"In Medias Res": what does it mean --and why was Homer such a great poet? A few words about an epic genius who set a high standard for upcoming generations of writers.

1. In Medias Res
The Odyssey’s plot is not linear --that is, the
poem doesn’t begin with A in order to end at
Z.
The literary term for this is “in medias res”
--which helps create an impressive storyline.
What’s best: it’s very easy to understand
how this type of plot works.

2. The Odyssey: A great poem
From Antiquity through to our days, Homer
has been considered a great master of
words. A top poet --even, perhaps, the best
of all ages.
There’s a reason for his reputation.

3. The story of the Odyssey
This may sound a bit weird --yet, Odysseus’
adventures don’t make, in and of
themselves, a very good story...

4. Timeline of the Odyssey
If we took things in order, then we would
start from the day when Odysseus’ little fleet
left Troy and headed for Ithaca.

5. The first adventures
Most of Odysseus’ adventures (Lotus-
Eaters, the Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens, etc.)
take place during the first years of his
journey.
The time frames mentioned by Homer don’t
add up to more than 1.5 year. Even if we
take into account his wanderings at the sea,
we won’t get more that 2+ years...

6. Calypso’s Island
After losing all his comrades, Odysseus
ends up shipwrecked on Caplypso’s island.
The Nymph will hold him captive there for
another 7 years: that’s what the hero himself
tells to King Alcinous, when he recounts his
adventures at the island of the Phaeacians.

7. Scheria - Nausicaa
After a final shipwreck, Odysseus becomes
the host of Alcinous, King of the Phaeacians
and father of Princess Nausicaa.
Odysseus spends just 3 days & 3 nights at
Scheria --including his first night at the
beach. Then, he boards a Phaeacian ship
and leaves for Ithaca.

8. The Killing of the Suitors
Odysseus’ palace is swarming with
noblemen who want to marry Penelope.
Odysseus slips in unrecognized, disguised
as a beggar, and when the right moment
comes, he kills them all --aided by
Telemachus and a handful of loyal slaves.

9. Penelope - Odysseus
At first, Penelope has her doubts --but, in the
end, she falls into her husbands arms.
Telemachus re-unites with his father. As for
old Laertes, he lives to see the day of his
son’s return from the war.
The Odyssey has a happy end.

10. The storyline is flawed
In other words, we see many adventures in
the beginning. Then, there is a long gap of
inactivity with Odysseus trapped on
Calypso’s island. Finally, too much action
must be packed towards the end, in just a
few days’ time.
This is not the best way to narrate a myth.

11. Homer and His Audience
The poet should satisfy his audience --keep
them awake and, what’s more, enthralled by
Odysseus’ story.
He wouldn’t be such a great poet, if he didn’t
succeed his goal...

12. The magic of the Odyssey
Homer uses a number of literary hat tricks in
order to make his song more interesting.
He must not disappoint his audience.

13. Calling the Muse
Homer asks his Muse for assistance, so that
he be able to recount Odysseus’ story in the
best way possible.
He warns his audience: the Muse will launch
out on the story “from where [she] will” --and
this is not necessarily from the beginning.

14. Where does the Odyssey
begin?
The Odyssey doesn’t begin from the start --it
begins near the end.
We meet Odysseus captive on the island of
the Nymph Calypso who wants to keep him
there forever.
The hero’s desire, to get back home, has hit
a huge obstacle.

15. Odysseus leaves Calypso’s
island
With a little help from goddess Athena,
Odysseus’ patroness, Zeus decides that it’s
about time for Calypso to let go of her
prisoner.
Odysseus is allowed to sail again for Ithaca.

16. Suspence over Odysseus’ fate
Zeus’ decision raises questions among the
audience:
Will Calypso let Odysseus go?
Will Odysseus finally make it to Ithaca?
What will happen, once he gets back
home?

17. In Medias Res: In the Middle of
Things
The term “in medias res” is latin. It means,
“in the middle of things” --in other words, at
some point along the unfolding of the affair.
It may sound weird, but it’s the best way to
narrate hos story. Homer knew very well
what he was doing.

18. The Odyssey in Simple Words
SimplyOdyssey.com:
Everything about King Odysseus.
In simple words, images, video, and many
more --we get to know about the world of
Homer and we learn about the adventures of
Ithaca’s mythical King.