An Introduction to

“odyssey” meaning: a long journey with many adventures or a spiritual or intellectual quest the word “odyssey” derives from the name Odysseus, the main character from The Odyssey (he is also referred to as Ulysses in classic literature)

Why read The Odyssey ? It’s a great adventure that has stood the test of time – a classic! It follows the Hero’s Journey pattern.

Who was Homer?

Homer Homer is the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey (both are based on the most famous event in Greek history—the Trojan War). The Iliad and The Odyssey were composed sometime between 900 and 700 B.C.E.!

Homer Homer was a blind minstrel (he told stories to entertain and to make his living).

Homer Audiences had to listen carefully (this is “oral tradition” so there was a lot of repetition and improvisation used). The epics were not originally written -- The Greek alphabet didn’t appear until 725 BCE.

Homer other traveling poets (called rhapsodes) memorized and recited these epics in the banquet halls of kings and noble families

Homer? history is vague on Homer’s identity; some say there were actually two Homers (some say he is just a legend, others say that a whole series of rhapsodes composed various parts of the epics)

Myth and Epic “Myth” is a story that uses fantasy to express ideas about life not easily done in realistic terms. Myths also stress the relationship of human beings to a higher, spiritual realm.

Myth and Epic The Iliad and The Odyssey are both epics! “epic” is a long story poem about a legendary hero the supernatural plays an important role The Iliad and The Odyssey are both epics!

Myth and Epic The Iliad (a war epic) is named for Ilion (another name for the city of Troy); it opens in the 10th and last year of the Trojan War.

Myth and Epic The Odyssey (a journey epic) is 11,300 lines long and divided into 24 “books.”

Myth and Epic Homer used the Trojan War as the basis of his poems (but added his own plot structure, characters, dialogue, and details of fabulous monsters).

Myth and Epic The Odyssey also retells how Odysseus conceives a plan to leave a huge wooden horse filled with Greek warriors outside the gates of Troy.

The Odyssey a story told in 3 stages

The Odyssey Part 1: a story of what happens in Ithaca to Odysseus’ wife (Penelope) and son (Telemachus) as they await his return

The Odyssey Part 2: a story of Odysseus’ wanderings after the Trojan War (the war lasted 10 years and his wanderings lasted another 10 years!)

The Odyssey Part 3: a story of how Odysseus returns home to Ithaca and joins forces with his grown son to destroy his enemies

The Odyssey a story involving 3 sets of characters

The Odyssey the Greek gods humans supernatural monsters and creatures

The Odyssey the Greek gods were interested in human affairs and often intervened to protect or punish mortals

The Odyssey Homer’s portrayal of the gods made them seem human (they quarreled, loved, and were jealous).

The Odyssey Homer is always respectful of the gods (which is essential for survival)

The Odyssey Point of View (split) narration is omniscient (offering insight into the thoughts and feelings of even minor characters, gods, and mortals alike) Odysseus narrates Books 9-12 in the first person

The Odyssey Major Conflicts: Odysseus must return home; he must also vanquish the suitors who threaten his estate Telemachus must mature and secure his own reputation in Greek society