The Odyssey

What is an Epic? A long narrative poem about a legendary hero who represents the cultural values of a nation. The poem is in a formal and dignified tone. Supernatural elements are frequently present.

Homer Poet He was thought to be blind, but describes events as a seeing person. Lived around 1200 B.C.

Homer Wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey - stories about the war between the Trojans and the Greeks.

The Illiad Story of the last year of the Trojan War War had lasted 10 years. Troy was defeated when Ulysses and his men were able to get inside the walls of Troy concealed within the body of the Trojan horse.

The Trojan Horse

The Odyssey The story of the journey of Ulysses and his men trying to get home after the Trojan War. The journey takes 10 years An epic about humans on the journey of life overcoming temptations along the way.

The Odyssey Today, The Odyssey has been reinterpreted into several different works of film and television.

Themes The Power of guile over Strength The Pitfalls of Temptation

THE MORTALS

ULYSSES The main character is called either Ulysses (Latin), Odysseus (Greek), or Ulixes (Roman). Also known as Olysseus, Oulixeus, or Oulixes. Ulysses is the king of Ithaca and the husband of Penelope. When he left to fight the Trojan War, he left Penelope pregnant with his son, Telemachus. Ulysses is well-known for his resourcefulness and guile and is known by his epithet, “Ulysses the Cunning.”

ULYSSES The Iliad and The Odyssey are not the only stories that Ulysses is mentioned in! The Romans hated the guy and in Virgil's, Aeneid, the story of the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan who traveled to Italy and became the ancestor of the Romans, Ulysses is referred to as “cruel Odysseus” or “deceitful Odysseus.” Although Ulysses’ cunning and deceit were admired by the Greeks, the Romans saw it as dishonorable.

Penelope Wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus. Penelope spends her days in the palace pining for the husband who left for Troy twenty years earlier and never returned. Homer portrays her as sometimes flighty and excitable but also clever and steadfastly true to her husband.

Telemachus (Tell-e-mack-us) Odysseus’s son. He is a natural obstacle to the suitors desperately courting his mother, but despite his courage and good heart, he initially lacks the poise and confidence to oppose them.

EURYLOCHUS (Your-E-Low-Cuss) Ulysses’ second in command. Cowardly and unpleasant, he frequently undermines Ulysses’ authority and causes trouble. Relative of Ulysses through marriage.

Antinous The most arrogant of Penelope’s suitors. Antinous leads the campaign to have Telemachus killed.

Eurymachus A manipulative, deceitful suitor. Eurymachus’s charisma and duplicity allow him to exert some influence over the other suitors.

Amphinomus Among the dozens of suitors, the only decent man seeking Penelope’s hand in marriage. Amphinomus sometimes speaks up for Odysseus and Telemachus.

Eumaeus The loyal shepherd who, along with the cowherd Philoetius, helps Odysseus reclaim his throne after his return to Ithaca.

Eurycleia The aged and loyal servant who nursed Odysseus and Telemachus when they were babies. Eurycleia is well informed about palace intrigues and serves as confidante to her masters.

Tiresias A Theban prophet, Tiresias meets Odysseus when Odysseus journeys to the underworld. He shows Odysseus how to get back to Ithaca and allows Odysseus to communicate with the other souls in Hades.

THE GODS

Zeus Also known as Jupiter or Jove. Ruler of all the Gods.

Poseidon God of the sea. He despises Odysseus and constantly hampers his journey home.

Athena Daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom, purposeful battle, and the womanly arts. Athena assists Odysseus and Telemachus with divine powers throughout the epic, and she speaks up for them in the councils of the gods on Mount Olympus.

THE DEMIGODS & MONSTERS

THE SIRENS The Sirens are dangerous bird- women who lured in sailors with their enchanting music.

CALYPSO The beautiful nymph who falls in love with Odysseus when he lands on her island- home of Ogygia. Calypso holds him prisoner there for seven years until Hermes, the messenger god, persuades her to let him go.

CIRCE (Sir-Cee) The beautiful witch-goddess who transforms Odysseus’s crew into swine when he lands on her island. With Hermes’ help, Odysseus resists Circe’s powers and then becomes her lover, living in luxury at her side for a year.

Polyphemus One of the Cyclopes (uncivilized one-eyed giants) whose island Odysseus comes to soon after leaving Troy. Polyphemus imprisons Odysseus and his crew and tries to eat them. He is Poseidon's son.

Charybdis (Car-Rib-Diss) A monster at the bottom of the ocean who, three times a day, caused a whirlpool that would pull in sailors to their deaths.

Scylla (Cil-Uh) A monster with 12 feet and 6 heads with 3 rows of teeth, carries off a sailor in each mouth