I also LOVED how angry, tired, and spiteful Odysseus was in the final speech of Remember Them!! I usually see Odysseus portrayed as gloating and prideful, almost narcissistic in his 'triumph' over Polyphemus. It was SO refreshing to see EPIC's take being more sorrowful, angry, and sick of staining his soul with the blood because of a God's decision for him. I get chills every time I hear it!
I agree completely with this! In my mythology class, we used that moment to talk about the idea of hubris. This take on that situation is interesting for sure!!
RIIGHT?! It's so well done and interesting to pick apart! Thanks for always being supportive Hank! Both with the dono and adding to the discussion! Keeps my silly smooth brain revving!
It was so well done I didn’t realize how dumb of a decision it was until after the song ended, you really get caught up in the moment and feel his sorrow and rage. Like it was an objectively wrong decision but I can still see why he did it
Originally, both in the OG Odyssey and in the first release of the Concept Album before they had to rerecord the first few Sagas due to legal issues, the tone was meant to feel more triumphant, narcissistic, and what not. At least, the calling of his name was. It wasn't until the audio was rerecorded and we got the new concept albums that Ody calling out his name was made to sound angry.
I love this part, I'm a major cyclops stan. Also, I like how this shows both Odysseus' cleverness and cunning to get out of danger, while also showing how spiteful and arrogant he can be. And, as everyone knows, there's nothing the Greek gods despise more than hubris. He's in for a wild voyage.
@thethirdbill it's a meme from another reactor Mortius, (a pillar in the Epic community he is SO SWEET) who referred to Athena as Odysseus' 'divine sugar momma while they were having their friendship breakup😂
This is how I realized there's no real way of knowing that was Polites JUST by listening to the music. I wonder if maybe in another iteration, Jorge will have Odysseus say Polites' name after that "captain...".
@@fountainPoison I think Jay really wants this in some kind of visual media (not saying that giving us audio clues would retract from the music, cause it wouldn't); but this may be a reason why it's so hard to hear. If you had to put something in I like where you suggest also go at the beginning of Remember Them when he can't hear Eury, on repeat almost.
Something that always amazes me with Epic is the Recurring Themes. They Bring them in so Flawlessly. Like you sit there, listening to a song that stands on its own, and think: "Wait this feels Familiar all of a sudden" and that's when they confirm the feeling to you with something like "Juuust a Maaaan~". These subtle Themes and Melodies are so Beautifully written. Oh and Yes, Please give us more Epic go BRRRR reactions!
Please please PLEASE, I wanna see him cry at the end of this musical. Cause we all know he'll be crying by the end. So please keep doing these reactions. I always love how much attention you pay to the details in each song and how open you are with your emotions ❤
Something interesting about Odysseus in My Goodbye is that the entire time with the cyclops, he's going on about how- well as he says, he's "neither man nor mythical", trying to pose himself as an equal. We even see this in Warrior of the Mind, where he tries to pull Athena down to his level as a mortal. "Bestest of friends!" and "You first and maybe I'll do the same!" etc etc. When he's talking to the gods, he acts like he's an equal, like there's no power dynamic at play, even though there very much is. But when Zeus asks him to make a decision a god would have to, or when Athena literally tells him to do his job to protect his crew? You're asking too much of me! I can't be expected to act like GODS do! He wants to be treated like he's on level, but if they give him "on level jobs", he can't do that. But how could he? After all, he can lie all he wants, but he's *Just A Man.* EDIT: It should be worth note there's a LOT MORE to this analysis with the other sagas!! I have SO MUCH to say about Odysseus' relationship with gods and monsters, but for the sake of this being readable without spoilers, I will hold back on those until the content for the other sagas are put out.
I don't agree with that take. You are saying Gods are cruel because they are gods, but Athena and Hermes (even maybe Aeolis) showed it's a choice. So it's not that Oddy takes half of what makes a God when convenient but that he doesn't agree with some gods' values and he's against the hierarchy where gods are top dogs just because of their born powers. That's my take at least
In a way I think that’s the point. The only thing that separates the gods from the mortals is their perpetual lifespan and ability to bend the elements and reality itself. Aside from that there are no different than human beings and Odysseus reminds them of that.
@T7Karou Idk I'd say Aeolus was plenty cruel? Adding a twist to the challenge after Odysseus agreed, along with saying he failed when the *crew* failed was not exactly making the "kinder" choice. Hermes is different from the others, because they have a familial tie. Hermes is literally his great grandpa lol, he's playing favorites. That being said, however, I don't really think Ody is against the hierarchy? He doesn't ever seem to voice that, at least. I suppose you can say he does when fighting with Athena, but that's deliberately trying to antagonize her by saying "You're a god, you can't understand my suffering." which again, "you can't hold me to that standard because I'm just a man.". If he was against the hierarchy, I imagine he'd fight against Zeus more, but whenever Zeus shows up he just asks not to do it, and then does it because he can't push back against Zeus in the same way Athena lets him push back. That's a simplification obviously, but I trust you to know what I mean. EDIT: Just registered Poseidon as a factor. do NOT ask me why I didn't mention him I DON'T KNOW EITHER LMAO. Correcting my statement. I still don't think Ody is against the entire hierarchy, nor can he fight like he does with Athena with any other god, but Poseidon has spent so much time bothering him, he definitely feels like he can. EVEN THEN THO HE DOESN'T ARGUE WITH POSEIDON UNTIL *THAT* SCENE?? I'm rambling atp but he does that same thing he does with Zeus. Just kind of asks him to stop and then responds accordingly when they don't.
Something that will probably make you even more of a Polyphemus stan is some people argue he was just a kid, the youngest of the cyclops, which would explain his relatively childish speech, his naivety and his grief when his siblings dont come to his aid...sure nothing confirms it in the original but I think it works real well with this iteration ! Also Odysseus' "mercy" here is, imo, only a shield for his vengeance and cruelty... Cause he left him maimed, which is in mythology worse than being killed. There's honour in dieing fighting while by not killing him he's basically saying "you're not even worth killing"...He is deeply hurt by Polites' death and wants to hurt Polyphemus but justifies it through self righteousness because he is lieing to himself... Furthermore his whole "remember me and the lesson I tought you" is the very definition of hubris really.... I think he really beleives he did it out of mercy, but deep down it is his way to hurt him...at least that's how I read it ! And I really like that cause we still stan Ody, we love him and know he is hanging in there, but he is also deeply selfish and manipulative, which gives him so much depth ! Rip Polites, this will definitly do a number on our boy !
Commenting for the algo, but also shouting out the same suggestion I made in the last video to watch the animatics along with the songs (or at least go back at some point to watch them) because they are amazing and an extra part of why this musical is so special.
I will start with 2 things: I love the way that analyze media, I’ve been watching you ever since Bo Burnham’s special came out and you’ve helped put a lot of feelings I have on things into words I probably never would have thought of. And please continue the series! It becomes so much more extravagant as the sagas go along. Thank you for making videos and have an awesome day!!
One of my favorite details between the first Saga and this one, when Warrior of the Mind plays in the first Saga Athena Holds a sustained note while singing Warrior of the Mind where Odysseus has a run. By the end of the song Athena is accompanying him on the run as if she is leaning into his way of doing things. But by the end of "this is my goodbye", when they reprise that melody, she sustains the note because she is letting go of his way and adopting her old way.
would you mind tagging this for spoilers? luckily i already went ahead or this would've been a HUGE spoiler, and some people watching might be new. Thanks in advance!
@@thethirdbill you were kinda meant to know from that song, lol. The animatics really help because this musical is designed with a visual element in mind. Even if you just watch the official animations it'll help, but there's loads to choose from.
I'm not mad, no one did anything wrong, i dont understand the vibe here... there are new people checking out the series with me and half the top comments are about the death. Just wanted to lookout for the new people getting into the show with me.
Fun fact, Jorge voices Odysseus AND polyphemus lol OH and you need to see people's animatic designs for the cyclops it ranges from funny silly to absolutely horrific lmao
30 secs in and I’m already doubled over laughing picturing Bill dressed as Kratos singing “The Gods of Olympus have abandoned ME!!” Followed by graceful ribbon dancing with a stone cold serious expression!!😂😂
Since you uploaded your last episode I have been on a new hyper fixation and listened through the musical 10 times in the past week. This is a great musical and can’t wait for you so watch more
Okay, I feel like this applies to all of your videos but especially for this and the last video it really does hit how well your lyrical analysis is. Not only are you just listening to the songs, I love how you're digesting their meaning and forming connections because that's really going to pay off in the future if you continue this series. It's so fun to watch! I love this story, I love this musical, I've listened to it a million times and to see someone give intelligent, detailed responses to the songs in the writing of this musical is very special to me. Maybe it's because I'm an English major and I don't know but I love this and I really can't wait for you to continue on 💕
Not gonna lie, I'm a Cyclops stan too - Those poor sheep. Eye for an eye was such a great pun 😂 Need a full version of that Cyclops I will survive song. Oh Bill not a pegging joke..
One thing I will say about finding the sheep is like... they were DIRECTED to the cave. Killed out of a want to survive, to find a way to feed 600 soldiers... yes, the killed his sheep, his favorite sheep, but does that mean they must die for an ignorant mistake? Punished, absolutely, but killed and EATEN?
See, that's what i love about this part of the odyssey... 'killed and eaten' is what would've happened to the sheep so how is it different from the cyclops POV? Food for thought...not a pun i swear lol
Loved it, like always. Best part about Epic IMO is that most everyone has a valid argument to make. It makes the arguments and falling outs between characters feel real.
One of my favorite things musically between Athena and Ody, is that in Warrior of the Mind (WotM) Athena starts by holding the 'I' sound in mind as one note, but when Ody joins in with his run during the 'I' in mind, she starts doing the same. But then in My Goodbye, she starts by singing the 'I' sound in goodb[ye] with the run, but then stops doing the run for the last time she says it, instead holding one very powerful belted note. I just thought it was neat how they showed the development of their relationship through both the words and through the changing repetition of a line throughout those two songs
I love how in Survive the music sets you up to think that you're headed towards a victory, because Odysseus and his men believe that they are. Also, that "spacey" sound that you're hearing at the beginning of "My Goodbye" is a power of Athena's called quick thought. It's not spoilers, but it's hard to know from just the sound alone, and it's never explained in the musical. Athena can essentially pull Odysseus aside into an alternate little space to talk to him by making him think really quickly (hence "quick thought"), signaled by that "spacey" sound, and usually, but not always, a ticking clock. So while Odysseus is experiencing conversations like in Warrior of the Mind and My Goodbye in real time, for everyone else they are happening in the blink of an eye and they don't know it's happening. I love watching you dive into the emotions of things and where the characters are mentally! It's really satisfying to see you understand the story on a deep level. I can't wait to hear your thoughts and perspective going forward!
Please keep these epic reactions coming!!!! I love this musical and i live for your reactions to music ( i would literally kill to see your reaction to the vengeance and ithaca saga)
I love seeing new people get so excited about this project, this is great! Also bills commentary is such a strong take and analysis of the core music and story itself it’s nice to see that for a lot of people the songs alone convey such depth and meaning as to communicate the story. I can’t wait to see more just a whole storm of Epic the Musical!
I am actually so happy that you doing this, omg !! Your analysis and videos are my comfort place, and watching you liking Epic is so heartwarming to me!
Subbed for the first video. Mr. Jalepeno Man did so good! I can't wait until you reach the Vengeance Saga. It's my all time favorite! Welcome to Epic Bill!🎉
YES! im going to have to become a member soon so I can see these right away, I love that you started to cover these, I've been a fan since the Steven universe vids!
I wonder if you'll end up reacting to the Animatics fans have put together, but I'm sure enough people have already put that on your radar. I'll follow along either way. I'm overjoyed that you've been having a good time with it!
YES, I'd love it if you'd continue reacting to this musical! Oh, and Athena's played (artfully) by Teagan Earley, or TE/MO, in the musician space (YES, I love the fact that she does her own music, too).
The next two sagas are two of my favorites from the musical. Up next is the ocean saga (when the crew take a trip to the beach and enjoy the relaxing ocean waves for their beach episode) and the Circe saga (where they visit Circe's island and have another beach episode on her shores).
It's really hard to recognize on a first listen. I didn't recognize him either when the saga first came out, only found out cause the fandom talked about it
would you mind tagging this for spoilers? luckily i already went ahead or this would've been a HUGE spoiler, and some people watching might be new. Thanks in advance!
@@thethirdbill I will not disagree with you whether this counts as a spoiler or not as that’s your call to make, however (while still being vague) I will say this moment was never meant to be a secret. In the official livestream lyric video it either described or showed what happened at this crucial moment, however unfortunately when experiencing EPIC through purely the music it can be harder to pick up on. There was a similar problem that some had in the Troy saga, where certain reactors couldn’t even tell what the fate of the infant was due to relying purely on the music.
@thethirdbill look out for moments like this as you continue with Epic. If you are committed to going audio only you are going to miss a few details that will or will not be important to the story. (Note: i have a feeling that you are going to be even confused when you get to Act 2 because of this)
Jay is a really good illustrator of the strengths in good musical theme and reprises, playing and repeating melody to represent shift and sentiment. It can get a tad excessive but it’s better than most and gets non-musical people to understand it so WIN 🥇🎉
So glad you're enjoying what Jorge has created! It's going to be an emotional journey but you've got this king! Jorge is planning a fully animated musical, trying to work out how to get in on stage, and has three video games in the works too! Also something I LOVE about the musical is the way the instruments change depending on how the characters are feeling. Odysseus is a guitar, acoustic when he's calm and relaxed, but when he's calculating or angry, it turns electric and I think that's so neat
Thank you so much for the dono and kind words! I LOVE how we get unique sounds for different characters and moments! Each location even brings a different motif and it's so cool! UUGH AN ANIMATED MUSICAL WOULD BE SO COOL!!! RIP the original pitch for wicked (it was supposed to be 2D animated waayyyy back in like 2009)
Hi! I loved the analysis for this video! Yes, themes! Omg so many themes and some you really need to listen out for. From rhythm, to lyrics, to morals to backing vocals to even the instruments used (or omitted hint hint) in each song. Athena always has a ticking clock sound in the back for instance (and other character later on have their own too) And a small tidbit: In case you didn’t see the other million and one comments that will likely be yelling it by now, in the song Polyphemus the first voice that croaked out “captain” and died belonged to Polites- the one who sang Open Arms :(
It is a joy to watch you stan these sagas, Epic is close to my heart so watching your enthusiastic reactions is very fun. Hope these are fun for you and you get around to the rest of the sagas when you can.
Loved this reaction/review. ❤ Hope you continue with the Epic reactions and do even more musical-related things. Your reactions to the songs/soundtracks from shows are some of my favourite videos (centaurworld, tangled and etc.)
Super wonderful to see you enjoying Epic and picking it apart!! I'm not sure if it's been mentioned before, but I would definitely recommend checking out some of the animatics for the upcoming sagas! There are tons of talented animators and artists within the sphere of this musical, and Jorge himself actually commissions animatics and art pieces to go along with his work and plays them during the release livestreams! It's a wonderful insight into how he pictures this musical in its physical form as well as it's musical one. It's definitely not a necessity since you typically focus on just the music and lyrics in these types of videos, but even if it's just for yourself and your enjoyment on your own time, I would highly suggest them! I know one of my favorite parts of Epic is how so many different art forms combine to make something so fantastic. The instrumentals and hidden motifs, the vocal performances, the writing, the illustration work, and the animatics are all incredible together. If you do decide to check out some of the animatics, gigi, WolfyTheWitch, XimenaNatzel, AnniFlamma, Crashite, and NealIllustrator are some of the community favorites and have all done amazing work for this project, both commissioned and on their own. One of my absolute favorites is gigi's animatic for Scylla, the visuals add so much to the music and help push it even further! (slight bias as someone with adhd, sometimes I get so caught up in the music I forget to picture the narrative visuals lol) Either way, I'm excited to see you continuing with this series! It's always such an enjoyable watch to see your thoughts!
We need more of this!!!! I suggest listening with the animatics going forward, they'll be helpful in a handful of parts that you really can't tell what's going on from only audio
Hey Bill! I gotta share one of my favourite heartwrenching parts about My Goodbye :D In Warrior of the Mind, Athena sings "Warrior of the miiiiiiind" with one long note. Then, when singing it together with Odysseus, he introduces a specific melody, and right after Athena harmonizes that melody with him. Skip forward to My Goodbye. When Athena sings "This is my goodbyeEeEeE" near the end, she sings it with that same melody. And then she repeats it again... Returning back to her original continuous note. She took it back :(
The sfx's for this saga are some of my favorites of this series. The bow string releasing, the roar, the club smashing alongside the cyclops singing, and the muffled distortion of Ody trying to process everything. It is all just so good. Also the sad, "Don't go!" as the other cyclops walks away.
heck yeah! I'm rarely this early to a video and I'm so happy to see you are checking out more sagas! EPIC is a much loved project, and I hope that your reactions to these sagas will bring your channel some much-deserved attention as well!
I absolutely cannot stress how long I’ve been waiting for you to respond to this musical! You’re the first person I look for when media I enjoy comes out because, of all people, I enjoy your reactions the most.
I really hope you continue with this, I love your appreciation for the themes and such! All nine sagas are out now as of Christmas Day, so there's plenty more to go brrrrr about!
i really hope you listen to more of the musical!!! this musical is quite possibly a masterclass in bringing back motifs, not only in the vocals and lyrics but in the instrumentation too!! (although hidden motifs in the instruments is WAAAYY harder to hear obviously) also yes!! remember them appreciation!!! literally everything in that song is perfection
I actually screamed seeing you post this - I've been following Epic for like 2ish years now and have been hyperfixating on it again recently - SO excited to get your take!! Always love your reactions / the way you analyze stuff! :D
I've been super depressed recently, but watching you talk about one of my favorite things lately helps. ✌🏻 You may be a cyclops apologist now, but just wait. 👀 Polites dying like that sent the whole fandom into a trauma spiral fyi. That comes back up often. 🥺 Teagan (Athena) is the Goat fr fr. 😭💖 Can't wait for the next saga, king!!! I think you will thoroughly enjoy this one, too. Maybe more than the cyclops saga? 👀✨
@thethirdbill I'll be good, thank you! Just learning to deal with extra responsibilities and the stress that comes with it. Keep vibing with your analyses, and stay safe!
ANOTHER EPIC VIDEO SO SOON??? THIS IS SUCH A TREAT!! I love hearing your analysis and especially how you appreciate the music itself along with the story because there's so many amazing leitmotifs and moments of harmony and instruments and AUGH!!! especially since I'm on the "greek mythology nerd" side of it I like seeing Epic the Musical can capture unsuspecting non-nerds
i'll say it till im blue in the face: A XEROX OF A CHAPTER IN AN OLD TEXTBOOK IS NOT A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO GREEK MYTHS AND APPARENTLY THE CARTOONS FAILED TO BE ACCURATE!!!! lol glad you're enjoying the videos!
Something i didnt notice until recently is "a vision of what is to come a foe who wont run" and "Surround him. Attack from behind, and stay on his blindspot and strike the heels" are the same chord progression
Please continue reacting!!! Also, one of the reasons this hit ODY so hard was because he took 600 men to war (like he sings abt) and not one died (like he sings abt) so this is actually the first time the blood of his comrades, his friends, is shed. No wonder it hurts.
YESSSS so happy to see this!!! :D I highly recommend continuing with this musical-I just learned about it shortly before your first upload and have been utterly OSESSED ever since. I havent even listened to all the sagas yet and its quickly becoming one of my favorite mordern musicals.
I CLICKED ON THIS SO FAST!!! This is the most difficult Saga for me to listen to, but it's done SO well. Thank you for the reaction! I really hope this done well so we can keep seeing your reactions to this whole Musical.
Man I’m so happy to see you upload this, I wanna see you listen to more. I do suggest you watch either fan animatics or the official livestream animatics so you know exactly what’s going on, but if you’re fine with just the music that’s cool too. Just very excited to see more.
I think watching the animatics along with the songs will add to your experience a lot. Plus, you could do the full things since Jorge encourages reactions, so no worries about copyright issues!
one of my favorite details is that Odysseus’ name isn’t spoken allowed until Odysseus says it himself at the end of “Remember Them”. it’s almost like he doesn’t just give his name to the cyclops, but to the audience as well.
had a horrible day today so it was so great to be able to snuggle into my blankets and watch Bill listen to more EPIC!!!! I'm so glad he's continuing it, I hope us winions can keep this going so he can finish it!!!!!!!!
Yaaaaaaaaaas!! More of this PLEASE! If for no other reason than to complete the next saga and join the many many MANY fans who simp HARD for one particular god with the most deliciously rough and sexy vocals >:3
oh noooo dooont noooo oh geez better not keep listening oh nooooooooooooo hehehe pretty sure i already know who (there's a comment on that song for prooof)
Something about this music sends my brain spinning in the best way! It’s so cool and epic that I love trying to picture how it would look if it ever actually made it to the stage
I also LOVED how angry, tired, and spiteful Odysseus was in the final speech of Remember Them!! I usually see Odysseus portrayed as gloating and prideful, almost narcissistic in his 'triumph' over Polyphemus. It was SO refreshing to see EPIC's take being more sorrowful, angry, and sick of staining his soul with the blood because of a God's decision for him. I get chills every time I hear it!
I agree completely with this! In my mythology class, we used that moment to talk about the idea of hubris. This take on that situation is interesting for sure!!
RIIGHT?! It's so well done and interesting to pick apart! Thanks for always being supportive Hank! Both with the dono and adding to the discussion! Keeps my silly smooth brain revving!
It was so well done I didn’t realize how dumb of a decision it was until after the song ended, you really get caught up in the moment and feel his sorrow and rage. Like it was an objectively wrong decision but I can still see why he did it
Originally, both in the OG Odyssey and in the first release of the Concept Album before they had to rerecord the first few Sagas due to legal issues, the tone was meant to feel more triumphant, narcissistic, and what not. At least, the calling of his name was. It wasn't until the audio was rerecorded and we got the new concept albums that Ody calling out his name was made to sound angry.
I love this part, I'm a major cyclops stan. Also, I like how this shows both Odysseus' cleverness and cunning to get out of danger, while also showing how spiteful and arrogant he can be. And, as everyone knows, there's nothing the Greek gods despise more than hubris. He's in for a wild voyage.
"Don't fall for it king! he's deceiving you!" killed me 😂
THE CYCLOPS STORY MUST BE TOLD HE DID NOTHING WRONG!!! lmaooo
u @thethirdbill
I'm absolutely loving your reactions, pkease do the rest of them!
“No goddess mommy”
Same energy as “divine sugar mama”
lol what? i dont get the reference haha
@thethirdbill it's a meme from another reactor Mortius, (a pillar in the Epic community he is SO SWEET) who referred to Athena as Odysseus' 'divine sugar momma while they were having their friendship breakup😂
Yeah, that’s funny
Ah yes, the Cyclops Saga, aka the saga when everything starts to go wrong for old Ody.😅
As the number 1 cyclops stan, I stay winning. A winion if you will...
Arguably, that’s the song where he murders a baby…
@@thethirdbillI hear ya, Cyclopses forever! 🎵All we do is win. Win, win, no matter what!🎵
It’s hard to tell without a visual aid, but the first guy to get killed by the cyclops was Polites (the guy Odysseus was with in Open Arms).
This is how I realized there's no real way of knowing that was Polites JUST by listening to the music. I wonder if maybe in another iteration, Jorge will have Odysseus say Polites' name after that "captain...".
@@fountainPoison I guess you would only know audibly when ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ comes on
@@fountainPoison I think Jay really wants this in some kind of visual media (not saying that giving us audio clues would retract from the music, cause it wouldn't); but this may be a reason why it's so hard to hear.
If you had to put something in I like where you suggest also go at the beginning of Remember Them when he can't hear Eury, on repeat almost.
@@fountainPoison Yeah, it's the same vocalist, but it's hard to identify the vocalist by that one line since it's so strained and short
Something that always amazes me with Epic is the Recurring Themes. They Bring them in so Flawlessly.
Like you sit there, listening to a song that stands on its own, and think: "Wait this feels Familiar all of a sudden" and that's when they confirm the feeling to you with something like "Juuust a Maaaan~". These subtle Themes and Melodies are so Beautifully written.
Oh and Yes, Please give us more Epic go BRRRR reactions!
that's what half the silly faces i made were about lmaooo heckin music themes
@@thethirdbillThe motifs just get more and more complex on a musicality pov, so fun to see your thoughts soon!
Please please PLEASE, I wanna see him cry at the end of this musical. Cause we all know he'll be crying by the end.
So please keep doing these reactions. I always love how much attention you pay to the details in each song and how open you are with your emotions ❤
PLEASE watch the animatics for the sagas as well, they provide so much context and are incredible! Loving the reactions so far!
Something interesting about Odysseus in My Goodbye is that the entire time with the cyclops, he's going on about how- well as he says, he's "neither man nor mythical", trying to pose himself as an equal. We even see this in Warrior of the Mind, where he tries to pull Athena down to his level as a mortal. "Bestest of friends!" and "You first and maybe I'll do the same!" etc etc. When he's talking to the gods, he acts like he's an equal, like there's no power dynamic at play, even though there very much is.
But when Zeus asks him to make a decision a god would have to, or when Athena literally tells him to do his job to protect his crew? You're asking too much of me! I can't be expected to act like GODS do! He wants to be treated like he's on level, but if they give him "on level jobs", he can't do that. But how could he? After all, he can lie all he wants, but he's *Just A Man.*
EDIT: It should be worth note there's a LOT MORE to this analysis with the other sagas!! I have SO MUCH to say about Odysseus' relationship with gods and monsters, but for the sake of this being readable without spoilers, I will hold back on those until the content for the other sagas are put out.
This is a fantastic analysis of Odysseus 😮
I mean that would hold up better if the Gods themselves actually made good decisions that benefited people, but they’re mostly just petty and spiteful
I don't agree with that take. You are saying Gods are cruel because they are gods, but Athena and Hermes (even maybe Aeolis) showed it's a choice. So it's not that Oddy takes half of what makes a God when convenient but that he doesn't agree with some gods' values and he's against the hierarchy where gods are top dogs just because of their born powers. That's my take at least
In a way I think that’s the point. The only thing that separates the gods from the mortals is their perpetual lifespan and ability to bend the elements and reality itself. Aside from that there are no different than human beings and Odysseus reminds them of that.
@T7Karou Idk I'd say Aeolus was plenty cruel? Adding a twist to the challenge after Odysseus agreed, along with saying he failed when the *crew* failed was not exactly making the "kinder" choice.
Hermes is different from the others, because they have a familial tie. Hermes is literally his great grandpa lol, he's playing favorites.
That being said, however, I don't really think Ody is against the hierarchy? He doesn't ever seem to voice that, at least. I suppose you can say he does when fighting with Athena, but that's deliberately trying to antagonize her by saying "You're a god, you can't understand my suffering." which again, "you can't hold me to that standard because I'm just a man.". If he was against the hierarchy, I imagine he'd fight against Zeus more, but whenever Zeus shows up he just asks not to do it, and then does it because he can't push back against Zeus in the same way Athena lets him push back. That's a simplification obviously, but I trust you to know what I mean.
EDIT: Just registered Poseidon as a factor. do NOT ask me why I didn't mention him I DON'T KNOW EITHER LMAO.
Correcting my statement. I still don't think Ody is against the entire hierarchy, nor can he fight like he does with Athena with any other god, but Poseidon has spent so much time bothering him, he definitely feels like he can. EVEN THEN THO HE DOESN'T ARGUE WITH POSEIDON UNTIL *THAT* SCENE?? I'm rambling atp but he does that same thing he does with Zeus. Just kind of asks him to stop and then responds accordingly when they don't.
Something that will probably make you even more of a Polyphemus stan is some people argue he was just a kid, the youngest of the cyclops, which would explain his relatively childish speech, his naivety and his grief when his siblings dont come to his aid...sure nothing confirms it in the original but I think it works real well with this iteration !
Also Odysseus' "mercy" here is, imo, only a shield for his vengeance and cruelty...
Cause he left him maimed, which is in mythology worse than being killed. There's honour in dieing fighting while by not killing him he's basically saying "you're not even worth killing"...He is deeply hurt by Polites' death and wants to hurt Polyphemus but justifies it through self righteousness because he is lieing to himself...
Furthermore his whole "remember me and the lesson I tought you" is the very definition of hubris really....
I think he really beleives he did it out of mercy, but deep down it is his way to hurt him...at least that's how I read it !
And I really like that cause we still stan Ody, we love him and know he is hanging in there, but he is also deeply selfish and manipulative, which gives him so much depth !
Rip Polites, this will definitly do a number on our boy !
Commenting for the algo, but also shouting out the same suggestion I made in the last video to watch the animatics along with the songs (or at least go back at some point to watch them) because they are amazing and an extra part of why this musical is so special.
I will start with 2 things:
I love the way that analyze media, I’ve been watching you ever since Bo Burnham’s special came out and you’ve helped put a lot of feelings I have on things into words I probably never would have thought of.
And please continue the series! It becomes so much more extravagant as the sagas go along.
Thank you for making videos and have an awesome day!!
that means a lot to me! you have no idea how badly i needed that right now! :') thank you so much!
One of my favorite details between the first Saga and this one, when Warrior of the Mind plays in the first Saga Athena Holds a sustained note while singing Warrior of the Mind where Odysseus has a run. By the end of the song Athena is accompanying him on the run as if she is leaning into his way of doing things. But by the end of "this is my goodbye", when they reprise that melody, she sustains the note because she is letting go of his way and adopting her old way.
Ok glad someone explained! I went to go find the tiktok Jorge made about this but realized it had spoilers for future things but it’s JUST SO GOOOOOD.
8:13 Polites, that was Polites😭😭
It didn't sound very polite to me... 😭
would you mind tagging this for spoilers? luckily i already went ahead or this would've been a HUGE spoiler, and some people watching might be new. Thanks in advance!
@@thethirdbill you were kinda meant to know from that song, lol. The animatics really help because this musical is designed with a visual element in mind.
Even if you just watch the official animations it'll help, but there's loads to choose from.
@@thethirdbillthat’s something you’re meant to know as soon as it happens!
I'm not mad, no one did anything wrong, i dont understand the vibe here... there are new people checking out the series with me and half the top comments are about the death. Just wanted to lookout for the new people getting into the show with me.
Fun fact, Jorge voices Odysseus AND polyphemus lol
OH and you need to see people's animatic designs for the cyclops it ranges from funny silly to absolutely horrific lmao
Looking at you, mircsy
30 secs in and I’m already doubled over laughing picturing Bill dressed as Kratos singing “The Gods of Olympus have abandoned ME!!” Followed by graceful ribbon dancing with a stone cold serious expression!!😂😂
MANIFEST IT MORE PLS lmaooooo
Since you uploaded your last episode I have been on a new hyper fixation and listened through the musical 10 times in the past week. This is a great musical and can’t wait for you so watch more
MWAHAHA I INFLUENCED!!!! :') hope you enjoyed it!
Okay, I feel like this applies to all of your videos but especially for this and the last video it really does hit how well your lyrical analysis is.
Not only are you just listening to the songs, I love how you're digesting their meaning and forming connections because that's really going to pay off in the future if you continue this series. It's so fun to watch!
I love this story, I love this musical, I've listened to it a million times and to see someone give intelligent, detailed responses to the songs in the writing of this musical is very special to me. Maybe it's because I'm an English major and I don't know but I love this and I really can't wait for you to continue on 💕
:')
Not gonna lie, I'm a Cyclops stan too - Those poor sheep.
Eye for an eye was such a great pun 😂
Need a full version of that Cyclops I will survive song.
Oh Bill not a pegging joke..
hehehe err- I SAID NO SUCH THNG IDONTEVENKNOWWHATTHATIS
Just so you know, Jorge made streams for each saga! It has some cannon visuals and descriptions on what would happen in the story that we can’t hear.❤
One thing I will say about finding the sheep is like... they were DIRECTED to the cave. Killed out of a want to survive, to find a way to feed 600 soldiers... yes, the killed his sheep, his favorite sheep, but does that mean they must die for an ignorant mistake? Punished, absolutely, but killed and EATEN?
See, that's what i love about this part of the odyssey... 'killed and eaten' is what would've happened to the sheep so how is it different from the cyclops POV? Food for thought...not a pun i swear lol
Loved it, like always. Best part about Epic IMO is that most everyone has a valid argument to make. It makes the arguments and falling outs between characters feel real.
Thanks Eggs! Glad you liked it and I agree it's very compelling (so far)
I love how passionate you are about the moment when Odysseus chooses mercy! You’re going to love the rest of the musical
and they all lived happily ever after and everyone is okay THE END
@ of course! What else could happen???
FINALLY SOMEONE GETS IT!!! All these liars telling me something sad happened... how dare they
One of my favorite things musically between Athena and Ody, is that in Warrior of the Mind (WotM) Athena starts by holding the 'I' sound in mind as one note, but when Ody joins in with his run during the 'I' in mind, she starts doing the same. But then in My Goodbye, she starts by singing the 'I' sound in goodb[ye] with the run, but then stops doing the run for the last time she says it, instead holding one very powerful belted note. I just thought it was neat how they showed the development of their relationship through both the words and through the changing repetition of a line throughout those two songs
I love how in Survive the music sets you up to think that you're headed towards a victory, because Odysseus and his men believe that they are. Also, that "spacey" sound that you're hearing at the beginning of "My Goodbye" is a power of Athena's called quick thought. It's not spoilers, but it's hard to know from just the sound alone, and it's never explained in the musical. Athena can essentially pull Odysseus aside into an alternate little space to talk to him by making him think really quickly (hence "quick thought"), signaled by that "spacey" sound, and usually, but not always, a ticking clock. So while Odysseus is experiencing conversations like in Warrior of the Mind and My Goodbye in real time, for everyone else they are happening in the blink of an eye and they don't know it's happening.
I love watching you dive into the emotions of things and where the characters are mentally! It's really satisfying to see you understand the story on a deep level. I can't wait to hear your thoughts and perspective going forward!
Please keep these epic reactions coming!!!! I love this musical and i live for your reactions to music ( i would literally kill to see your reaction to the vengeance and ithaca saga)
please dont do that or ill skip them. Chaotic Good only
I love seeing new people get so excited about this project, this is great! Also bills commentary is such a strong take and analysis of the core music and story itself it’s nice to see that for a lot of people the songs alone convey such depth and meaning as to communicate the story. I can’t wait to see more just a whole storm of Epic the Musical!
:')
"I'm a cyclops apologist" I can't 😂
can't? can't...deny im so true and brave king i dropped this? 👑
I am actually so happy that you doing this, omg !!
Your analysis and videos are my comfort place, and watching you liking Epic is so heartwarming to me!
:')
*Gets notification*
Yay! Bill's reacting to Epic the musical!
*Remembers what Saga he is on*
Oh...oh no
But which arcs don't have an "Oh no" reaction? I can only think of the Circe, Wisdom, Vengeance, and Ithaca sagas. 😅
And then he doesn't notice Polites! 🥲
Subbed for the first video. Mr. Jalepeno Man did so good! I can't wait until you reach the Vengeance Saga. It's my all time favorite! Welcome to Epic Bill!🎉
i can't wait for The Therapy Saga *laughs too hard without blinking*
YES! im going to have to become a member soon so I can see these right away, I love that you started to cover these, I've been a fan since the Steven universe vids!
I wonder if you'll end up reacting to the Animatics fans have put together, but I'm sure enough people have already put that on your radar.
I'll follow along either way. I'm overjoyed that you've been having a good time with it!
YES, I'd love it if you'd continue reacting to this musical! Oh, and Athena's played (artfully) by Teagan Earley, or TE/MO, in the musician space (YES, I love the fact that she does her own music, too).
The next two sagas are two of my favorites from the musical.
Up next is the ocean saga (when the crew take a trip to the beach and enjoy the relaxing ocean waves for their beach episode) and the Circe saga (where they visit Circe's island and have another beach episode on her shores).
“Boy” givin me flash forwards to a certain suitor
*Spoilers for Cyclops Saga*
not him not recognizing Polites dying 😭
Yep, that’s why visuals are important.
It's really hard to recognize on a first listen. I didn't recognize him either when the saga first came out, only found out cause the fandom talked about it
would you mind tagging this for spoilers? luckily i already went ahead or this would've been a HUGE spoiler, and some people watching might be new. Thanks in advance!
@@thethirdbill I will not disagree with you whether this counts as a spoiler or not as that’s your call to make, however (while still being vague) I will say this moment was never meant to be a secret. In the official livestream lyric video it either described or showed what happened at this crucial moment, however unfortunately when experiencing EPIC through purely the music it can be harder to pick up on. There was a similar problem that some had in the Troy saga, where certain reactors couldn’t even tell what the fate of the infant was due to relying purely on the music.
@thethirdbill
look out for moments like this as you continue with Epic. If you are committed to going audio only you are going to miss a few details that will or will not be important to the story. (Note: i have a feeling that you are going to be even confused when you get to Act 2 because of this)
MORE PLEASE
Rip to Polites but i love how you can tell how hard Ody is affected by his death and his "lead from the heart" point of view changes him.
Jay is a really good illustrator of the strengths in good musical theme and reprises, playing and repeating melody to represent shift and sentiment. It can get a tad excessive but it’s better than most and gets non-musical people to understand it so WIN 🥇🎉
So glad you're enjoying what Jorge has created! It's going to be an emotional journey but you've got this king! Jorge is planning a fully animated musical, trying to work out how to get in on stage, and has three video games in the works too!
Also something I LOVE about the musical is the way the instruments change depending on how the characters are feeling. Odysseus is a guitar, acoustic when he's calm and relaxed, but when he's calculating or angry, it turns electric and I think that's so neat
Thank you so much for the dono and kind words! I LOVE how we get unique sounds for different characters and moments! Each location even brings a different motif and it's so cool! UUGH AN ANIMATED MUSICAL WOULD BE SO COOL!!! RIP the original pitch for wicked (it was supposed to be 2D animated waayyyy back in like 2009)
Hi! I loved the analysis for this video! Yes, themes! Omg so many themes and some you really need to listen out for. From rhythm, to lyrics, to morals to backing vocals to even the instruments used (or omitted hint hint) in each song. Athena always has a ticking clock sound in the back for instance (and other character later on have their own too)
And a small tidbit: In case you didn’t see the other million and one comments that will likely be yelling it by now, in the song Polyphemus the first voice that croaked out “captain” and died belonged to Polites- the one who sang Open Arms :(
It is a joy to watch you stan these sagas, Epic is close to my heart so watching your enthusiastic reactions is very fun. Hope these are fun for you and you get around to the rest of the sagas when you can.
Loved this reaction/review. ❤
Hope you continue with the Epic reactions and do even more musical-related things.
Your reactions to the songs/soundtracks from shows are some of my favourite videos (centaurworld, tangled and etc.)
Super wonderful to see you enjoying Epic and picking it apart!! I'm not sure if it's been mentioned before, but I would definitely recommend checking out some of the animatics for the upcoming sagas! There are tons of talented animators and artists within the sphere of this musical, and Jorge himself actually commissions animatics and art pieces to go along with his work and plays them during the release livestreams! It's a wonderful insight into how he pictures this musical in its physical form as well as it's musical one. It's definitely not a necessity since you typically focus on just the music and lyrics in these types of videos, but even if it's just for yourself and your enjoyment on your own time, I would highly suggest them! I know one of my favorite parts of Epic is how so many different art forms combine to make something so fantastic. The instrumentals and hidden motifs, the vocal performances, the writing, the illustration work, and the animatics are all incredible together.
If you do decide to check out some of the animatics, gigi, WolfyTheWitch, XimenaNatzel, AnniFlamma, Crashite, and NealIllustrator are some of the community favorites and have all done amazing work for this project, both commissioned and on their own. One of my absolute favorites is gigi's animatic for Scylla, the visuals add so much to the music and help push it even further! (slight bias as someone with adhd, sometimes I get so caught up in the music I forget to picture the narrative visuals lol)
Either way, I'm excited to see you continuing with this series! It's always such an enjoyable watch to see your thoughts!
I have been summoned by the notification so fast
heckyes!!!!
Kratos may be non canon to the Greek Mythos, but that "Boy" was pretty damn good, so you'd be a shoe in for the role! Immaculate beard, as well!
I absolutely love your videos Bill! I'm super excited to see you react to the rest of EPIC!
:')
Ody: "Attack from behind!"
Bill: "Peg him? 🤨🤨"
We need more of this!!!! I suggest listening with the animatics going forward, they'll be helpful in a handful of parts that you really can't tell what's going on from only audio
Hey Bill! I gotta share one of my favourite heartwrenching parts about My Goodbye :D
In Warrior of the Mind, Athena sings "Warrior of the miiiiiiind" with one long note. Then, when singing it together with Odysseus, he introduces a specific melody, and right after Athena harmonizes that melody with him.
Skip forward to My Goodbye. When Athena sings "This is my goodbyeEeEeE" near the end, she sings it with that same melody. And then she repeats it again... Returning back to her original continuous note. She took it back :(
There are animatics! And Jorge is really cool about reactors using them and the whole songs! So if you want a visual element to the music it exists!
My partner and I both got off Minecraft the moment we saw this video was up to watch it ASAP. So excited for the next one
:') that means so much! thank you both of you!
... on different devicesright?! RIGHT?!?!?! lmaooo
I have loved your videos, PLEASE continue this, it has been my most recent obsession
Yippee!! I love more people getting into Epic AND I love this channel!! Can't wait to see more! :D
Another banger reaction! Cant wait to see you react to more epic!
"it's just one life to take" is the same rationalization for killing the infant being used again on the cyclops
As always loved your reaction!
Hey me, we're almost done with our med pass, we can watch this after
Also me: *itching to click it since I got the notification*
Loved the reaction Bill!
12:18 This part especially 🤣
Thank you for continuing this series. I'll do everything I can to tell UA-cam that I want more!
:')
Omg I'm so excited for this series of reactions! Can't wait for more! 💕
:')
The sfx's for this saga are some of my favorites of this series. The bow string releasing, the roar, the club smashing alongside the cyclops singing, and the muffled distortion of Ody trying to process everything. It is all just so good. Also the sad, "Don't go!" as the other cyclops walks away.
I love watching your analysis while knowing where the themes and story goes. I look forward to watching you react to future sagas.
Here to give love, support, and encouragement to continue your reactions! This musical gets better with every saga!
Love your analysis, as always! Commenting in the hopes it helps to bring more Epic videos. You are a cool human, bye!
:')
heck yeah! I'm rarely this early to a video and I'm so happy to see you are checking out more sagas! EPIC is a much loved project, and I hope that your reactions to these sagas will bring your channel some much-deserved attention as well!
I absolutely cannot stress how long I’ve been waiting for you to respond to this musical! You’re the first person I look for when media I enjoy comes out because, of all people, I enjoy your reactions the most.
:')
ONCE AGAIN THE QUICKNESS WITH WHICH I CLICKED THIS VIDEO. Love these !! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA So excited for more!!!
:')
I really hope you continue with this, I love your appreciation for the themes and such! All nine sagas are out now as of Christmas Day, so there's plenty more to go brrrrr about!
hehe everyone's okay go brr polites is safe ody bestie fix bad things with sky daddies and mommies brrr
i really hope you listen to more of the musical!!! this musical is quite possibly a masterclass in bringing back motifs, not only in the vocals and lyrics but in the instrumentation too!! (although hidden motifs in the instruments is WAAAYY harder to hear obviously)
also yes!! remember them appreciation!!! literally everything in that song is perfection
Im so excited to see your reactions to the other sagas
PLEASE CONTINUE, this show is so good and you’re so good!! 🎉
Screeching god i cant wait for you to react to more. Also your insights are so goooood.
I actually screamed seeing you post this - I've been following Epic for like 2ish years now and have been hyperfixating on it again recently - SO excited to get your take!! Always love your reactions / the way you analyze stuff! :D
:')
RAHH PLEASE MORE EPIC!!! 🙏🙏 Ur breakdowns of each song are so interesting to listen to!!
Glad to see you enjoy this! I hope you continue!!!
Never miss a "WOOH!!!" at every song. Same expression whenever the cast's voices belting over high notes 😊
back with Epic!!! Yippee!!!!
I've been super depressed recently, but watching you talk about one of my favorite things lately helps. ✌🏻
You may be a cyclops apologist now, but just wait. 👀
Polites dying like that sent the whole fandom into a trauma spiral fyi. That comes back up often. 🥺
Teagan (Athena) is the Goat fr fr. 😭💖
Can't wait for the next saga, king!!! I think you will thoroughly enjoy this one, too. Maybe more than the cyclops saga? 👀✨
Hope things improve soon! :')
@thethirdbill I'll be good, thank you! Just learning to deal with extra responsibilities and the stress that comes with it.
Keep vibing with your analyses, and stay safe!
ANOTHER EPIC VIDEO SO SOON??? THIS IS SUCH A TREAT!! I love hearing your analysis and especially how you appreciate the music itself along with the story because there's so many amazing leitmotifs and moments of harmony and instruments and AUGH!!! especially since I'm on the "greek mythology nerd" side of it I like seeing Epic the Musical can capture unsuspecting non-nerds
i'll say it till im blue in the face: A XEROX OF A CHAPTER IN AN OLD TEXTBOOK IS NOT A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO GREEK MYTHS AND APPARENTLY THE CARTOONS FAILED TO BE ACCURATE!!!! lol glad you're enjoying the videos!
Something i didnt notice until recently is "a vision of what is to come a foe who wont run" and
"Surround him. Attack from behind, and stay on his blindspot and strike the heels" are the same chord progression
Love this :) I hope you end up reacting to the rest of the series!
Please continue reacting!!! Also, one of the reasons this hit ODY so hard was because he took 600 men to war (like he sings abt) and not one died (like he sings abt) so this is actually the first time the blood of his comrades, his friends, is shed. No wonder it hurts.
No spoilers but there is a song in the Ocean Saga that I am VERY excited to see your reaction to...
Cool. that skyrocketed my recent hyper fixation even more ❤
me? really?! :')
I love the openness you have with your feelings when you react its my favorite thing. Seconding everyone elses comment to hop on and watch animatics
Bill, will you see the animatics after? I would LOVE watching you see it
YESSSS so happy to see this!!! :D I highly recommend continuing with this musical-I just learned about it shortly before your first upload and have been utterly OSESSED ever since. I havent even listened to all the sagas yet and its quickly becoming one of my favorite mordern musicals.
you heard about it...from mee though... MEEEEE RIGHT?! RIIIGHT????????? :')
@thethirdbill ABSOLUTELY YESSIR 🫡
I'm so happy you started reacting to epic, I've been wanting an excuse to watch this channel again cuz it's been forever
im not a good enough excuse? lol dang
THIS IS ME MAKING SOME NOISE FOR THE ALGORYTHM, i need you to do the entire musical or else i wont be able to sleep at night
I CLICKED ON THIS SO FAST!!! This is the most difficult Saga for me to listen to, but it's done SO well. Thank you for the reaction! I really hope this done well so we can keep seeing your reactions to this whole Musical.
Man I’m so happy to see you upload this, I wanna see you listen to more.
I do suggest you watch either fan animatics or the official livestream animatics so you know exactly what’s going on, but if you’re fine with just the music that’s cool too. Just very excited to see more.
I think watching the animatics along with the songs will add to your experience a lot. Plus, you could do the full things since Jorge encourages reactions, so no worries about copyright issues!
one of my favorite details is that Odysseus’ name isn’t spoken allowed until Odysseus says it himself at the end of “Remember Them”. it’s almost like he doesn’t just give his name to the cyclops, but to the audience as well.
had a horrible day today so it was so great to be able to snuggle into my blankets and watch Bill listen to more EPIC!!!! I'm so glad he's continuing it, I hope us winions can keep this going so he can finish it!!!!!!!!
hope things improve soon! :')
Yaaaaaaaaaas!! More of this PLEASE! If for no other reason than to complete the next saga and join the many many MANY fans who simp HARD for one particular god with the most deliciously rough and sexy vocals >:3
oh noooo dooont noooo oh geez better not keep listening oh nooooooooooooo hehehe pretty sure i already know who (there's a comment on that song for prooof)
I WANT MORE OF THIS FROM THE SAD BILL MAN
PLEASE UA-cam,I WANT MORE OF THIS FROM THE SAD BILL MAN.
YES! YES! SCREAM LOUDER!!!!
Something about this music sends my brain spinning in the best way! It’s so cool and epic that I love trying to picture how it would look if it ever actually made it to the stage
Holy shit I’m early- was not expecting this on my lunch break but man is it appreciated!
hope you had a good break! :')