Ulisse e il viaggio dell'anima

the long version

A rereading of Homer's Odyssey in the light of shamanism. This study traces the steps of Odysseus' voyage, systematically comparing it with the myths, beliefs, and ideas of the shamanic world. When viewed in this way, the first part of the Odyssey acquires a new meaning: Odysseus is a shaman, and his voyage is that of the soul to the beyond, recounted by the hero after his return to this side. The second part of the poem is reinterpreted as well: it tells of the "rebirth" of the shaman who has returned from the beyond, a rebirth that goes through stages marked by recognitions--of Telemachus, Argo, Eurycleia, etc. This book shows how the story of the Odyssey has its roots in an older, shamanic world.