother, father, and wife all mourn over Hector’s death. His wife states, “there is no need for the stores of fine clothing they are fit only to burn.”

The Iliad/Book 16

2004-12-11T00:55:44Z

Ssrich: The Iliad (Book 16)

[[Image:Patroclus.jpeg]]

Menoetius’s son Patroclus was the leader in the war for the Acheans, and he fought and killed Zeus’s son,
Sarpedon. Zeus was tempted to intervene and pluck Sarpedon up and let him lie in the land of Lychia since he was getting beaten so badly. Zeus’s wife, Queen Hera protested against this but told Zeus to do as he wished. Zeus allowed the war to go on and Sarpedon was killed. Sarpedon’s dying words to Glaucus was to avenge his death. Glaucus was injured, he cried a prayer to Apollo, and his injuries were instantly healed and he then prepared for battle. Hector was the hero. The Acheans and the Trojans fought over Sarpedon’s dead body until Zeus told Apollo to have Sleep and Death take Sarpedon’s body into the river and bathe him, anoint him with deathless oils, and take him to Lychia’s green land. During the battle Hector was forced to retreat because he knew that Zeus had tipped the scales against him. Zeus stirred up Apollo’s wrath and he incited Hector to move onward and forward. Apollo attacked Patroclus himself and then Panthous’ son; Euphorbus speared him squarely between the shoulder blades, then Hector finished him off. Patroclus’ dying words were that if Hector had not had the help of the gods, twenty men like him could not have killed him. He told Hector that his days were numbered too. Hector said, “ why prophesize my sudden death, my doom?” He planted his foot in Patroclus’ chest, took the spear from his wound and kicked him over. Patroclus is dead.

File:Patroclus.jpeg

2004-12-11T00:54:35Z

Ssrich: Patroclus

Patroclus

The Iliad/Book 16

2004-12-11T00:46:52Z

Ssrich: The Iliad (Book 16)

[[Image:Example.jpg]]

Menoetius’s son Patroclus was the leader in the war for the Acheans, and he fought and killed Zeus’s son,
Sarpedon. Zeus was tempted to intervene and pluck Sarpedon up and let him lie in the land of Lychia since he was getting beaten so badly. Zeus’s wife, Queen Hera protested against this but told Zeus to do as he wished. Zeus allowed the war to go on and Sarpedon was killed. Sarpedon’s dying words to Glaucus was to avenge his death. Glaucus was injured, he cried a prayer to Apollo, and his injuries were instantly healed and he then prepared for battle. Hector was the hero. The Acheans and the Trojans fought over Sarpedon’s dead body until Zeus told Apollo to have Sleep and Death take Sarpedon’s body into the river and bathe him, anoint him with deathless oils, and take him to Lychia’s green land. During the battle Hector was forced to retreat because he knew that Zeus had tipped the scales against him. Zeus stirred up Apollo’s wrath and he incited Hector to move onward and forward. Apollo attacked Patroclus himself and then Panthous’ son; Euphorbus speared him squarely between the shoulder blades, then Hector finished him off. Patroclus’ dying words were that if Hector had not had the help of the gods, twenty men like him could not have killed him. He told Hector that his days were numbered too. Hector said, “ why prophesize my sudden death, my doom?” He planted his foot in Patroclus’ chest, took the spear from his wound and kicked him over. Patroclus is dead.

The Iliad/Book 1

2004-12-11T00:39:07Z

Ssrich: The Iliad (Book I)

[[Image:The Iliad2.jpeg]]

Apollo’s father, Zeus was married to Hera. They lived in Mt. Olympus. They had a daughter named Athena, and there was the son, the Master Craftsman, Hephaestus. Athena had warned Achilles to hold his peace with Agamemnon so he would keep the favor with the gods. Achilles took heed to this warning. He did not strike Agamemnon with the sword, but he still departed on bad terms with him. Both men were at war with each other but Hera, the white-armed goddess loved both men. After Agamemnon set off to sea with Odyssey as his captain, he had vowed that since he had to give up the beauty of Chryseis, the high priest’s daughter, he would take Briseis from Achilles. He did just that, and Achilles was heartbroken. He then prayed to his mother Thetis, (who had been a close friend and help to Zeus) to intervene on his behalf. Zeus knew if he caused Thetis prayer to come to pass, it would stir up trouble with his wife Hera. Zeus granted her wishes anyway. Hera was upset with Zeus, but their son Hephaestus persuaded her to make peace with Zeus because of the simple fact of his strength and power alone. The immortals had a feast with music. Zeus climbed into bed with Hera by his side.

File:The Iliad2.jpeg

2004-12-11T00:36:59Z

Ssrich: The Iliad

The Iliad

The Iliad/Book 1

2004-12-11T00:26:59Z

Ssrich: The Iliad (Book I)

Apollo’s father, Zeus was married to Hera. They lived in Mt. Olympus. They had a daughter named Athena, and there was the son, the Master Craftsman, Hephaestus. Athena had warned Achilles to hold his peace with Agamemnon so he would keep the favor with the gods. Achilles took heed to this warning. He did not strike Agamemnon with the sword, but he still departed on bad terms with him. Both men were at war with each other but Hera, the white-armed goddess loved both men. After Agamemnon set off to sea with Odyssey as his captain, he had vowed that since he had to give up the beauty of Chryseis, the high priest’s daughter, he would take Briseis from Achilles. He did just that, and Achilles was heartbroken. He then prayed to his mother Thetis, (who had been a close friend and help to Zeus) to intervene on his behalf. Zeus knew if he caused Thetis prayer to come to pass, it would stir up trouble with his wife Hera. Zeus granted her wishes anyway. Hera was upset with Zeus, but their son Hephaestus persuaded her to make peace with Zeus because of the simple fact of his strength and power alone. The immortals had a feast with music. Zeus climbed into bed with Hera by his side.

Medea

2004-12-10T23:32:06Z

Ssrich: Medea

[[Image:MedeaChariot.jpeg]]

Medea

Medea’s husband has left her for another woman. The daughter of King Kreon. She despises him for doing so, and curses him and his father. King Kreon has allowed her to stay in Corinth one more day, as long as she doesn’t do any evil. Jason was trying to tell Medea he was doing it for her and the children. Marry into prosperity. Then they would have brother and sisters of royalty. Medea says it is still evil to betray your wife in that way. Jason offers her some alimony, child support, and contacts with his friends that will help her once she and the kids have left the city. Medea refuses to take anything from him. Her friend Aigeus visits Medea. She asked him to make an oath to the gods that if she escapes her city on her own will; he will keep her with him safely and will not turn her over to her enemies (Jason & Kreon). Medea plans to kill the bride with poison. Medea sends the children with Jason to the bride with the poison dress and crown. She and her father die an awful death with suffering as well. Medea then kills the children, even though the chorus told her not to do so. Jason returns looking for Medea. She is on a chariot built by her father, and ready to flee to Aigeus. Jason desperately wants to kiss his dead children or even bury them but Medea refuses to give him the satisfaction. Medea succeeds in her plan and Jason is lonely and tormented.

File:MedeaChariot.jpeg

2004-12-10T23:30:37Z

Ssrich: Medea

Medea

2004-12-10T23:30:12Z

Ssrich: Medea

Medea

Medea’s husband has left her for another woman. The daughter of King Kreon. She despises him for doing so, and curses him and his father. King Kreon has allowed her to stay in Corinth one more day, as long as she doesn’t do any evil. Jason was trying to tell Medea he was doing it for her and the children. Marry into prosperity. Then they would have brother and sisters of royalty. Medea says it is still evil to betray your wife in that way. Jason offers her some alimony, child support, and contacts with his friends that will help her once she and the kids have left the city. Medea refuses to take anything from him. Her friend Aigeus visits Medea. She asked him to make an oath to the gods that if she escapes her city on her own will; he will keep her with him safely and will not turn her over to her enemies (Jason & Kreon). Medea plans to kill the bride with poison. Medea sends the children with Jason to the bride with the poison dress and crown. She and her father die an awful death with suffering as well. Medea then kills the children, even though the chorus told her not to do so. Jason returns looking for Medea. She is on a chariot built by her father, and ready to flee to Aigeus. Jason desperately wants to kiss his dead children or even bury them but Medea refuses to give him the satisfaction. Medea succeeds in her plan and Jason is lonely and tormented.

The Metamorphoses Summary:Iphis and Ianthe

2004-12-10T15:54:57Z

Ssrich: Iphis and Ianthe

[[Image:Iphis and Ianthe.gif]]

Ligdus prayed that his wife would have a painless childbirth, and he wanted her to have a son. Ligdus’ wife, Telethusa did not agree with her husband. Isis came to Telethusa and told her not to worry, she would comfort her. The child was born and it was a girl. Telethusa told Ligdus it was a boy, so he named him Iphis. As Iphis grew up Ligdus wanted him to marry Ianthe, but Iphis knew that she herself was a girl. She still had feelings for Ianthe, because she was raised like a boy. Telethusa prayed to the gods once again. Iphis transformed into a boy, and he and Ianthe were married.

File:Iphis and Ianthe.gif

2004-12-10T15:52:31Z

Ssrich: Iphis and Ianthe

Iphis and Ianthe

The Metamorphoses Summary:Ceres and Proserpina

2004-12-10T15:50:39Z

Ssrich: Ceres and Proserpina

[[Image:Abduction of Proserpina.jpeg]]

Venus asked her son, Cupid, to make Pluto fall in love with Proserpina. He shoots his arrow and Pluto quickly pursues her. He takes her off to Sicily, and Cyane tried to stop him. Pluto struck Cyane’s pool and plunged into the darkness in his chariot with Proserpina. Cyane dissolved, transformed into water, and flowed into the pool. Ceres started to seek her daughter and during her journey threw some brew of roast barley into a boy’s face that was making fun of her and he turned into a spotted newt. She shrunk him tiny. Cyane could not talk but she gave Ceres a clue; the girdle that Proserpina had worn. Ceres started to destroy farmers, their crops, and their cattle. One girl, Arethusa, pleaded her country’s case; even though she was not originally from there. Ceres left the country and went up in the air to see Jupiter. She asked him to avenge Proserpina and punish Pluto. Jupiter said that Pluto was approved by him as a son-in-law, and told Ceres to let it be. Proserpina broke her fast and ate a pomegranate in the underworld and Ascalaphus witnessed it. She turned Ascalaphus into a bird. Jupiter was faced with an ultimatum, so what he did was allow Proserpina to be with Pluto for six months, and Ceres for six months, dividing the time between the two. Ceres was just happy to have her daughter back.

Arethusa was near the water and wanted to bathe so she became naked, and Alpheus saw this and desired her. The goddess Diana clothed her with a cloud, but Alpheus still pursued her. Alpheus took the form of the river so that he might mingle with Arethusa. Diana cracked the earth, and Arethusa plunged into the deep cavern, and then was brought to Ortygia.

The nine sisters lost, and were angry. They were turned into birds.

File:Abduction of Proserpina.jpeg

2004-12-10T15:46:53Z

Ssrich: Abduction of Proserpina

Abduction of Proserpina

The Metamorphoses Summary:Europa and Jove

2004-12-10T15:40:30Z

Ssrich: Europa and Jove

Jove commanded his son to go and chase the herds away. He went to Sidon in the image of a bull. Europa was somewhat afraid of him but because of his beauty, she approached him. He kissed her hand. She stroked his chest. Jove carries her off to the sea, and Europa is terrified. She holds on to him for dear life and they drift off into the sea.

The Metamorphoses Summary:Io and Jove

2004-12-10T15:36:52Z

Ssrich: Io and Jove

[[Image:Io and Jove.jpeg]]

Jove caught sight of Inachus’ daughter Io. He told her he was a god and her guardian. He raped Io in a heavy fog. Juno (Saturn’s daughter) was the wife of Jove. She started to look for Jove, and he knew it so he changed Io to a white heifer. Jove gave the heifer to Juno and she entrusted it with Argus (man of one hundred eyes). He only slept with two of these eyes shut at anytime. Io told her father by drawing words in the sand that she had been turned into a cow. Inachus was outraged. Jove instructs his son Mercury to murder Argus. Mercury plays some reeds to put Argus to sleep. Once he is asleep, Mercury proceeds to murder him. Juno is upset and begins to torture the heifer. Jove pleads to his wife to leave her alone and she will never bother her again. Then Io is turned back into her beautiful self and it was believed she gave birth to Jove’s son, Epaphus.

File:Io and Jove.jpeg

2004-12-10T15:35:40Z

Ssrich: Io and Jove

Io and Jove

The Metamorphoses Summary:Apollo and Daphne

2004-12-10T15:33:40Z

Ssrich:

[[Image:Apollo and Daphne2.jpeg]]]

Phoebus Apollo seeks after Daphne the daughter of Peneus. An arrow that Cupid shot struck him and made him fall in love, and the arrow that makes one reject struck Daphne. She wants to stay a virgin and unmarried. Cupid did this through his wrath at Apollo, because Apollo was criticizing the way he carried his bow and bragged about how he could do a better job. Apollo is determined to get Daphne to love him so they begin a chase throughout the woods. Daphne starts to get tired and she prays to her father to help her. She is then transformed into a tree. Apollo says that he will love the tree forever.

File:Apollo and Daphne2.jpeg

2004-12-10T15:32:08Z

Ssrich: Apollo and Daphne

Apollo and Daphne

The Metamorphoses Summary

2004-12-10T15:25:39Z

Ssrich:

<table width="80%" align="center">
<tr>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Apollo and Daphne|Apollo and Daphne]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Io and Jove|Io and Jove]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Europa and Jove|Europa and Jove]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Ceres and Proserpina|Ceres and Proserpina]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Iphis and Ianthe|Iphis and Ianthe]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Pygmalion|Pygmalion]]</td>
</tr>

</tr>
</table>

The Metamorphoses Summary

2004-12-10T15:13:30Z

Ssrich:

<table width="80%" align="center">
<tr>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Apollo and Daphne|Apollo and Daphne]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Io and Jove|Io and Jove]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Europa and Jove|Europa and Jove]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Ceres and Prosperpina|Ceres and Prosperpina]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Iphis and Ianthe|Iphis and Ianthe]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Pygmalion|Pygmalion]]</td>
</tr>

</tr>
</table>

The Metamorphoses Summary

2004-12-10T15:04:10Z

Ssrich:

<table width="80%" align="center">
<tr>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 1|Book 1]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 2|Book 2]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 3|Book 3]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 4|Book 4]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 5|Book 5]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 6|Book 6]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 7|Book 7]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 8|Book 8]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 9|Book 9]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 10|Book 10]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 11|Book 11]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 12|Book 12]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 13|Book 13]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 14|Book 14]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 15|Book 15]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 16|Book 16]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 17|Book 17]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 18|Book 18]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 19|Book 19]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 20|Book 20]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 21|Book 21]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 22|Book 22]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 23|Book 23]]</td>
<td>[[The Metamorphoses Summary:Book 24|Book 24]]</td>
</tr>
</table>

The Metamorphoses

2004-12-10T14:58:48Z

Ssrich:

[[The Metamorphoses Summary]]

The Aeneid Summary:Book 1

2004-12-10T14:55:40Z

Ssrich: Aeneas Crew

Venus had covered her son (Aeneas) and his companion (Achates) with a cloud so that they could see out but no one could see them. They were on the African coast near Carthage. Men were working building a temple and Dido (the Queen) enters. One of Aeneas’ sailors spoke to the Queen asking for mercy and help so they could be on their way back to sea. She told them that they had her permission to do that or they could stay there on the coast with her. They told her that they had lost their captain (Aeneas) and were still looking for him. After Aeneas heard this, the cloud was removed from around him and he began to speak. He greeted the Queen and his fellow shipmates. They had a banquet at the royal house.

[[Image:The Storm of Aeneid.jpeg]]

----
[[The Aeneid Summary | Index]] > [[The Aeneid Summary:Book 2|Book 2]]

== External Links ==

[[Category:World Literature|Aeneid]]

File:The Storm of Aeneid.jpeg

2004-12-10T14:54:15Z

Ssrich: The Storm

The Storm

The Aeneid Summary:Book 4

2004-12-10T14:51:43Z

Ssrich: Marriage of Aeneas and Dido

[[Image:Dido pleading for marriage.jpeg]]

Dido the Queen falls in love with Aeneas after he tells his story of war at Troy. She then wants to marry him, so she calls it a marriage. The gods are against this marriage, and send Mercury to tell Aeneas he needs to get on his ship and leave. He was supposed to be ruler of Italy. Dido is aware of his plan to leave, and she gives him an earful, but Aeneas still takes out to sea. Her husband leaving overwhelms Dido, after all she has done for him and his crew, and she feels she can’t go on living without him. She makes a speech about leaving an omen through her death and casts her body on a sword (suicide).

File:Dido pleading for marriage.jpeg

2004-12-10T14:48:34Z

Ssrich: Dido Marriage

Dido Marriage

The Aeneid Summary:Book 2

2004-12-10T14:47:22Z

Ssrich:

Aeneas narrates of his adventure back at Troy. How the Greeks invaded their land, and started fires all over their homeland. There seems to be a statue of a horse that the people of Troy do not trust(Trojan Horse). They think it is a trick from the Greeks to destroy them. During the fires Aeneas saw the ghost of Hector and he told him to flee from that place, but Aeneas did not take heed to this warning and stayed and fought for his city. After he went back looking for his wife Creusa, she came to him as a ghost and told him to dismiss thoughts of taking her with him. He wept and she disappeared into thin air.
[[Image:Aeneas talking to Queen.jpeg]]

The Aeneid Summary:Book 4

2004-12-10T14:40:44Z

Ssrich: Marriage of Aeneas and Dido

Dido the Queen falls in love with Aeneas after he tells his story of war at Troy. She then wants to marry him, so she calls it a marriage. The gods are against this marriage, and send Mercury to tell Aeneas he needs to get on his ship and leave. He was supposed to be ruler of Italy. Dido is aware of his plan to leave, and she gives him an earful, but Aeneas still takes out to sea. Her husband leaving overwhelms Dido, after all she has done for him and his crew, and she feels she can’t go on living without him. She makes a speech about leaving an omen through her death and casts her body on a sword (suicide).

The Aeneid Summary:Book 2

2004-12-10T14:38:44Z

Ssrich:

File:Aeneas talking to Queen.jpeg

2004-12-10T14:29:52Z

Ssrich: Aeneas Talking to the Queen

Aeneas Talking to the Queen

The Odyssey

2004-12-07T17:24:04Z

Ssrich:

[[Image:Polyphemus2.jpg|thumb|Odysseus Taunts Polyphemus]] Coming soon, a study guide for Homer’s ''Odyssey''. In the mean time, have a look at [[The Odyssey Summary]] for a précis of each book and links, and be sure to see notes on the [[Epic Poetry|epic genre]].

== Internal Links ==

* [[Homer]]
* [[The Odyssey Summary]]

== External Links ==
* [http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Odysseus.html Odysseus] — A background on the ''Odyssey'' and Odysseus
* [http://www.davidclaudon.com/odyssey/questions.html A Study Guide by David Claudon]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000167.shtml Myth and the <i>Odyssey</i>]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000314.shtml The <i>Odyssey</i>: General Notes]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000313.shtml The Telemachiad] (books 1-4 of the <i>Odyssey</i>)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000038.shtml Odysseus and the Poet]: Notes on Book VIII
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000316.shtml The <I>Odyssey</i>: Notes on Book IX]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000317.shtml The <i>Odyssey</i>: Notes on Book X]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000215.shtml Poor Confusing Elpenor]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The <i>Odyssey</i>: Notes on Book XI]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The <i>Odyssey</i>: The Lessons of Hell] (more on Books XI and XII)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000319.shtml The <I>Odyssey</i>: Odysseus’ Return]

[[Category:World Literature|Odyssey]]

The Aeneid Summary:Book 1

2004-12-07T16:48:17Z

Ssrich:

Venus had covered her son (Aeneas) and his companion (Achates) with a cloud so that they could see out but no one could see them. They were on the African coast near Carthage. Men were working building a temple and Dido (the Queen) enters. One of Aeneas’ sailors spoke to the Queen asking for mercy and help so they could be on their way back to sea. She told them that they had her permission to do that or they could stay there on the coast with her. They told her that they had lost their captain (Aeneas) and were still looking for him. After Aeneas heard this, the cloud was removed from around him and he began to speak. He greeted the Queen and his fellow shipmates. They had a banquet at the royal house.

----
[[The Aeneid Summary | Index]] > [[The Aeneid Summary:Book 2|Book 2]]

== External Links ==

[[Category:World Literature|Aeneid]]

The Aeneid Summary

2004-12-07T16:46:33Z

Ssrich:

Short summaries of all of the books of Virgil’s [[Epic Poetry | epic poem]] the ''Aeneid''. Links in red need to be added; the ones in blue might need to be revised.

<table width="80%" align="center">
<tr>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 1|Book 1]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 2|Book 2]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 3|Book 3]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 4|Book 4]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 5|Book 5]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 6|Book 6]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 7|Book 7]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 8|Book 8]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 9|Book 9]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 10|Book 10]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 11|Book 11]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 12|Book 12]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 13|Book 13]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 14|Book 14]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 15|Book 15]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 16|Book 16]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 17|Book 17]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 18|Book 18]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 19|Book 19]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 20|Book 20]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 21|Book 21]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 22|Book 22]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 23|Book 23]]</td>
<td>[[The Aeneid Summary:Book 24|Book 24]]</td>
</tr>
</table>

== External Links ==

== Credits ==
* See LitWiki’s [[LitWiki:Community_Portal | Community Portal]]

----
The <i>[[Aeneid]]</i> > Summary

[[Category:World Literature|Aeneid]]

Aeneid

2004-12-07T16:44:21Z

Ssrich:

[[Image:Virgil.jpg|thumb|Virgil]] Recounts events after the fall of Troy (9th century BCE), and written as a [[secondary epic | secondary, or literary, epic]] by Virgil in 14CE. Out of the destruction of [[Trojan War | Troy]] came an heroic figure who would found a new state. The ''[[Aeneid]]'' is a story of return that is providentially ruled by the gods. Aeneas’ story is one of founding and rebirth that is very different from the Homeric epics, but borrows from them in important ways.

Virgil uses the Greek tradition of the epic, but made it a Roman expression; he wanted to find a place in the Greek history without claiming kinship — to disassociate by association. Aeneas, having been saved by Poseidon from certain death at the hands of [[Achilles]] in book XX of the <i>[[Iliad]]</i> (“it is destined that he shall be a survivor”), provided Virgil (and the Romans) a link to the rich tradition begun by the Greeks.

Virgil wrote the ''[[Aeneid]]'' for Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome. He recast the traditional Roman foundation story in its enduring form in order to authenticate the Roman myth by tying it to the past. It presents the Roman [[heroic ideal | ideals]] and their mission: to conquer the known world by a sense of duty to family, state, and the gods (''pietas'').

== Internal Links ==

* [[The Aeneid Summary]]

== External Links ==
* [http://novaonline.nv.cc.va.us/eli/eng251/virgilstudy.html Virgil Study Guide]

[[Category:World Literature]]