The hottest Epic Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

That Other Me

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Epic Narrative Grief Characters Audience
  1. Achilles' lament for Patroklos in Iliad 19 explores the impact of Patroklos' death on others, showcasing themes of personal loss and grief.
  2. Achilles expresses a collapse of identities with Patroklos and projects the loss of a single person onto his living father and son, illustrating a narrative of replacement and surrogacy.
  3. Grief is associative and unpredictable, touching not only the mourner but also the internal and external audiences, encouraging reflection on personal losses and the importance of responding to others' suffering.

"Better off Dead"

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
📚 Literature Epic Analysis Character Study Myth
  1. In the laments of Homer, the focus is on personal reflections and the impact of loss, rather than on martial glory.
  2. The positioning of speakers in the laments serves to shift from intimate relationships to a broader perspective, highlighting the universal aspects of grief.
  3. Helen's lament for Hektor in Iliad 24 humanizes Hektor, emphasizing his kindness and protective nature, rather than his heroism in battle.

The Personal Political

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Epic Characters Narrative structure Political Dynamics
  1. In the Iliad, the assembly of Trojans in book 18 highlights the tension between individual heroism and collective decision-making.
  2. The conflict between Polydamas and Hektor showcases different forms of political authority in ancient Troy.
  3. Hektor's rejection of Polydamas' advice reflects a blend of uncertainty, delusion, and leadership, revealing the complexities of political dynamics in the epic.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Adventure Mystery Epic
  1. Abudimus faced challenges and trials but remained steadfast in his beliefs and convictions, even in the face of danger and adversity.
  2. The story highlights themes of faith, redemption, and standing up against oppressive systems and false idols.
  3. Ultimately, Abudimus' unwavering faith and actions led to the downfall of a tyrant and the liberation of the people of Sarnath.

Rage Won't Raise the Dead

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
📚 Literature Epic Analysis Characterization Themes Mythology
  1. The funeral games in the Iliad are not filler but are deeply tied to themes like honor and institutional order, reflecting ancient audiences' experiences and myths.
  2. The speech of Patroklos to Achilles acts as a powerful moment highlighting the theme of rage and its consequences in the epic, urging Achilles to think about their past and relationship.
  3. The blended narrative of Achilles and Patroklos in death emphasizes themes of surrogacy and eternal connection, inviting reflection on the power of loss, grief, and love in shaping individual actions and the world.
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The Plan, And Imperfect Translations

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
📚 Literature Translation Epic Mythology
  1. The author plans to focus on the Iliad in upcoming content, offering various types of posts for educators and learners.
  2. The concept of 'The Plan of Zeus' in the Iliad relates to Zeus' grand design unfolding over the story, bringing about pain and conflict.
  3. Thematic words and echoes in early Greek poetry, like the works of Ibykos, highlight recurrent themes such as war and heroism across different genres.

Night Raids and Gimmick Episodes

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
📚 Literature Epic Narrative Analysis Criticism
  1. Book 10 of the Iliad, also known as the 'Doloneia', explores the themes of politics, heroism, and narrative traditions through a nighttime raid by Diomedes and Odysseus.
  2. There is debate among scholars about the inclusion of Book 10 in Homer's Iliad, with some suggesting it was a later addition by Peisistratos.
  3. Gimmick episodes like the Doloneia in the Iliad serve as side quests, allowing for experimentation and expansion of the narrative world, providing a break from the main plot while still contributing to the overall story.

Better than our Fathers!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📚 Literature Epic Mythology Poetry Tradition Narrative
  1. In Homer's epic poetry, rivalry and competition between heroes play a significant role, shaping the narratives and relations between characters.
  2. The comparison between generations in Homer's work challenges the idea of valuing the past over the present, showcasing a dynamic of improvement and advancement.
  3. The Theban epic tradition, though not directly preserved in extant Homer texts, had a significant impact on the Homeric world, contributing to themes of heroism and conflict.

Divine Plots and Human Plans

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Classics Themes Analysis Decisions Epic
  1. Book 7 of the Iliad can be divided into scenes involving divine intervention, a pivotal duel between Hektor and Ajax, and political assemblies leading to a temporary truce.
  2. Major themes in Book 7 include the complexities of gods and humans, heroism, and politics in Homeric storytelling.
  3. Homeric heroes struggle between fate and free will, with divine intervention affecting decisions and actions, providing insights into human psychology and the limits of knowledge.

On the Geography of Hell

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
📚 Literature Epic Medieval Poetry Cosmology Symbolism
  1. Certain human principles like justice may seem inevitable, and there is a satisfaction in poetic justice.
  2. Dante's _Commedia_ intricately weaves together theology, history, and philosophy, creating a unique map of Hell and a spiritual journey.
  3. The medieval model of the universe, as seen in Dante's work, portrays Earth at the center surrounded by celestial spheres, demonstrating a cosmic order and divine influence.

The Burial of Horse-Taming Hektor

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 1 HN point • 09 Apr 24
📚 Literature Epic Mythology Narrative Poetry Symbolism
  1. The Iliad's ending with the burial of Hektor, tamer of horses, hints at a larger story cycle and leaves room for interpretation and speculation about the narrative journey.
  2. The epic poem's reshuffling of mythical time and emphasis on Hektor's burial over other events symbolizes the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, highlighting moral complexities and divine-human interactions.
  3. Hektor's burial acts as a vessel for his fame and signifies the power of epic poetry to carry meaning and create something new, inviting readers to engage with the narrative beyond its physical end.