Description
Book SynopsisThe Odyssey's plot consists of distinct types of myth, all of which are also in Near Eastern texts such as Gilgamesh, other Mesopotamian myths, Egyptian narratives, and in particular the Bible. This book argues that reading the Odyssey can help readers to understand and clarify the Bible, and vice versa.
Trade Review'The study of the densely woven fabric that holds together Aegean and Near Eastern cultures since the Bronze Age continues to fascinate researchers and readers. This book is a welcome addition to recent studies, which are advancing this field by moving past the rather impressionistic and cataloguing approach that prevailed in previous decades … Louden's nuanced and not unidirectional line of comparative work opens up new perspectives for Hellenists, as well as biblical and Near Eastern scholars … it will be a useful reference for future research.' Carolina López-Ruiz, Classical World
'This is a rewarding book. L[oudon] is a literary critic blessed with analytical insight … His studies have ranged widely, without superficiality; and his capacity for illuminating comparisons manifests itself throughout.' G. L. Huxley, Hermathena
'… this study will be welcomed by all who have an interest in the interaction of Greek and Near Eastern poetry, myth, and culture generally.' Annette Teffeteller, Journal of the American Oriental Society
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Divine councils and apocalyptic myth; 2. Theoxeny: Odyssey 1, 3, 13–22, and Genesis 18–19; 3. Romance: the Odyssey and the myth of Joseph (Genesis 37, 39–47); 4. Helen and Rahab (Joshua 2), Menelaus and Jacob (Genesis 32:22–32); 5. Ogygia and creation myth, Kalypso and Ishtar; 6. Argonautic myth: Odysseus and Nausikaa/Circe, Jason and Medea, Jacob and Rachel (Odyssey 6–8, 10–12, 13.1–187, Genesis 28–33); 7. Odysseus and Jonah: sea-monsters and the fantastic voyage; 8. The combat myth: Polyphemos and Humbaba; 9. Catabasis, consultation, and the vision: Odyssey 11, 1 Samuel 28, Gilgamesh 12, Aeneid 6, and the Book of Revelation; 10. Odyssey 12 and Exodus 32: Odysseus and Moses, the people defy their leader and rebel against God; 11. The suitors and the depiction of impious men in wisdom literature; 12. Odysseus and Jesus: the King returns, unrecognized and abused in his own Kingdom; 13. Contained apocalypse: Odyssey 12, 13, 22 and 24, Exodus 32 (and Genesis 18–19); Conclusion.
