Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 8 minutes ago
Discussion about the role of gardens in Odyssey 24 and transformations of characters in view of hero cults. In particular, participants explored the role of Antikleia in Laertes' decision to seclude himself in his garden. Members also considered the significance of the name Odysseus uses when introducing himself to Laertes. On the subject of gardens, Professor Nagy pointed out how the garden of Laertes can be envisioned as an orchard, vineyard, or any other vegetative setting that can be a form of exuberant self expression. Other subjects invoked the character of Pausanias and his potential transformation during initiation into hero cult. Participants questioned whether we have other sources about initiation beyond those present in the text considered. Discussion also turned to the character's mental/emotional state, and the significance of travel as a motif and special language. Professor Nagy pointed out how this particular literary tool is almost unique to the character of Pausanias.
Mentioned in the discussion:
Brian W. Breed. “Odysseus Back Home and Back From the Dead,” in Miriam Carlisle and Olga Levaniouk, editors. 1999. Nine Essays on Homer. pages 137–164
Pierre Ellinger. 2005. La Fin des maux. D'un Pausanias à l'autre.
lesbelleslettres.com/livre/1209-la-fin-des-maux-d-un-pausanias-a-l-autre
Recorded in Spring 2021 during v15 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 14 and 15, and the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
Discussion about the role of gardens in Odyssey 24 and transformations of characters in view of hero cults. In particular, participants explored the role of Antikleia in Laertes' decision to seclude himself in his garden. Members also considered the significance of the name Odysseus uses when introducing himself to Laertes. On the subject of gardens, Professor Nagy pointed out how the garden of Laertes can be envisioned as an orchard, vineyard, or any other vegetative setting that can be a form of exuberant self expression. Other subjects invoked the character of Pausanias and his potential transformation during initiation into hero cult. Participants questioned whether we have other sources about initiation beyond those present in the text considered. Discussion also turned to the character's mental/emotional state, and the significance of travel as a motif and special language. Professor Nagy pointed out how this particular literary tool is almost unique to the character of Pausanias.
Mentioned in the discussion:
Brian W. Breed. “Odysseus Back Home and Back From the Dead,” in Miriam Carlisle and Olga Levaniouk, editors. 1999. Nine Essays on Homer. pages 137–164
Pierre Ellinger. 2005. La Fin des maux. D'un Pausanias à l'autre.
lesbelleslettres.com/livre/1209-la-fin-des-maux-d-un-pausanias-a-l-autre
Recorded in Spring 2021 during v15 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 14 and 15, and the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
