The Iliad and the Oral Epic Tradition

The Iliad is a product of oral tradition, but many researchers believe it cannot be treated as solely a product of oral tradition. Karol Zieliński argues that neither Homers unique artistry nor references to events known from other songs necessarily indicate the use of writing in its composition. The development of traditional oral cycles suggests that the Iliad is only one of many possible retellings of the story of the Trojan War, with Achilles playing the role of protagonist. The singer has a wide range of techniques to attract and arouse the attention of his listeners, building on their knowledge of traditional tales. The oral poet can alter the plot of a traditional episode and transform its ideological significance, echoing the story of the entire war.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 682 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The Iliad, a remarkable work of literature, showcases a traditional oral poetic style that has captivated scholars for centuries. However, a growing consensus among researchers suggests that the poem cannot be solely attributed to oral tradition alone. In his book titled "The Iliad and the Oral Epic Tradition," Karol Zieliński delves into this intriguing debate. He argues that the unique artistry of Homer and the references to events known from other songs do not necessarily indicate the use of writing in the composition of the Iliad . Instead, the development of traditional oral cycles suggests that the Iliad is just one possible rendition of the story of the Trojan War, with Achilles taking center stage as the protagonist.

The singer, in this captivating performance, possesses a diverse array of techniques to captivate and engage his listeners. He builds upon their familiarity with traditional tales, encompassing their various manifestations in the collective memory of society. The singer may deliberately reshape central characters such as Achilles, Odysseus, or Paris, while preserving their traditional roles and destinies. Zieliński's insightful analysis demonstrates that the oral poet possesses the ability to alter the plot of a traditional episode and transform its ideological significance. Every cyclic song in the oral tradition echoes the broader narrative of the entire war, even while it depicts only one specific episode, traditionally extracted from the beginning or the end of the macro-story.

This intricate interplay between the oral and written realms adds depth and complexity to the interpretation of the Iliad . It suggests that the poem is not a rigidly fixed text but rather a dynamic and evolving work that has been shaped by the oral transmission of stories over generations. The singer's artistry lies in his ability to harness the power of tradition while introducing his unique perspective and creativity, resulting in a captivating performance that resonates with audiences for centuries to come.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674292437