Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Discussion on questions of right and wrong–as opposed to justice and injustice—in Homeric poetry. Scenes discussed in relation to this question included the passage of disguised Odysseus, the blinding of Cyclops, and the Idealized depiction of a king in relation to the character of Penelope. Participants and panelists also explored the question of right and wrong vis-à-vis the framework of 'ainos'—those who are qualified, understand what is right from wrong.
Other questions examined this week included the utility of reading Herodotus to understand the role of heroes in the Odyssey and the Iliad. Certain terms such as 'dikē' were paid close attention to and the way such words help us understand different scenes. Professor Nagy also highlighted the importance of the song culture for Ancient Greek civilization—very different and unlike our world today.
Recorded in Spring 2021 during v15 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 12 and 13, and the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
Discussion on questions of right and wrong–as opposed to justice and injustice—in Homeric poetry. Scenes discussed in relation to this question included the passage of disguised Odysseus, the blinding of Cyclops, and the Idealized depiction of a king in relation to the character of Penelope. Participants and panelists also explored the question of right and wrong vis-à-vis the framework of 'ainos'—those who are qualified, understand what is right from wrong.
Other questions examined this week included the utility of reading Herodotus to understand the role of heroes in the Odyssey and the Iliad. Certain terms such as 'dikē' were paid close attention to and the way such words help us understand different scenes. Professor Nagy also highlighted the importance of the song culture for Ancient Greek civilization—very different and unlike our world today.
Recorded in Spring 2021 during v15 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 12 and 13, and the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
