Homer’s Odyssey An Epic

What is an Epic? An epic is a long narrative poem that tells of the adventures of heroes who in some way embody the values of their civilization.

Characteristics of an Epic Epics usually include: A physically impressive hero of national or historical importance, otherwise known as an epic hero A vast setting involving much of the known physical world and sometimes the land of the dead as well Action such as a quest or journey taken in search of something of value Evidence of supernatural forces at work Glorification of the hero at the end A rootedness in a specific culture and society

The Iliad and The Odyssey The background for The Odyssey is found in the Iliad. Both epic poems, written by Homer, surround the Trojan War that took place as early as 1200 B.C. The Iliad tells of a ten year war fought outside the city of Troy, over a woman-- Helen. The Odyssey tells of one man’s long journey home from the Trojan War.

The Iliad Tells of the Trojan War- fought between the people of Troy and an alliance of Greek kings. The war was caused by jealousy: Helen of Troy, the world’s most beautiful woman, abandoned her husband, Menalaus, a Greek king, and ran off with Paris, a Prince of Troy.

The Odyssey The Odyssey is about one man’s journey home to Ithaca from the Trojan war– Odysseus. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, left home, after much persuasion, to fight with the Greeks in the Trojan War. According to Homer, the epics’ alleged author, it was Odysseus who thought up the Trojan horse trick. The Odyssey is about all of the things Odysseus encounters trying to get home from the war, after having been gone for 20 years.

Characters Telemachus- Odysseus’ son was just a baby when Odysseus left for war. Penelope- Odysseus’ wife has had to defend her home against would-be suitors who want to marry her and plunder Odysseus’ kingdom. Circe- a witch

Greek Mythology in The Odyssey Zeus- god of all gods Poseidon- sea god Polyphemus- cyclops, son of Poseidon Calypso- a sea nymph Hermes- messenger god Athena- goddess of wisdom, protector of Odysseus

Odysseus: Epic Hero or Ego Trip? Odysseus has many qualities of an epic hero. However, some people believe he was simply a man on an ego trip. On his journey home, Odysseus lost all of his men and all of his ships– often through a mistake of his own. Historians and scholars say that the trip home, from Troy to Ithaca, should have only lasted two weeks instead, it lasted 10 years.

Odysseus’ Journey