Homer’s Odyssey and the Seafaring Hero

How did Homer's Odyssey shape the Western literary tradition and the concept of the hero? How did the ancient Greeks view the sea and its role in their culture and history? How does the Odyssey reflect the values and beliefs of its time and place? These are some of the questions that Professor John Bowers explores in this engaging lecture on Homer's Odyssey.

The Odyssey is a 3,000-year-old epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, a Greek king who fought in the Trojan War and faced many dangers and adventures on his way back home. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, poetry, and imagination, and it has influenced countless writers and artists throughout history.

In this lecture, Professor Bowers examines the historical and literary context of the Odyssey, its structure and style, and its impact on later works of Western literature. He also analyzes the character of Odysseus, the seafaring hero who embodies the ideals and challenges of the Greek civilization.

By the end of this lecture, you will have a deeper appreciation of the Odyssey as a timeless work of art and a source of inspiration for generations of readers and writers.

To learn more about Professor Bowers and his course on the Western Literary Canon in Context, visit [The Great Courses](https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/western-literary-canon-in-context) or check out his book [The Western Literary Canon in Context](https://archive.org/details/westernliteraryc0000bowe).