The Best of the Achaeans & Pindar's Homer

The Best of the Achaeans & Pindar's Homer are two books by Gregory Nagy that explore the relationship between the epic poetry of Homer and the lyric poetry of Pindar. Nagy argues that these two poets were engaged in a dialogue with each other, and that their work can be better understood by reading them together.

In The Best of the Achaeans, Nagy examines Homer's Iliad and Odyssey in the context of the Greek hero cult. He argues that the heroes of the epics are not simply fictional characters, but rather real figures who were worshipped as gods. Nagy also discusses the role of the poet in the Greek hero cult, and he argues that Homer was a kind of priest-poet who helped to maintain the cult of the heroes.

In Pindar's Homer, Nagy turns his attention to Pindar's lyric poetry. He argues that Pindar was deeply influenced by Homer's epics, and that he often used Homeric themes and motifs in his own work. Nagy also discusses the role of the poet in the Greek polis (city-state), and he argues that Pindar was a kind of public poet who helped to promote civic unity and identity.

The Best of the Achaeans & Pindar's Homer are two important works of scholarship that have helped to shape our understanding of Homer and Pindar. They are essential reading for anyone interested in Greek epic and lyric poetry.

Here are some of the key themes that Nagy explores in these two books:

The relationship between Homer and Pindar
The role of the poet in Greek culture
The Greek hero cult
The use of Homeric themes and motifs in Pindar's poetry
Civic unity and identity in Greek culture

Nagy's work is challenging but rewarding, and it offers a unique and insightful perspective on Homer and Pindar. His books are essential reading for anyone interested in Greek epic and lyric poetry.