The Odyssey Notes

The Author: Homer Believed to have lived during the 8th and 9th century B.C. Known as the “blind poet” though there is no actual proof Controversy surrounds Homer’s life and works as there was very little recorded history during the time period in which he lived.

Homer Rhythm and repetition helped Homer remember the story when he told it orally. He wrote both the Iliad and the Odyssey. They were thought to be composed in 750 B.C. - the earliest surviving epic poems.

Homer’s Epic Poems

The Iliad Tells of a 10-year war fought on the plains beyond the walls of Troy. The ruins of Troy can still be seen today in western Turkey. In Homer’s story, the Trojan War was fought between the Trojans and the Achaeans.

Started over Peris choosing Helen as the most beautiful woman instead of Hera. Paris elopes with Helen even though she is married to Agamemnon; Trojan War begins. Achilles fought with the Achaeans under Agamemnon though he didn’t follow orders. He kills Hector for killing his friend.

Odysseus has the idea to hide inside a wooden Trojan horse to get inside the city of Troy. The Achaeans destroy Troy, but Odysseus refuses to thank the Gods for the victory. Genre: Epic Poem

The Odyssey Describes the wanderings of the Greek general Odysseus on his return from the city of Troy in to his home island of Ithaca. The events take place shortly before the year 1200 B.C. Genre: Epic Poem

Characteristics of an Epic Poem It is a long narrative poem. The speaker is a narrator who tells a story. The setting is expansive. It may be a sea, a region, the world, or a universe. There is a main character, who is a hero or is capable of being heroic.

The purpose of an epic poem is not only to entertain but also to teach and inspire the listener or reader. The action includes extraordinary or super human deeds. Typically, the epic hero has a goal and has embarked upon a long journey. Journey includes: obstacles, and antagonists (gods, monsters, and humans) which test his bravery, wits, and physical ability. Gods or supernatural beings take a part, or an interest, in the action.

The Epic Hero Archetype (with examples from Harry Potter)

Born into royalty. The main character has a extraordinary birth. Ex: Harry is born to famous parents.

Example: strength, knowledge, wisdom, determination, perseverance… The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of supernatural abilities or qualities. Example: strength, knowledge, wisdom, determination, perseverance…

The hero is charged with a quest. Example: Harry Must find the horcrux’

The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest. Example: Harry encounters many obstacles to reach his goal of defeating Voldemort.

Example: Dobby & Dumbledore’s Army The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and human helpers and companions Example: Dobby & Dumbledore’s Army

The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering. Example: Hogwart’s

The cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated. Example: In the 5th book of the series, the ministry of magic refuses to believe Voldemort has returned, so they discredit Dumbledore and Harry Potter.

Example: a come back! Rising to the task… A resurrection. Example: a come back! Rising to the task…

Example: They defeat Voldemort and live happily ever after… Restitution: Often this takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful place on the throne. Example: They defeat Voldemort and live happily ever after…

Terms to Know: Epic – is a long narrative poem that recounts the actions, adventures, and travels of a heroic figure, called the epic hero. Hero – the main character in a literary work.

Tragic hero – a person of great ability who often comes to grief because of a fault within his or her character. Tragic flaw – often a characteristic that has helped him or her achieve success. Ex: pride, ambition, jealousy, self-doubt, or anger.

Epic hero – a larger-than-life figure from history or legend Epic hero – a larger-than-life figure from history or legend. The hero undertakes a dangerous voyage, demonstrating traits—such as courage, loyalty, and honor—that are valued by the society in which the epic originates. His typical goal is to save his nation and journey over the expanse of continents to do so. Oral poetry – Homer and other poets during the time period memorized and recited these epics aloud. This was due to the fact that the society at the time was not literate.

Epic simile (also called a Homeric simile) – extends a comparison with elaborate descriptive details that can fill several lines of verse. Epithet – an adjective or adjective phrase used to point out a characteristic of a person or thing. The Homeric epithet is often a compound adjective, e.g. "rosy-fingered" dawn or "blue eyed" Athena.