Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Jasper Griffin. "The Epic Cycle and the Uniqueness of Homer." Journal of Hellenic Studies, 97:39-53.

Contends that the Iliad and the Odyssey are unlike the Trojan epic cycle and other epics in that they eschew the fantastic, the miraculous, and the romantic. Also views the style of the Homeric epics as vastly superior to that of the other works. These differences are understood as indicating the greatness and uniqueness of Homer's poems. Argues on this basis that a well-organized formulaic technique does not guarantee masterpieces.
Area: AG