3,000 years of The Iliad
The Gray Area with Sean Illing
**You have to take the gods literally **
The fusion of Homeric poems with neoplatonism and Christianity required making the gods metaphorical. While this approach works to some extent, the goddesses still feel remarkably real. As a translator, it is crucial for readers to believe in the gods and goddesses, even in magical moments such as Poseidon striding over a mountain or Hera in her chariot. Believing in the gods helps make sense of the complex and unpredictable world we live in. They offer explanations for unexpected decisions or shifts in battle momentum, providing a different perspective than theism.
00:00
Transcript
Play full episode
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
