1. Background and Introduction
The Odyssey
Background and Introduction

2. Background The Iliad and The Odyssey were written around 800-700 B.C.E
May be the result of generations of oral poetic composition, to which numerous ancient singers contributed
A blind poet named Homer usually gets the credit for composing the epics
Background

3. The Trojan War Trojans vs. Achaeans Troy vs. Greece
May have occurred around 1200 B.C.E
Began when Paris, a prince of Troy, kidnapped Helen from her husband Menelaus, the king of Sparta
Menelaus recruited kings from all over Greece to help him avenge his honor and recover his wife
Odysseus, king of the island of Ithaca, joined as well
The war raged on for 10 years, until finally Odysseus (known as the master strategist) thought of the plan of the Trojan Horse
A giant wooden horse was built and Greek soldiers hid inside
Trojans woke in the morning to see the horse, and not a soldier in sight
Thinking that the Greeks had fled and left a peace offering, the Trojans brought the horse into their walled city
That night, all of the Greek soldiers evacuated the horse and fought the townspeople from within
Trojans vs. Achaeans
Troy vs. Greece

4. The Odyssey The word “Odyssey” is Greek for “journey”
The hero is Odysseus (Ulysses) who is trying to return home after fighting for 10 years
He is known for his craft and guile that helps him get out of tricky situations
Begins with 720 men and 12 ships
Journey lasts for 10 years, in which Odysseus is the only survivor
Finally, makes it home to his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus
The Odyssey
An overview…

5. Intervention of the Gods
Gods took an active role in human affairs and behaved in human ways
The Odyssey contains instances of divine interference
Example: Athena was on Odysseus’ side, but he angered those who were on the side of Troy and continues to anger them through his adventures and misadventures
Homer’s audience would have seen this epic much like we see fantasy or sci-fi

6. The Titans Heaven and earth were formed as the first parents Titans
Titans were their children
Titans
Elder Gods, Enormous size, Incredible strength
Olympians were their children

7. Olympians Zeus overthrew the Titans and banished many of them
Mount Olympus was their home
Mountain top
Mysterious region above the mountains, Not heaven

9. Zeus (Jupiter)
Zeus, Poseidon and Hades drew lots for their share of the Universe
Zeus won the sky (supreme ruler)
Not all-knowing nor all-present

10. Poseidon (Neptune) God of the sea/ocean
Objects held sacred: trident, horses and bulls.
controlled sea through emotions, anger, fury

11. Pallas Athena (Minerva)
Protector of civilization
Goddess of the City
Had a special fondness for the Greeks
Human Qualities: wisdom and purity
Born fully formed (and in full armor) from her father’s head
Fierce and ruthless
First tamed horses for men to use
Zeus’s favorite child
Known as “gray-eyed” or “flashing-eyed”
Temple was the Parthenon
In poetry: wisdom, reason, purity

12. Phoebus Apollo God of light and truth Powers: Musician; archer
Human Qualities: beautiful, link between gods and men; sometimes cruel

13. Hermes (Mercury) Zeus’ messenger
Powers: messenger and guide for the dead
Known for winged sandals, hat and magic wand
Human Qualities: shrewd and cunning - Master Thief

14. Contains both real and imaginary locations in the Mediterranean
Places of The Odyssey
Contains both real and imaginary locations in the Mediterranean

17. The Epic A long, narrative poem
tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or a race
Based on legends, but are works of the imagination
Set in an imaginary past, a time supposedly better than the current time
Epic Hero- a larger than life figure who embodies the ideals of a nation or race
Takes part in long, dangerous adventures
Accomplishes deeds that require both courage and superhuman strength

18. Epic Conventions Foreshadowing Alliteration Similes and Metaphors
Epithets- descriptive phrases used to characterize a person or thing
Dawn
“fingertips of rose”
Odysseus
“Son of Laertes”
“Master mariner”
Epic Simile- an elaborate, more involved simile that compares two unlike things using like or as

19. Epic Simile Example
“And Odysseus Let the bright molten tears run down his cheeks, weeping [like] the way a wife mourns for her lord on the lost field where he has gone down fighting the day of wrath that came upon his children. At sight of the man panting and dying there, she slips down to enfold him, crying out; then feels the spears, prodding her back and shoulders, and goes bound into slavery and grief. Piteous weeping wears away her cheeks: but no more piteous than Odysseus’ tears, cloaked as they were, now, from the company.”

20. You are now ready to read and understand The Odyssey!
The End…
You are now ready to read and understand The Odyssey!