The Iliad of Homer

The Great Courses

by Elizabeth Vandiver

For thousands of years, Homer's ancient epic poem the Iliad has enchanted readers from around the world. When you join Professor Vandiver for this lecture series on the Iliad, you'll come to understand what has enthralled and gripped so many people.
Her compelling 12-lecture look at this literary masterpiece - whether it's the work of many authors or the "vision" of a single blind poet - makes it vividly clear why, after almost 3,000 years, the Iliad remains not only among the greatest adventure stories ever told but also one of the most compelling meditations on the human condition ever written.
As you'll learn, the grandeur and immediacy of Homer's world would seem to defy time and space. Throughout these lectures, you'll explore this legendary era in brilliant, unforgettable hues. You'll meet its towering heroes who thirst for honor and the gods who inspired and instigated them. You'll go deep inside the shattering battles at Troy that act out mankind's awesome passions for glory, love, and vengeance. But more than that, you'll focus on the timeless human issues this masterpiece raises, all of them evoked by the power of a single dramatic question: Why does Achilles rage? The limits of freedom, the common humanity we share, the line between justice and revenge, the nature of destiny, the meaning of life - Professor Vandiver uses the Iliad as a potent lens through which to study them all.

Genres: Classics, Mythology, Nonfiction, Audiobook, History, Literature, Poetry

6 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Elizabeth Vandiver is Associate Professor of Classics and Clement Biddle Penrose Professor of Latin at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She was formerly Director of the Honors Humanities program at the University of Maryland at College Park, where she also taught in the Department of Classics. She completed her undergraduate work at Shimer College and went on to earn her M.A. and Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to taking her position at Maryland, she held visiting professorships at Northwestern University, the University of Georgia, the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, Loyola University of New Orleans, and Utah State University.

Professor Vandiver is the author of Heroes in Herodotus: The Interaction of Myth and History. She has also written numerous articles and has delivered many papers at national and international conferences.

In 1998, The American Philological Association recognized her achievements as a lecturer with its Excellence in Teaching Award, the most prestigious teaching prize given to American classicists. Her other awards include the Northwestern University Department of Classics Excellence in Teaching Award and two University of Georgia Outstanding Honors Professor Awards.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Vandiver, Classics Professor at the University of Maryland, provides an outstanding in-depth analysis of Homer's Iliad in this Great Courses lecture series. She clearly illustrates what the epic says about the human condition. However, while acknowledging the poem's significance through the ages, Vandiver cautions against interpreting Homer from a contemporary perspective. Her lectures provide insight into the epic's historical context and the cultural meaning of the ancient Greek concepts of kleos and time, which undergird the characters' actions.

Vandiver's analysis helped me to navigate the fine line between the universal and the particular when reading the epic. It is the second time I have read a translation of the original Iliad, and I felt that I enjoyed it more because I read it in conjunction with her course. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Homer.

[Maede · Rating 5 out of 5]

این دوره‌ی تحلیلی ایلیاد از گریت کورسز در دوازده لکچر موضوعات اصلی داستان رو خیلی خوب بررسی می‌کنه. مزیت کورس اینه که مختصر و مفیده، مدرس بسیار عالی‌ای داره که به موضوع کاملاً مسلطه و فقط مهمترین نکات رو برای صحبت کردن انتخاب کرده

:موضوعات لکچرها از این قرارند
یک‌. توضیح کلی ایلیاد، اودیسه و تاریخچه‌ی جنگ تروجان
دو. بررسی اینکه دقیقاً چه کسی ایلیاد رو نوشته و آیا این فرد هومر بوده یا خیر
سه‌. توضیح شروع ایلیاد و موضوع کلی خشم آکیلیس، بررسی مفاهیم افتخار و شهرت در یونان باستان(سرود ۱ و ۲)
چهار. نحوه‌ی نشان‌دادن تروجان‌ها توسط هومر (سرود ۳ تا ۶)
پنج. تلاش برای برگرداندن آکیلیس به جنگ (سرود ۷ تا ۹)
شش. مفهوم افتخار برای جنگجویان هومر (سرود ۱۰ تا ۱۲)
هفت. نقش خدایان در داستان و مسئله‌ی تقدیر (سرود ۱۳ تا ۱۵)
هشت. تحلیل طولانی‌ترین روز در داستان و دخالت‌های خدایان (سرود ۱۱ تا ۱۵)
نه. مرگ پاتروکلوس و دومینوی تأثیراتش (سرود ۱۶ و ۱۷)
ده. بازگشت آکیلیس به جنگ (سرود ۱۸ تا ۲۱)
یازده. آنالیز کاراکترهای هکتور و آکیلیس (سرود ۲۲)
دروازه. رویایی پریام و آکیلیس (سرود ۲۲ تا ۲۴)

دوره رو میشه همزمان با مطالعه‌ی کتاب یا بعدش گوش داد. من اگر می‌دونستم هر لکچر منطبق با چه سرودیه، حتماً همزمان با خواندن گوش می‌دادم، اما از عنوان لکچرها مشخص نبود. در مقایسه با همه‌ی تحلیل‌هایی که خوندم، این بدون شک بهترین بود‌

دوره رو می‌تونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books

۱۴۰۳/۱/۲۱

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Iliad of Homer is a good supplement to the classic poem.  While some of Vandiver's analyses and interpretations seem somewhat far fetched, she has enough interesting thoughts and insights to make this a very worthwhile follow-up to the Iliad. 

[Kalliope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this in Audio version a couple of times while going on walks in the park. I was reading Homer’s text in parallel at home. These Audio editions come with a Pdf with a summary of the lectures, which comes very handy and which in theory ought to be read just before or after the actual lecture.

There are twelve lectures organized in three sections – a neatly arranged structure that reveals Vandiver’s preference for the ‘classical’.

Vandiver is very clear in separating the Troy war, that has come to us from a myriad of sources, sometimes contradictory, from the Iliad itself. She is also adamant in reminding us why reading and knowing Homer is important, as it has been in the past for countless generations. For a long time the two Homeric epics were the stuff of education.

After giving a very clear summary of how the “Homeric Question”, namely: are these epics the work of one single person or are they the conflation of various texts, has evolved and remains unsolved? she reminds us of the cultural context in which these poems must be understood in which key concepts are those of timê or honour and kleos or glory. When the former was damaged by Paris, the Greeks set out to war. When it was damaged by Agamemnon, Achilles withdrew from the battlefield with disastrous consequences for everyone.

Vandiver then explores how Homer treats the Trojans. And the portrait is very positive. Priam never curses Helen and Hektor, the family man, will however sacrifice his personal allegiances to defend his country. I particularly enjoyed her discussion of the gods, and how important they are in understanding the dynamics of the action and the motivation of the characters. And therefore, all our modern versions of the myth are so unsatisfactory. They prefer to omit the Olympians altogether. the film Troy – must change the plot, for if there is no Apollo that whisks Paris away in the duel with Menelaus, then Hektor has to step in and kill Menelaus . Vandiver explains the relatively limited power of these gods for they are neither omniscient, nor are they transcendent (they are not outside the universe which consequently was not created by them), and because they cannot die, they cannot display the very qualities, such as courage that we value in humans. They are best understood as forces of nature that can have an impact on human destiny, or moira, but do not completely control it.

I also enjoyed her comparison of Achilles and Hektor, complete opposites, and I am afraid I am not the only one in today’s readership that would side with the Trojan. Hektor is a fully realized human, and Achilles, son of a goddess, can easily come across as a vindictive and cruel warmonger. Vandiver, however, draws attention to a fascinating aspect of Achilles. He is the only character who has two possible destinies open for him. And he knows them. In comparison, Hektor is doomed, and pathetically, he refuses to believe any signs that point to his black future.

Vandiver closes her discussion with the closing of the poem, the tenuous forgiveness and understanding between Priam and Hektor. Their meeting is charged with deep emotions, nobility, but the enmity is there all along, ready to spring up again and start another cycle of violence.

Listening to these lectures tremendously helped me in enjoying Homer’s work. Strongly recommended. I plan to listen to her The Odyssey of Homer.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular lectures regarding Homeric texts within their cultural context as well as the significance of specific linguistics which give the readings more depth. I would definitely recommend these to anyone who has read (or wishes to read) The Iliad, as these lectures have the potential to truly broaden the reader's understanding of ancient Greek civilization and cultural mores of the time, along with figures of speech and double-entendres of the Greek language and how they are used within the readings to create mental imagery and extended meaning, all of which deepen comprehension of the piece, itself.

[Daniel Chaikin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vandiver gets four stars because she does very well within the (limited) context of these Great Courses. Overall it's very light stuff, but she makes it interesting, captures a lot and adds in several interesting details. She has lectures on the Odyssey, the Aeneid and on Greek Mythology and I may just try them all.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Can Appreciate this Seminal Epic Thanks to These Lectures
I distinctly remember just how much I struggled to read this epic tale back in my first year of University of Chicago, where all freshmen are required to study some of the Greek classics. I just found it almost impossible to get anything meaningful from the text, a lot like reading some parts of the Old Testament. It's vital that you have a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and cultural knowledge of the times to have any chance at appreciating what readers at that time might experience hearing this epic poem recited over 3-4 days at a religious festival in Ancient Greece. That's what makes it very hard to properly enjoy as a modern reader, at least in my opinion.

So I really found these college lectures by Elizabeth Vandiver incredibly interesting and helpful in understanding all that context and knowledge I do not have. It really brought the eternal themes to life, without having to slog through the entire epic itself. Sure, some would say that's cheating, like using Cliff Notes, but to be honest I thought it was a perfect way to understand the Iliad and its influence on classic Greek civilization and culture and oral history/literature, and Prof Vandiver is very good at making thisngs both clear and interesting for listeners. I would have enjoyed attending the lectures in person back in college, and might have had a much better memory of Homer's Iliad.

[Abby Litrenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Vandiver is one smart lady! These lectures were very enjoyable, and she drew out some things I missed and helpfully explained other themes I noticed but didn’t fully understand the significance of.

[Matt Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic lecturer. Easily one of the best I’ve encountered in the Great Course and probably my personal favorite (though the guys who do Dante’s Divine Comedy and Augustine’s Confessions are also really good).

[Carol Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this course in short segments over several months while driving. It was a pleasant way to use the time. Vandiver is clear and engaging. I'm familiar with The Iliad beginning in media res (in the middle of things) but was surprised when she said that it also ends in media res.

I love The Teaching Company courses. And I love my brother David who joyfully lends me (for a year or two at a time) them from his splendid immense collection.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little course in the Iliad. Vandiver's passion is quite clear and she makes connections to later literature as well. There is a good background selection as well.

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listening to these lectures is a good way to get ready for a discussion about The Iliad. The group, Great Books Kansas City, is planning to discuss The Iliad later this month, and I'm trying to get myself into the ancient Greek state of mind. Visit this link for info on the group. http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/9...
Also, our blog link:
http://greatbookskc.blogspot.com/

These lectures are the equivalent of reading the commentary that comes with some written versions of the Iliad. Professor Vandiver provides an insightful analysis of selected episodes in the Iliad. Her lectures make the Iliad much more understandable. She explains the cultural assumptions that lie behind Homer's lines. She repeatedly visits the Iliad's overriding theme of what it means to be human and what the Iliad has to say about the human condition. She probes the relationship of this great epic to the tradition of orally transmitted poetry.

The Iliad is one book that is very appropriately listened to in the audio format because originally it was presented orally to a listening audience. That was in the days before iPods. But interestingly, it is the iPod that makes the epic readily available in its original medium, the human voice.

These recorded lectures provide access to one of the best lecturers, and payment of college tuition is not required. What a bargain!

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vandiver is always excellent in her ancient history or ancient literature courses. Recommended as a helpful guide when reading the Iliad.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully engaging classes (30 minutes each) that explain the major themes and ideas in Homer's Iliad. I enjoyed every minute and couldn't wait to dive into this previously daunting classic after listening to Vandiver's enthusiastic and insightful lectures.

[Yoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect companion to reading The Iliad regardless of translation.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been trying to read The Iliad for months and could not stay focused long enough to get through a few pages. So many characters, and the endless battles. Disclaimer: I still haven't read it. However, I have now listened to this lecture series by Elizabeth Vandiver. It is a great introduction and overview of the story. What I thought was most interesting was the explanation of honor, family life, gods and class systems in 800 B.C. vs. today. All of the same elements are present today, but they do not have the same meaning. If you read this book and transpose your own experiences onto the characters, you could be vastly misinterpreting the story. But one thing I can say with some confidence: Achilles was a real jerk. Another favorite part - when Ms. Vandiver talks about the continued relevance of this 2,500+ year old story, she recites Achilles in the Trenches by Patrick Shaw-Stewart from WWI...very touching.

[⋆⭑★ Kipp ★⭑⋆]

Review ITW

[Hendrik Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a privilege it is to live in times where at a few clicks we can listen to teachers as knowledgeable and passionate as Elizabeth Vandiver is....

Right at the beginning of this 12 lecture series Vandiver mentioned that she has taught whole semester courses about the Iliad or the odysee and still at the end of these semesters feels like there is a sheer infinitude of things left to say. This is exactly how I feel about this lecture series.
I imagine this could have been longer, much more in depth than it already is, and still be as rich in message as it has been over the 6 hours there are.

A lot of ground is covered in such a way that I relived my reading of the Iliad and suddenly had concepts and propositional thoughts were only feelings resided before.
This is not just an introduction to one of the worlds most enthralling epic poems, but a companion piece and well worth the time for anyone who wants to emerse themselves in ancient Greek society, their values, religion and how they battled with mortality.
I imagine this lecture series is optimally read during a reading of the Iliad.

As mentioned in another review, Vandiver is the best kind of teacher. She made me tear up lecturing about the plight of hector and I can hear her almost tear up talking about this.
Truly one of the best great courses I had the pleasure to enjoy.
Perhaps in a future edit I might write more about the course content than how I felt this course overall to be. For now this would seem to me to be just a comparatively stale and necassarily incomplete iteration of what so wonderfully is packaged in these lectures.
So, let's see when I will get to it.

[Terry Southard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 12 lesson (6 hour) discussion of The Iliad. Elizabeth Vandiver is a jewel of a teacher. I would love to sit in her class. So, next best thing? Teaching company CDs.

Thoroughly enjoyed. Now on to the Odyssey.

[Elwin Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried to read to the Homer's Iliad three times. It was quite rough, as there is a lot of assumed knowledge that the reader has, which in my opinion has not aged so well as the material is roughly 3,000 years old... I had quite a bit of catching up to do and was super lost.

Another thing about the Iliad for me that was very difficult is it reads like hardcore fantasy, full of Gods and Goddesses and all the like you would expect from the fantasy genre... I just personally really struggle with fantasy and it just so far has not been able to grab my attention and is incredibly hard for me to stay focused/on track.

Then, I discovered Dr. Vandiver's scholarly lecture series on the Iliad... what a wonderful woman. Thank you! Thank you for dedicating your life to Greek literature and philosophy and creating this amazing breakdown of what the heck is going on within the Iliad and making it in a super easy to digest format in the age of modernity.

I greatly appreciate this breakdown and perfect analysis and discussion based format of the Iliad. I am able now to at least be able to speak of the Iliad to a reasonable level based off of her work and I have a greater appreciation for this Epic, which I truly believe would not have been achieved by attempting to read the original English translated version of the Greek text.

Why 3/5 and not higher?

Well... despite it all, it is still hardcore fantasy to me (sure, full of ethical and cultural reflections, etc. etc...) and I just can't honestly get past that. Totally personal preference and being true to myself. I will continue to try to give fantasy a chance here and there though... I haven't given up yet.

Highly recommend this for anyone who wants great coverage of Homer's Iliad in a very enjoyable and easy to swallow format.

[Anonymous · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Context: ‘Epic’ doesn’t necessarily coherent with contemporary dictionary meaning per se. Rather is attributed to ‘traditionally orally transmitted poetry’. Contrary to Indian epics which stretches to the ends of lineages.
2. Great epics start in the middle of the plot.
3. Achilles was a demigod. (I was unaware of this.) Resemblance with Karna from Mahabharata- one of the greatest warriors yet cursed to doom.
4. As every ancient composition, the plot aspects are plagued with ‘dilution’, through the time.
5. Greek Gods are not omnipotent and omniscient. Probably superhumans.
6. Even the gods cannot resist the temptation of female body and fornication even in grave situations such a battlefield. (So don’t feel bad for yourself).
7. Iliad ends with Hektor’s corpse returned to Troy, unlike the 2004 movie, Troy.

[Innastholiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This course has taught me more about the Homerian epics (and Ancient Greece in general) than 4 years of studying Ancient Greek did, tbh. I mean, to be fair, we only covered the Iliad and the Odyssey for like half of one school year, but still. Vandiver is such an excellent lecturer that I’ve actually already picked up two more of her courses, the one on the Odyssey, and the one on Greek Tragedies. I’m going to listen to the one on the Odyssey next because from what she says in this course, these two were meant to be listened to together.

[Cia Mcalarney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many fascinating insights

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

These lectures are helping me to understand the background and significance of certain parts of the Iliad, as I continue to read. It's been very helpful.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I learned so much from this lecture series.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great lecture!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent accompaniment to reading the Iliad. Highly recommended.

[Amaya Vanserra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have read this before I had to write my essay. worth it tho

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I’ve come to expect, the Great Courses is a terrific companion. It enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of The Iliad, and I will continue with Dr. Vandiver through The Odyssey.

[Nikolay Nadirashvili · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real tour de forced interpretations.
Prof. Vandiver seems to do precisely what she has accused many interpreters to do (in her course on Classical Mythology), namely she assumes some deep meaning in many of the scenes, and under this implicit assumption is trying to read in the interpretation.
Frankly speaking I would rather start with another null hypothesis, namely that there are no deep connections in the works of Homer and then try to argue the opposite. I think it's plausible to assume that a preliterate Bard (Homer) might be quite arbitrary in the choice of literary symbols and wordings in his epic poem