1. An Introductory Lecture
Homer’s Odyssey
An Introductory Lecture

2. Overview
Greek Mythology
The Trojan War
The Odyssey

3. Setting
Greece 1250 B.C.E.

4. Write responses in your notes.
Think about…
What is a myth?
What purpose do they serve?
What is an example of a myth? Briefly describe one.
How do ancient myths connect to our lives today?
Write responses in your notes.

5. Myths
A myth is an explanation of something in nature; how everything in the universe came into existence and all that happens
Myths are early science but also entertainment; they are precursors to modern literature
Greek mythology is made up of stories about gods and goddesses

6. The Gods Zeus, king of the gods Hera, Zeus’ wife, queen of the gods
Athena, goddess of wisdom
Poseidon, god of the sea
Hades, god of the underworld
Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty
Artemis, goddess of the hunt
Apollo, Artemis’ twin, god of the sun
Ares, god of war

7. The Trojan War
Archaeological remains provide evidence of a war around B.C.E., but cause unknown
Scholars believe the war began over control of the trade route between the Aegean and Black Seas
Ancient mythology states that the war began over a woman

8. ? The Story King Peleus marries sea nymph Thetis
All gods on Olympus are invited except ERIS, the Goddess of Discord
Eris crashes the wedding and leaves a parting gift: an apple with the words “For The Fairest” on it
Hera (Queen of Gods), Athena, (Goddess of Wisdom/War), and Aphrodite (Goddess of Love) all claim the apple
Paris, Prince of Troy, will be the judge ?

9. Paris chooses Aphrodite
The Bribe
Hera offers him POWER
Athena offers him WISDOM
Aphrodite offers him the MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN in the WORLD
Paris chooses Aphrodite

10. “the face that launch’d a thousand ships”
Helen’s Abduction
Helen is the beautiful daughter of King of Sparta (in Greece)
Helen has many suitors, and they swear oath to protect Helen and her new husband
Father chooses Menelaus and makes him King of Sparta also
Paris abducts Helen
One thousand ships, including Odysseus and Achilles, leave for Troy
“the face that launch’d a thousand ships”

11. NOTE: Zeus favored the Trojans, but stayed neutral to please Hera
Taking Sides
THE TROJANS
(Paris/Hector)
Aphrodite
Ares
Apollo
Artemis
THE GREEKS
(Achilles/Odysseus)
Hera
Athena
Poseidon
NOTE: Zeus favored the Trojans,
but stayed neutral to please Hera

12. The Bloody War Lasted ten years Hand-to-hand combat
Periods of temporary truce to bury the dead
No fighting after sunset

13. Clever Odysseus
The Greeks build a gigantic hollow horse and hide inside
Sinon chosen to tell a tale of the Greeks leaving
Priest Laocoon tried to warn the Trojans: “I fear the Greeks even when they bear gifts”
Poseidon sent a serpent to kill Laocoon

14. Surprise! In middle of night Greeks leave horse and attack
Troy is in flames before Trojans know what has happened
King of Troy dead, women and children become slaves
Helen is returned to Menelaus

15. Odysseus’ Fate Greeks violated Trojan temples
Greeks did not offer sacrifices to the gods to thank them for their victory
Odysseus, creator of the Horse, will suffer the most
It is the END of the war…but for Odysseus, the adventure is just BEGINNING

16. Homer
YES! NO

17. Homer Lived some 2700 years ago
Greatest and finest Greek bard (singer-poet) who also happened to be blind
First recorder of formerly oral, epic poems that served to entertain the ancient Greeks
Wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey around 700 B.C.E.
By the time they were written down, these works had survived 400 years of additions, subtractions, and mutations

18. Epic Poetry
An epic is a story-poem about a great hero who performs daring deeds that require superhuman courage
Told orally, not written, recited from memory by minstrels (traveling entertainers)
In Greek epics the gods frequently help or hinder the hero

19. Characteristics Vast setting Style Plot Themes Formal tone and diction
Hero delivers long, formal speeches
Plot
A dangerous journey in foreign lands
Supernatural beings
Themes
Reflects timeless values
Universal themes, such as good vs. evil

20. Homeric Hero A larger-than-life figure Usually male and of noble birth
Takes part in long, dangerous adventures
Reflects the values and ideals of a nation
Actions determine the fate of his people
Seeks revenge for injustices or wrongs committed against him, his family, his society
Performs courageous acts

21. Homeric Hero Excels in skill, strength, and courage
Accepts challenges and sometimes invites problems
Generous to his followers, ruthless to enemies
Encounters women who tempt him
Usually has a guide
Battles demons or monsters
Achieves his goal

22. The Odyssey
What is the literal definition of an odyssey? What is its metaphorical definition?
An odyssey can be described as
A series of wanderings
Trials and tribulations
Joys and successes
How can I use Odysseus’ journey as a paradigm for my life?

23. Plot Picks up after the conclusion of the Iliad
10-year adventurous voyage of Odysseus and his men after the Trojan War
His intended destination is his homeland of Ithaca and his beloved wife Penelope
Unfortunately, they get a little sidetracked…

24. The Journey Call to Adventure… The Trojan War
Wise, Helpful Guides… The Gods & Goddesses
Dangerous Trials… Sea Perils/Temptations
Meeting the Monster… Cyclops, Scylla, Charybdis
The Enchanted Forest… The Land of the Dead
The Sacrifice… His Crew
The Hero’s Return… Victory in Ithaca

25. Structure Divided into three sections As you read, consider:
Books 1-4: Focus on Odysseus’ son
Books 5-12: Describe Odysseus as he makes his way home to Ithaca
Books 13-24: Describe the events after his return to Greece and is reunited with his family
As you read, consider:
The role of the hero (that which is within his control)
The role of divine intervention (that which is beyond the hero’s control)

26. Themes Hospitality to strangers Loyalty to friends
Reputation (balance of pride and honor)
Importance of family
Courage

27. Essential Questions
Identity
How do your actions demonstrate your character?
Power
What are the responsibilities of a leader?

28. The End