T HE O DYSSEY

E PIC P OEM The Odyssey is an epic A long narrative poem describing action, travel, adventures, and heoric episodes. It is written in a somewhat lyric style It may have as many as twenty four books (chpaters) Most epic poems begin with a statement of the theme.

C HARACTERISTICS OF E PICS The deeds of the hero are presented without favoritism— they show his failings as well as his virtues. The actions, often battles, reveal the more-than-human strength of heroes as they do courageous and heroic things.

M ORE C HARACTERISTICS Involve muses and idols/gods Give histories and descriptions of significant items, such as the Trojan Horse Involve long, formal speeches by important characters. Involve journeys The setting can cover several nations, the whole world, or even the universe. The episodes, even though they may be made up, provide an explanation for some events in history or nations of people.

E VEN M ORE C HARACTERISTICS The gods and lesser divinities play an active role in the outcome of actions. All of the various adventures relate in some way to the theme.

T WO M OST F AMOUS E PICS The Iliad The Odyssey Both written by Homer

E LEMENTS OF AN EPIC HERO 1. Supernatural abilities/qualities 2. On a quest/journey 3. Hero is tested often to prove he is worthy 4. Hero is given help from mythical people/creatures

MORE E LEMENTS OF EPIC HEROES 5. Travels to the supernatural world that most humans cannot get to. 6. The hero must get to a very LOW point where he is about to give up the quest. 7. Goes through a “ressurrection” and gets the strength to continue with a renewed spirit. 8. Regains his rightful place (as king, etc.)

HOMER Lived around 1200 BC Both the Iliad and The Odyssey are stories about the war between the Trojans and the Greeks which happened between 900 and 700 b.c.

T HE I LLIAD Tells the story of the Trojan War It is a prelude to The Odyssey. The most famous story from The Iliad is that of the Trojan Horse, which was built by Odysseus and his men.

T HE T ROJAN H ORSE

T HE O DYSSEY An epic poem made up of 24 books (chapters) It tells the story of Odysseus’ adventures on his way home from the Trojan War, and the events that happen in Ithaca before he returns. The hero is long-suffering Odysseys, king of Ithaca and its surrounding islands. He is also the hero of the Trojan War. He has been gone 20 years

T HE O DYSSEY It takes place in the 10 years following the Trojan War The setting changes throughout the story The epic begins “in media res” (translated: in the middle of things)

T HE O DYSSEY Incorporates strange lands and monsters It incorporates gods and goddesses & supernatural forces Each of them has something to do with Odysseus and his journey

THEMES OF THE ODYESSY PRIDE & HONOR TEMPTATION LOYALTY PERSEVERANCE VENGEANCE

Characters Odysseus The protagonist. He is a strong and courageous warrior but is most known for his wisdom and quick thinking. He is a favorite of the goddess Athena, who often sends him divine aid. He is the bitter enemy of Poseidon (the antagonist), who dislikes Odysseus because Odysseus blinds Poseidon’s son.

Characters Penelope--the wife of Odysseus, who waits faithfully for 20 years for her husband’s return. Telemachus-- Odysseus and Penelope’s son.

Characters Calypso--The beautiful nymph who falls in love with Odysseus when he lands on her island. She holds him prisoner for seven years. Alcinous- King of the Phaeacians, he welcomes Odysseus on his island and hears the story of Odysseus’ wanderings and provides him with safe passage back to Ithaca.

Characters Laertes--Odysseus’ father (he does not appear in the story, but is mentioned) Circe-- a goddess and enchantress who lives on the island of Aeaea. She changes Odysseus’ men into pigs because of their rude behavior. Zeus--King of gods and men, he sometimes helps Odysseus or permits Athena to help him.

Characters Athena-- Daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom & war. -- She assists Odysseus and Telemachus with divine powers throughout the epic. --She often appears in disguise as Mentor, an old friend of Odysseus. Apollo-- Son of Zeus and god of the sun, music, poetry, prophecy, & medicine.

Characters Poseidon -- The god of the sea, earthquakes, & horses. Polyphemus-- the cyclops that battles Odysseus. Eurylochus-- a trusted officer of Odysseus. Persephone-- wife of Hades, the ruler of the underworld

Characters Hermes-- the messenger god, persuades Calypso to let Odysseus leaver her island. Tiresias of Thebes-- a blind prophet whose spirit visits Odysseus in the underworld. Sirens--creatures, part woman and part bird whose songs lure sailors to their death. Scylla-- 6 headed sea monster who eats sailors.