Louden writes: "In the Odyssey, Athena commands Odysseus to proceed this way so he can first test the loyalty of all he encounters. Moving recognition scenes typically form the climax of the romance mythic type, as in the Odyssey, Euripides’ Ion and Alcestis, and Genesis’ account of Joseph in Egypt. Of the many ancient Romances that feature recognition scenes, only the Odyssey and Genesis’ account of Joseph in Egypt (37, 39-46), employ the specific subtype of postponed recognition. Thus, as the unrecognized Odysseus stands before Eumaios, Eurykleia, Penelope, or Laertes, each character is prompted to think of the long-lost, presumably absent hero, but remains unable to recognize him right beside them. "
The relationship between The New Testament and the Greeks is fascinating, especially with Dennis MacDonald's work in this area. I have written a brief, informal essay about the relationship between The New Testament and Plato/Euripides, and how Richard Carrier provides inroads here. The essay is published online here on my blog: http://palpatinesway.blogspot.com/2018/03/examining-easter-peering-behi…
Louden writes: "In the Odyssey, Athena commands Odysseus to proceed this way so he can first test the loyalty of all he encounters. Moving recognition scenes typically form the climax of the romance mythic type, as in the Odyssey, Euripides’ Ion and Alcestis, and Genesis’ account of Joseph in Egypt. Of the many ancient Romances that feature recognition scenes, only the Odyssey and Genesis’ account of Joseph in Egypt (37, 39-46), employ the specific subtype of postponed recognition. Thus, as the unrecognized Odysseus stands before Eumaios, Eurykleia, Penelope, or Laertes, each character is prompted to think of the long-lost, presumably absent hero, but remains unable to recognize him right beside them. "
The relationship between The New Testament and the Greeks is fascinating, especially with Dennis MacDonald's work in this area. I have written a brief, informal essay about the relationship between The New Testament and Plato/Euripides, and how Richard Carrier provides inroads here. The essay is published online here on my blog: http://palpatinesway.blogspot.com/2018/03/examining-easter-peering-behi…