Odyssey - key Greek words

Front

Nostos

Back

Return, homecoming; symbolically, aiming to return to what was in the past. Includes sense of futility – can never return to the same time.

Front

Kleos

Back

Eternal glory, renown; achieved by a hero accomplishing great deeds. Reputation that will live on after death, shown through epic poetry.

Front

Xenia

Back

Hospitality or guest friendship; an expectation or moral obligation to house and feed travelers. Protected by Zeus Xenios.

Front

Ponos

Back

Toil, effort or hard work; the physical and emotional challenges faced by Odysseus.

Front

Oikos

Back

Household unit; close relatives, buildings and land but also possessions, slaves, servants, everyone who contributes to its wealth and survival. The self-sufficient, basic unit of civilization in Mycenae and DA Greece.

Front

Polis

Back

City-state; Ithaca is the polis of which Odysseus is king. The fortified settlement and the land around it; the larger, public space than the private oikos.

Front

Hiketeia

Back

Supplication; a ritual to ask for protection from someone more powerful. Often involved kneeling or embracing the knees of the person/deity being asked for help. Linked to xenia.

Front

Timē

Back

Honour, respect of a hero; involves value e.g. giving of gifts, prizes. Immediate recognition compared to kleos – long-lasting.

Front

Mētis

Back

Wisdom, cunning; Odysseus’s cleverness in overcoming challenges.

Front

Mēnis

Back

Rage, fury; not just personal, can be divine displeasure or response to violation of traditions.