By: Homer
A long time ago in a place far, far away… There was a man named Homer…
…and his epic called the Odyssey
An Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey
Homer: The Man of Mystery
Who was HOMER? Homer was a blind minstrel (he told stories to entertain and to make his living); audiences had to listen carefully (this is “oral tradition” so there was a lot of repetition)
Other traveling poets (called rhapsodes) memorized and recited these epics in the banquet halls of kings and noble families
Homer Although Homer was blind, it is believed that he once did have vision since his writings are so vivid and descriptive.
History is vague on Homer’s identity; some say he is just a legend, others say that a whole series of rhapsodes composed various parts of the epics The epics were not originally written--the Greek alphabet didn’t appear until 725 BC
Great Epics of Ancient Greece Homer used the Olympian Gods and Goddess in most of his poems He is most Famous for The Odyssey and The Iliad
Why do we read The Odyssey? The Odyssey is part of our cultural capital as Westerners Birthplace of Western civilization: Greece-Rome-Europe-Americas Great adventure story! Has stood the test of time—a classic! Follows the Hero’s Journey pattern! AND because we have to
The Epic
Epic- a long narrative poem that relates the deeds of a hero
MYTH AND EPIC “Myth” is a story that uses fantasy to express ideas about life not easily done in realistic terms (it also stresses the relationship of human beings to a higher, spiritual realm)
An epic contains the following elements: 1. Hero- is child of a god Has a remarkable birth or childhood Possesses unusual strength or powers Has traits valued by society Conceals or does not know his identity
An epic contains the following elements : 2. Quest- Journey taken search of something of value 3. Challenges- Faced by the hero during the quest 4. Assistance- To the hero in the form of friends, animals, gods, or magical objects
EPICS Things you will discover once you have read an Epic: Classical Allusions: references to mythology Example: She had the face that launched a thousand ships—Refers to Helen of Troy from The Illiad. You will find these allusions in other literature, movies, everyday conversations, and even in modern day advertising. Example: Percy Jackson series, Honda Odyssey van, Venus razors, Good Year tires with Hermes wings, etc.
(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) Hospitality: Treat all guests with respect Be nice first, ask questions later A stranger could be a god in disguise! Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test. . .
(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) Arete: Greek idea of excellence, an ideal of human perfection Intelligence (be smart and cunning) Strength Courage Duty Qualities as valor and virtue, making up good character
(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) Religion: Actions should please the gods Fate controlled by the god Humans need the gods (man, without the gods, is nothing) [Odysseus’ revelation] Humans should honor gods through sacrifices, asking gods for help, and giving credit to gods
The Iliad and Odyssey are based on the famous Trojan War
Trojan War Images may be subject to copyright.Send feedback Goddess Girls 6 Bk Pack: Athena the Brain | Persephone the Phony ... www.amazon.com260 × 237Search by image Goddess Girls 6 Bk Pack: Athena the Brain | Persephone the Phony | Aphrodite the Beauty | Artemis the Brave | Athena the Wise | Artemis the Loyal Related images: View more
Eris: Goddess of chaos, strife and discord
Aphrodite: Goddess of Love Hera: Goddess of Marriage, Women and Birth Athena: Goddess of Wisdom
Paris a Trojan mortal
Hera offered to make him king of Europe and Asia, Athena offered wisdom and skill in war Aphrodite offered the most beautiful woman, Helen of Sparta