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Iliad, Odyssey and Eneides: reading advice (literature.cafe)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I’d love to read more old epic poems, but I don’t know where to start. I gave it a go at reading the Iliad, but dropped out at the Catalog of Ships. Even before that, I struggled with it and found it fairly boring. Do you have any advice? Are the Eddas more entertaining?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

I teach an abridged version of the Iliad in a uni course. Since it’s translated epic poetry, it isn’t the same experience as hearing it in Ancient Greek. However, it is still poetry, an art form meant to be spoken more than read. Try finding a good recording to listen while reading. Librivox is a good place to look. The Poetry Foundation may also have some good suggestions.