Emily Wilson, a renowned classics professor and translator, joins Constance Grady to discuss her acclaimed translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey. They explore the timeless themes of violence and human conflict within The Iliad and its relevance today. Wilson shares the challenges of making these ancient texts accessible, focusing on gender representation and the delicate art of translation. The conversation also highlights the complex relationship between mortals and gods, illustrating how these narratives invite empathy and reflection on contemporary life.
36:55
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Shifting Perceptions of Homeric Epics
The Odyssey is now considered more relatable than the Iliad, focusing on human themes.
Ancient audiences viewed the Iliad as superior due to its exploration of mortality and the divine.
insights INSIGHT
Historical Concerns about the Iliad
Early modern readers found the Iliad's violence concerning, worried it promoted slaughter.
Ancient anxieties stemmed from the poems' emotional impact and complex moral portrayals.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Opening of the Iliad
The Iliad begins with "menin" (wrath), showcasing Achilles' intense anger towards Agamemnon.
Achilles' wrath, fueled by his semi-divine status and battlefield prowess, has devastating consequences.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
The Iliad
Homer
The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector[1][3][5].
Constance Grady, a culture writer at Vox, is joined by Emily Wilson to discuss her bestselling translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey. They unpack the buzz surrounding them and the significance of The Iliad today.
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
