THE ODYSSEY

What is a myth? 4 A story that uses fantasy to express ideas about life that cannot be explained in realistic terms 4 A story that is concerned about the relationship between human beings and the unknown

What is an epic? 4 A long narrative poem 4 tells of a physically impressive hero 4 A vast setting involving much of the known world 4 Action involving a quest or a journey 4 Evidence of supernatural forces 4 Glorification of the hero at the end 4 Rooted in a specific culture and society

Who is Homer? 4 An ancient Greek poet traditionally considered to be the composer of The Iliad and the Odyssey. 4 According to tradition, he was blind. 4 Were there really two Homers? 4 Is he only a legend? 4 He would have told the story in more than one sitting

What is a Homeric simile? 4 An extended comparison comparing heroic or epic events to simple and easily understood everyday events 4 Example from The Iliad: ( Athena prevents an arrow from hitting Menelaus) She brushed it away from his skin as lightly as when a mother Brushes a fly away from her child who is lying in sweet sleep. (text, pg. 884)

Names that are part of the story 4 Achilles—the greatest Greek warrior 4 Agamemnon—the leader of the Greeks 4 Calypso--a sea goddess 4 Zeus--chief of the Greek gods and goddesses 4 Poseidon--god of the sea 4 Aeollus--god of the winds 4 Telemachus—the son of Odysseus; an infant when his dad leaves to fight the war 4 The prudent student will check pg

Helpful Background 4 The Trojan War took place in the 11 th or 12 th Century BC 4 The Greeks (called Achaeans in this story) attacked Troy because Paris, Troy’s prince, stole Helen, the wife of the Greek Menelaus 4 The story of the Trojan War is told in Homer’s story The Illiad 4 Now we’re ready for Part Two, The Odyssey 4 Odysseus departs from Troy with a fleet of 12 ships carrying about 700 men 4 Odysseus angers Poseidon with his prideful remarks 4 As a consequence, Odysseus uses his skills to fight monsters, battle storms, and face challenges 4 Will he ever see home and family again????

CONFLICT 4 Internal –pride –bragging, boasting –curiosity –hunger for fame –homesickness 4 External –war –nature –gods, goddesses –monsters –Penelope’s suitors