Medias Res (Odyssey)

[Courtney00]

Hello..

I'm just about to start another WONDERFUL paper on greek mythology, and I'm searching for essays topics. I was wondering if there is any significance that both the iliad and odyssey start off in medias res (in the middle of things). As in, the medias res provides more than just a literary device for interest to the epic.. Oh and any other thoughts on the odyssey w/ regards to an essay topic are welcome hehe

Thanks!!
Courtney

 

[Alvis Rofhessa]

Zangger compares that Atlantis acct breaks off abruptly in middle of things and he would have it that the Iliad continues on from where Atlantis acct ends. He believes Plato was writing it and suddenly realised it was same as Iliad. (He also reckons Odyssey is a travel back in time to Troy/Atlantis before war.)

12 books Homer, 12 tablets epic Gilgamesh, 12 volumes Aeneid, 12 labours Hercules.
12 pillars Hercules/12 labours Hercules, 120 poles Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh corresponds to either/both Hercules and/or Odysseus.

Descriptions of Atlantis, Phaeacia/Schera, Tartessos, Tantalis are similar.