The Great Courses The Odyssey of Homer

The Great Courses

by Elizabeth Vandiver

What is it in Homer's Odyssey that has so enthralled readers from around the world for thousands of years? By joining Professor Vandiver for these 12 lectures on the Odyssey, you'll find out why.

This literary exploration centers on a single provocative question about the epic poem's protagonist, Odysseus: Why does he long so powerfully to go home? To probe the depths of this question, you'll embark on meticulous, insightful examinations of the most important episodes in the Odyssey. In doing so, you'll understand the cultural assumptions that lie behind Homer's lines and the critical and interpretive issues involved in truly unpacking this ancient masterpiece.
Among the range of episodes, themes, and topics you'll explore are: Odysseus's superb skills as a rhetorician; the abrupt break in the text at the end of the "Great Wanderings" episode, when the poem briefly returns to the third-person narrative; Penelope's knowledge and motives as they relate to the inevitability of her suitors' doom; the effectiveness (or possible lack thereof) in the poem's ending; the historical basis for the Trojan War from which Odysseus returns; and more.

For anyone who's loved the stories of Odysseus's encounters with witches, monsters, and vengeful gods; for anyone who's longed to truly grasp the intricate nature of Homer's epic; or for anyone who has been looking for ways to approach a work that can often be intimidating to first-time readers, these lectures are an invaluable resource and a helpful introduction to the grandest adventure story in Western literature.

Genres: Mythology, Classics, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Literature, Ancient History

Audiobook

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Elizabeth Vandiver is Associate Professor of Classics and Clement Biddle Penrose Professor of Latin at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She was formerly Director of the Honors Humanities program at the University of Maryland at College Park, where she also taught in the Department of Classics. She completed her undergraduate work at Shimer College and went on to earn her M.A. and Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to taking her position at Maryland, she held visiting professorships at Northwestern University, the University of Georgia, the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, Loyola University of New Orleans, and Utah State University.

Professor Vandiver is the author of Heroes in Herodotus: The Interaction of Myth and History. She has also written numerous articles and has delivered many papers at national and international conferences.

In 1998, The American Philological Association recognized her achievements as a lecturer with its Excellence in Teaching Award, the most prestigious teaching prize given to American classicists. Her other awards include the Northwestern University Department of Classics Excellence in Teaching Award and two University of Georgia Outstanding Honors Professor Awards.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Odyssey of Homer

Elizabeth Vandiver is a scholar who truly loves her subject and is skilled at conveying it to a general audience. I listened to her lectures on the Odyssey while reading the text. Her analysis enhanced my understanding. I was especially intrigued by her examination of gender roles in a Bronze Age patriarchal society where double standards abound. For example, Fidelity is seen as crucial for women. Although intelligence within the confines of the female quarter is also valued. However, a young adult son’s judgment trumps his mother’s, and she must obey. While machismo is championed for men, the norms of behavior vary from today. Men frequently cry in the text, and this show of emotion is accepted and commonplace.

Vandiver’s final lecture is the Archeologists and Troy. It is one of my favorites. She examines a question that has plagued historians and archeologists… Was the Trojan War an actual historical event? Vandiver then shares the tales of archeological excavations in Turkey and Mycenae from the time of Schlieman to the present day. Her style is lively and exciting. She made me want to visit the sites and learn more.

[Maede · Rating 5 out of 5]

اگر زمانی به سفر خواندن اودیسه رفتید، یادتون نره که الیزابت وندیور رو با خودتون به عنوان راهنما ببرید. خواندن ایلیاد و اودیسه برای من بدون گوش دادن به این لکچرها تجربه‌ی بسیار متفاوتی می‌شد. بسیار سطحی‌تر، خالی‌تر و کم‌جذابیت‌تر. دنیای یونان باستان جاییکه که به نظرم نباید تنها رفت، چون بزرگیش باعث میشه توش گم بشی و بهتره یکی دستت رو بگیره و جای درست رو بهت نشون بده

این لکچرها سراسر برای من لحظه‌‌های «آهان! الان فهمیدم!» بود. فهمیدن اینکه تکه‌های داستان چطور به هم متصل میشن و پشت جملات ساده چه معانی عمیقی انتظارت رو می‌کشند، کار خواننده‌ی تازه‌کار اسطوره مثل من نیست. برای همین باید رفت سراغ کسی که تمام زندگیش رو صرف این آثار کرده که خلاصه و واضح بهت توضیح بده و این مجموعه دقیقاً همونه

اینجا دوازده لکچر داریم که از پیش‌زمینه‌‌ی داستان و مفاهیم اصلی‌ای که باید در مورد اودیسه دونست شروع میشن و بعد هر کدام چند کتاب(بخش) از داستان رو تحلیل می‌کنند. الیزابت وندیور علاوه بر با سواد بودن، سخنران خیلی خوبیه و سر کلاسش نشستن تجربه‌ی عالی‌ایه

کتاب رو می‌تونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books

۱۴۰۳/۳/۶

[Daniel Chaikin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good lecture series by Vandiver. She brought out several of the more subtle aspects of the Odyssey, which I really appreciated.

She spends a lot of time on the first conversation between Penelope and the old beggar who is actually Odysseus in disguise. On the surface they are just talking, Odysseus exploring and Penelope just asking innocent questions. There is a lot of debate about whether or not Penelope recognizes that she is in fact talking to Odysseus (as I like to think). Since it takes place in front of unreliable slaves, it's essential to maintain the disguise, even if Penelope did crack it. Vandiver shows that if you think Penelope does recognize Odysseus, the whole conversation can be broken down into a coded and emotional messaging. Penelope could be pleading her innocence, and then making (mass murder) plans for the suitors.

Another feature was the smashing rocks that come after the sirens. I didn't understand when I read it that these rocks actually move back and forth and smash against each other. They are like ice bergs! This emphasizes the imaginary aspects of the geography, and which seems to help explain to me why the Laestrygonians live on what I can only conceive as a fjord.

And lastly, I couldn't help thinking about all the alternative stories that still work within this book. These are outside Vandiver's coverage, but it was listening about the book that led me to them. My favorite: same story, but unsaid, behind it, is that Penelope has found a lover without the resources of the suitors. The lover is, of course, a master liar and story teller, maybe even a bard. He arrives on the island with nothing and, as planned, convinces her son he is Odysseus, the father Telemachus never knew. Then, with Penelope's help, he convinces everyone else he really is Odysseus and kills anyone he can't convince. The slaves are all aptly rewarded to keep their mouth shut, some are even freed.

[Kiekiat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to Professor Vandiver's lectures from The Teaching Company, now "The Great Courses," many years ago. She is without question one of the best lecturers among ALL the professors who've ever lectured for the great courses. She makes each subject come alive and her knowledge of Ancient Greek and Latin is amazing. She is one of those professors, who, if you had her as a teacher, you would remember as being among the top 1-2 professors you ever had. In all her courses she gives a clear analysis of the text and adds commentary which basically serves as annotations to the classics she teaches. After listening, you will have a much fuller understanding of classic Greek and Roman Literature, and Ancient Mythology, than you could probably glean from reading any number of books on each subject. She is THAT good!

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Primer on the Historical/Cultural Context of The Odyssey
I did read The Odyssey in high school for English literature class, as so many have. I remember expecting to like it more than I actually did. I was a geeky devourer of SF and Fantasy back then, so perfectly primed for an exciting story of war, gods, sirens, cyclops, high seas adventure, etc. However, the Odyssey is a nearly 3,000 year old Greek orally-recited epic poem aimed at an audience so far removed from the modern reader as to present a major challenge to appreciating it. I struggled to enjoy it, especially the language and seemingly tiresome details that may have been standard for audiences of the time.

Having said that Prof Vandiver is a great and enthusiastic explainer of all that missing context, and does so in clear thematic lectures that explain why the concept of host-guest relationships and marriage fidelity are so fundamental to both Greek culture and the story itself. You will learn a lot about what was important to the Greeks, and what would have resonated with them in the tale. So I think having listened to this and her audiobook on The Iliad, I really have the background to appreciate the two epics on their own if I were to revisit them three decades later as an adult reader.

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vandiver is an excellent guide to the Greek classics, and this one is no exception! Well worth the listen to help you understand the Odyssey better.

[Nada Elshabrawy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want Professor Vandiver to be my firend.

[Cosmic Arcata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good class. I have read it before reading the Odyssey and I think it has given me a very good over view of the history, the story and the Greeks. I am looking forward to reading the Odyssey now and seeing it for myself.

Also was interested in what she had to say about Ulysses. She said that the Romans name for Odysseus was Ulysses. That in there retelling of this story in both the Aeneid and Metamorphosis he was not a favorable character because he was crafty and he lied. Two things that didn't rank real high with them I guess.

I will put these two books on my list of books to read in the next six months.

[Gearóid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent lecture.
Listened to this as an aid to reading James Joyce's Ulysses.

[K.M. Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Vandiver rocked it. I cannot imagine reading such great works as the Iliad and the Odyssey without her courses. Her lecture on the Odyssey once again gave vital context to the epic story, helping me to have a deeper, richer experience with it. The Odyssey is an amazing story, and understanding its underpinnings with the help of a Classics scholar is a true gift. Any writer craves, even at a deep unconscious level, to crawl back to the origins of story...the glorious archetypes that are the deeply buried skeletons beneath the flesh of our own ideas...to understand them and let their power awaken in us. Vandiver peels back every layer and helps us to see every shimmering dimension.

[Talie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Vandiver is a good teacher. She explains patiently and clearly.

The most important concept I've learned in this course is "xenia" in ancient
Greece. She also illuminates some subtle points. For example, why Odysseus
addresses Nausicaa as Goddess Artemis. Or what is the difference between
first half of the book and second one.

Overall, watching her lectures is an enjoyable experience.

[Yoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect reading companion to The Odyssey.

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read The Odyssey more frequently than I have The Iliad. It’s always been primarily an adventure story for me and in addition to the text, I’ve enjoyed reading about the places that might have inspired the fabulous lands discovered in this poem. What Vandiver does in this Great Courses book is give you the substance behind the epic that makes it clear why this book has resonated with audiences for millennia and why the ancient Greeks turned to it again and again as a guide to proper behavior. For this is a book that explores in remarkable depth the meaning of what modern audiences would call proper hospitality. It also, and I’m shocked I never picked up on this on my own, depicts what happens to a land when all the fathers go away to war and never come back again. This is a wonderful exploration of one of the all-time great works of literature and is worth listening to again and again.

If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.

[Ivy-Mabel Fling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this to anyone who does not know much detail regarding the Odyssey - the professor is fascinating to listen to and is very knowledgeable. She does not dig deep into academic controversy, so if you are an expert already, this is not really for you.

[Alvaro Zinos-Amaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to these 12 lectures by Elizabeth Vandiver was such a delight. Her material is perfectly organized, her presentation always absolutely clear; each lecture is full of insights and fascinating commentary that help to unlock various powerful readings of Homer's famed work. Magnificent way to educate non-academic readers on sometimes subtle and tricky material. Bravo.

[Innastholiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I might be one of the few people who prefer the story of the Iliad to the story of the Odyssey. Regardless, Vandiver is still an excellent lecturer who makes these epics very interesting. You definitely benefit from listening to this after listening to Vandiver’s Iliad lectures, though.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just finished Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey, I chose Vandiver's course as my car companion. It was wonderful and refreshing to be able to follow along with the lectures.

I especially enjoyed her examination of the concept of xenia, the reciprocal relationship between a guest/host/stranger/friend or foreigner.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous. I read the Odyssey a long time ago. Apparently I didn't realize all the things implied about Greek life, economics, and the foolish choices Odysseus made that could have been avoided had he not been so concerned with his reputation. The professor also explains that, how one's honor/reputation meant something different from what we would mean in the modern day. Also, she explained why Penelope, Odysseus' wife, waited for him for years and years without remarrying. It was an economic decision. If she had remarried without being sure her husband was dead, that would call into question the inheritance of the estate by her son. Her son had also not claimed his inheritance when he reached his majority for similar reasons, but slightly different. Because his father's death was in question, the son would have been challenged for his father's estate by others who would want it for themselves, such as the various suitors pursuing Penelope.

I cannot repeat all the things the professor pointed out, but I found her arguments easy to understand and I was gob-smacked at all the stuff I had miss in the first reading of the Odyssey.

I will probably listen to this audio course again.

Note [2023-June-19]: I am reviewing the Audio CD even though I listened to the Audible version. I did this because I have found it too difficult add a new edition to the Goodreads database (and when I tried the correct way, the volunteer librarians ignored my request). Now I am just choosing any edition, reviewing that and placing this notice with my reviews. FYI, I am not blaming the volunteers. I am blaming the knuckleheads who changed the procedure, no doubt trying to make things easier. It is probably easier for someone, but not for me.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary, I learned a lot about the themes and parallels, which I didn't know Homer has plenty. For instance, the unequal gender relationship between Circe and Odysseus, Calypso and Odysseus, prefigures the relationship between Odysseus and Penelope. There is also some interesting issue that I was not aware of before - whether Penelope was aware that the beggar is Odysseus.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. This series of twelve 30 minute lectures on the Odyssey makes a nice supplement to reading the original. Professor Vandiver summarizes the story, deftly explores key questions/issues, and adds helpful background on the language, archaeology, etc. of this almost 3,000 year old tale.

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is a Great Courses for a book you want to read, you should usually listen alongside. They are almost universally helpful.

[Isi · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like, listened to than read, but - this lecture series is AMAZING, and Elizabeth Vandiver delivers with impactful clarity and knowledge. It's such a treat, and I've learned a lot. Highly recommend.

[wirrow wirrow · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's an ok companion, most of it is recap which is fine as a refresher after you read each chapter/book. there were interesting facts and details peppered throughout each chapter but i wanted more of that, less recap.

[Vera Marsova · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of the Odyssey but not exceptionally insightful.

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 3 out of 5]

These lectures combined with reading a translation of Homer's text has to be one of the best ways to become familiar with The Odyssey. I used these lectures to get ready for a meeting with a "Great Books" reading group. There were many people in this group that were more knowledgeable about Homer and this epic than I was. But because of my exposure to these novels I was able to keep up with the flow of conversation.

The final lecture of the twelve is an interesting discussion of the archeological work in the vicinity of ancient Troy.

[MJ Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew what a great love story this was. Although I have to disagree with the professor on one small issue. She said that the key mystery is whether Penelope recognized her husband when he finally made it home. I would suggest that the bigger question is whether Odysseus loved his wife. I would say yes, but then I might be reading too any romance novels. Still, why else would he turn down the opportunity to be with a Goddess?

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of lectures was excellent! I would listen to the lectures before reading the appropriate sections of The Odyssey. I found myself eager to read the sections she described. Wonderful background and very captivating the way she tied in this ancient text to life in Ancient Greece and the differences in our modern society. I can't wait to listen to other lectures by her.

[Haengbok92 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dr. Vandiver's lectures and am steadily working my way through them all. She's organized, insightful and fascinating.

[Yoby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to round out the classical education you always wish you had gotten.

[Skedatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her presentations. Reading the book in conjunction to listening makes it just that much more of a rich experience.