The Odyssey

Title: The Odyssey
Author: Homer?
Written around: 8th or 7th century BC.?
Country of Origin: Ancient Greece
Manuscript: The Homeric papyri
Notes of interest: Detailed descriptions of ancient Greek magic

Pagan interest:
Like "The Iliad" which we covered in the previous post, the Odyssey has been romanticized by the media for many years. Unlike the former, however, the story has been portrayed closer to the original text. Perhaps the brains at Hollywood figured that things can't get anymore stranger then that.

An interesting part of the book that is often, and most likely intentionally, left out of the silver screen, is the detailed descriptions of a necromancy ritual. Yes folks, raising the dead right down to the number of goats necks you have to slit. Do note that the accuracy of this ritual is as questionable as the real author of the text, so take it with a large pitch of salt.

Online Resources:
Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey
Translation by Samuel Butler
http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html
Translation by Samuel Butler with summary for each book
http://www.online-literature.com/homer/odyssey/
Translation by A.T. Murray, PH.D
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0136
An interesting description of the Hero based on the text (Children friendly)
http://www.mythweb.com/odyssey/

The Iliad

Title: The Iliad
Author: Homer?
Written around: 8th or 7th century BC.?
Country of Origin: Ancient Greece
Manuscript: The Homeric papyri
Notes of interest: Never heard of The Iliad? Think Troy.

Pagan interest:
The legends of Troy has been romanticized by the media for many years. Unfortunately, the hash reality is that the origin writings are very violent and gruesome. Packed with overly detailed descriptions of combat, acts of revenge and body mutilation, this is one book you do NOT want the kids to get their hands on.

Matured pagans will, however, find it an invaluable source of research. Seemly untainted by other sources, there is a great volume of ancient pagan material to be found in this text. There are more translations of this text then I can cover in this blog, readers are advised to explore them on their own.

Online Resources:
Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad
Translation (Samuel Butler version):
http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.html