JOURNAL ARTICLE

Fat and Large Bodies in Homeric Poetry: Iros and Penelope.

  • Published In: Classical World, 2024, v. 117, n. 4. P. 344 1 of 3

  • Database: Education Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Brockliss, William 3 of 3

Abstract

Unlike the fat body of Iros, παχύς bodies in Homeric poetry are powerful, attractive, and consistent with a non-gender- specific conception of the erotic. In Odyssey 18, Iros' bulk belies his lack of strength, but Odysseus' large frame, elsewhere described as παχύς, both promises and delivers effective action. A threat of castration distances Iros from the erotic; Odysseus enjoys sexual intimacy with several characters. Penelope exercises seductive charms over the suitors in book 18, shortly after being described as παχύς; the description of her "παχύς hand" at 21.6 suggests both bulk and strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Classical World. 2024/07, Vol. 117, Issue 4, p344
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:00098418
  • DOI:10.1353/clw.2024.a935499
  • Accession Number:179165649
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Classical World is the property of Johns Hopkins University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.