Postgraduate Studies
MYTH IN GREEK AND ROMAN EPIC
Module Code: MCLA7820
Credits: 20
Taught by: Mirjam Plantinga
Syllabus:
This module examines the use and function of myth in epic across a period of
some twelve centuries, and provides students with a detailed study of the
genre of epic. Starting with Homer, we shall look at questions surrounding
the origins of myth and the links with folktale; at story-telling and the
oral tradition; and at the role of the Homeric epics in shaping the mythological
traditions of the Greeks. We shall then move on to the Hellenistic period,
where we shall first explore Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica which
presents a virtuoso display of Hellenistic erudition through a mixture of
aetiological, local and recondite mythological material. The Epyllion, or ‘little
epic’, is another typical product of the Hellenistic age: thus we shall
explore Callimachus’ Hecale, Moschus’ Europa, and Theocritus’ Little
Heracles. We then move to Roman epic and start with a study of Catullus’ epyllion
(poem 64), a poem clearly influenced by Hellenistic poetry with respect to
both form and content. Vergil’s Aeneid is the next major epic, and
here we study the complex reworking of both Homer and Apollonius. The Aeneid
is also very much a national epic and as a result we see the intertwining
of myth and history and the importance of myth for the construction of identity.
Statius’ Thebaid and Valerius Flaccus’ Argonautica are examples
of two Silver Latin epics; the first takes the Theban myth as its subject,
the latter retells the story of the Golden Fleece. Finally the course moves
into the fourth century AD and back into Greek epic to examine the Fall of
Troy through Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica and Tryphiodorus’ The
Capture of Troy.
Learning outcomes:
To develop an understanding of the use of myth in epic, within its historical
and social context. To develop students’ knowledge of the traditions
of epic and its development as a genre.
To introduce students to recent critical advances in the study of epic and
myth.
To raise awareness of the problems and difficulties associated with the study
of myth in epic.
To enhance students’ skills of literary appreciation and analysis.
Transferable and other skills involved:
Academic writing and presentation skills; making effective presentations to
a small group.
Main recommended texts:
Lattimore, R. (1961), The Iliad of Homer, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Lattimore, R. (1991), The Odyssey of Homer, New York: Harper Collins.
Hughes Fowler, B. (1990), Hellenistic Poetry: An Anthology, Madison: Univ.
of Wisconsin Press.
Lee, G. (1998), The Complete Poems of Catullus, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Day Lewis, C. (1986), Virgil: The Aeneid, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Slavitt D.R. (2000), The Voyage of the Argo: The “Argonautica” of
Gaius Valerius Flaccus, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Mozley, J.H. (1928), Statius Thebaid Volume II, books 5-12, Achilleid, Harvard:
Loeb.
Way, A.S. (1989), Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy, Harvard: Loeb.
Mair, A.W. (1928), Oppian, Colluthus, Tryphiodorus, Harvard: Loeb.
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Contact Information
The Departmental Administrator,
Department of Classics,
University of Wales, Lampeter, Ceredigion,
SA48 7ED, United Kingdom.
Tel.: (01570) 424723
Fax: (01570) 424995
e-mail: classics@lamp.ac.uk
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