42 The Hittite-Homer Connection? w/ Mary Bachvarova
Nov 28, 2021
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Mary Bachvarova, Professor of classics, discusses the potential influences of Hittite culture on Greek epic tradition. Topics include Hittite texts linking to Homer's epics, cultural integration with the Hurians in Hittusa, similarities between Hittite and Greek stories, ties between Hittites and Greeks in relation to Troy, deity Apaleunas and its connection to Apollo, and correlations between Hittite records and Homer's writings.
Hittite stories potentially influenced Homer's epics through cultural exchanges with Mycenaeans.
Festivals, like those associated with Apollo worship, served as platforms for Greek-Hittite cultural interactions.
Linguistic analysis dates origins of Greek phrases related to the Trojan War to 1150-1050 BC in Anatolia.
Deep dives
The Influence of Hittite Stories on Greek Epic Tradition
The podcast discusses the potential influence of Hittite stories on Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Evidence suggests that the Mycenaeans and Hittites were involved in cultural exchange, leading to similarities between the epics. Scholar Mary Buchvarova highlights the significance of Hittite texts in understanding the prehistory of Greek culture and the oral traditions of the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages.
Uncovering Hittite and Greek Oral Traditions
Mary Buchvarova explains her journey into studying Hittite texts and their connection to Greek prehistory. By exploring newly found epics from Hattusa, she delves into stories like the destruction of historical cities. The intersecting narratives between Hittite and Greek oral traditions reveal shared elements and cultural adaptations.
Cultural Transmission through Oral Traditions
The discussion centers around the mode of transmission of stories between the Hittites and Greeks. Buchvarova indicates that festivals, especially those associated with Apollo worship, served as venues for cultural exchange. Through these interactions, different versions of the Trojan War story may have been passed down and merged over time.
Exploring Early Greek Versions of Trojan War Narratives
The analysis extends to the early Greek renditions of the Trojan War or Troy's legendary tales. Linguistic tools provide insights into the dating of phrases like 'Ilioproperethan' in Homer's works, suggesting origins dating between 1150 and 1050 BC. Evidence indicates the existence of songs about Troy in Anatolia even before Homer's compositions.
Evolving Storytelling in the Homeric Tradition
Buchvarova emphasizes the significance of identifying how stories were adapted in the Homeric tradition to cater to diverse audience aalties. By uncovering changes in character portrayals and narrative nuances, the podcast illuminates the evolving storytelling techniques employed to engage and entertain ancient listeners in festivals and gatherings.
Was Homer was influenced by the stories of civilizations to the east of Greece? Joining us to discuss the Hittites and their potential (direct and indirect) influences on the Greek epic tradition is Mary Bachvarova, professor of classics at Willamette University and author of From Hittite to Homer: The Anatolian Background of Ancient Greek Epic