Perhaps Homer honestly believed that the Muses actually helped him better deliver the Iliad each time. I'm sure Nike is convinced that Michael Jordan helps them with their sales too.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Amusing the Muses
Homer invokes the Muses's names several times while portraying his story. It seemed he needed their approval before continuing. He appeared to rely upon them as his personal fact-checkers: "And now, O Muses, dwellers in the mansions of Olympus, tell me— for you are goddesses and are in all places so that you see all things, while we know nothing but by report..." (lines 484-487)
However, Homer's reliance on the Muses is understandable. Kotahi mentioned earlier that the gods greatly influenced the actions and decisions of the Greeks. Each god had his or her responsibilities, agenda, and domain. The Muses were responsible for protecting the arts in ancient Greece. They helped and inspired artists, writers, and actors. Homer was bound to gain more credibility from his audience with the Muses sponsoring his work.
Interestingly enough, many of us find ourselves calling upon "muses" to gain credibility as well. Music artists often sign with other popular artists or music labels for a larger fanbase. Merchandise companies bring in celebrities to advertise products. Politicians rely on experts to back their ideas.
Perhaps Homer honestly believed that the Muses actually helped him better deliver the Iliad each time. I'm sure Nike is convinced that Michael Jordan helps them with their sales too.
Perhaps Homer honestly believed that the Muses actually helped him better deliver the Iliad each time. I'm sure Nike is convinced that Michael Jordan helps them with their sales too.
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Since the Muses were thought to be the daughter of the goddess of memory, referring to them was a bit of an appeal to authority when it comes to facts and story-telling. That is an important part of what you are getting at here.
ReplyDeleteI like the connection to Nike, Alec. And I really like your point about appealing to an authority. I'm impressed by the poet's memory as is. I found myself kinda wishing for a Muse to help me keep all of those names, relationships, and descriptions straight--especially at the end there. I wonder if maybe that could be part of the reason there is that appeal to authority there. This is a lot of information, there is no way a mere mortal could remember it all and keep it straight. He must be getting divine help. Or something like that.
ReplyDeleteit's so funny... I think those that are lower classes share a love hate relationship with authoritative figures. For as much as those in this story manipulate people to fit what they want, many of the characters still looked to them for advice, wisdom and guidance... Can't live with them. Can't live without them.
ReplyDeleteEthos is in some ways an appeal to credibility, and I think you really got at that here. When speakers quote respected, well known people, they sort of absorb that respect into their own work, and the general public is more likely to listen. Like some of the comments above mentioned, perhaps Homer hoped that more people would believe his story if he had the muses backing him up.
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