The wise Homer and his erudite commentator: Eustathios' imagery in the proem of the Parekbolai on the Iliad. (16th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van den Berg, Baukje
• Is Part Of: Byzantine and modern Greek studies. Volume 41:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2017-03-16
• Subjects: Eustathios of Thessalonike, -- Homeric poetry, -- reception of Homer, -- Byzantine rhetoric, -- Byzantine scholarship, -- rhetorical education; Byzantine Empire -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Greece -- History -- 323-1453 -- Periodicals; Greece -- Periodicals; Byzantine Empire -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 949.5005
• DOI: 10.1017/byz.2016.27
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0307-0131

Abstract

Abstract : In this paper it is argued that the proem of the Parekbolai on the Iliad by Eustathios of Thessalonike gives a practical example of the use to which the lessons in his work are to be put. It explores how Eustathios advertises himself as a skilful rhetorician and how he perceives the relationship between poet, commentator, and readers by examining four images that embellish the proem: Homeric poetry as the song of the Sirens, Homer as the Ocean and as a host, and the commentator as a cook.