Background Information on Homer’s The Odyssey

The epic reflects the ideals and values of a nation or race… The Greeks held several ideals and values important: Hospitality, especially to strangers (should be reciprocated) Respect for the gods Importance of lineage (ancestry) Loyalty to family and country Pride and honor Importance of Leadership Justice (and the right to seek revenge!) Fate (even the gods cannot help you there!)

Homer What do we know about Homer, the poet to whom both the Iliad and the Odyssey are attributed? Nothing except his name! He is a mystery. But you learned that during your webquest. Actually, the Greeks believed he was blind, mostly because one of the bards in the Odyssey is blind. He was probably born in where the Greeks called Ionia, the western coast of Asia Minor, which was heavily settled by Greek colonists, and whose landscapes are accurately described in both epic poems.

Portrays the past, but it is an imaginary past... Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey were written roughly years after the Trojan War ended. The bards were reciting this story about gods, monsters and heroes for centuries-far removed from the actual war. The Odyssey tells the tale of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his long journey home after the war (ten years people!). He encounters monsters, nymphs, and helpful and angry gods on his journey home.

Heroic Tradition Epics reflect timeless values such as courage and honor while focusing on catholic themes such as good and evil and life and death. Set standards on the value of man’s honor. How important is honor? Why must it be restored if lost? Can you name some heroes from films or novels that are steeped in heroic tradition?

The Epic The epic is a long, narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or race. Based on some truth, but not historically accurate- more imagination than fact. Thinks monsters and gods and superhuman strength. Portrays the past, but it is an imaginary past-a time supposedly better than the time in which the epic is created.

The epic is a long, narrative poem steeped in oral tradition… Greeks did not begin to practice the art of writing until the eighth century B.C.E. So stories were performed, not read, by a master storyteller (bard) who sang or recited the story, making additions as he went along. No two performances were alike, so audiences were often spellbound! The poems exhibit the unmistakable characteristics of oral composition (for easier memorization!): Standard scenes: the arming of the warrior, the battle of two champions, death scene, intervention by the gods, etc. Widely practiced outline (invoke Muse, begin story…) Epic similes: a comparison that is made over several lines. Epithets: brief, descriptive phrases that helped to characterize a particular person or thing.

Epic Similes This is an elaborate, more involved version of a regular simile. Homer uses epic similes for emphasis, whether he is describing a character’s thoughts and feelings or the magnitude of a battle between two armies. Turn to page 891 in your textbook. Let’s read the example of an epic simile from Book VIII of the Odyssey. What effect does the minstrel’s performance have on Odysseus? What is the comparison being made? What does the epic simile emphasize?

Epithets These brief, descriptive phrases helped the bards to characterize people and things. Since no two performances were alike, using epithets helped bards remember certain aspects of the story, its characters, and places. This is a poem, and the epithets contained the right meter and/or syllables to fill out a line. In the Odyssey, pay close attention to the epithets used to describe Odysseus. He is referred to as “master mariner” or “old contender,” among others. Let’s read the epithet passage on page 891. What epithets, or descriptive phrases, can you identify in this passage?

Epithets In notebooks, write down four words to describe yourself. Next, try to compose an epithet about yourself using at least two of your descriptive words. Let’s share!

The epic tells about the adventures of a hero… and how he (yes, ladies, he) becomes heroic. An epic hero is defined or revealed by his deeds. a larger-than-life figure, usually male, who embodies the ideals of a nation or race. who takes part in long, dangerous adventures and accomplishes great deeds that require courage and superhuman strength. who is human, and may display some human faults.

Odysseus: A Powerful Mythic Hero Strengths Weaknesses Intelligent Logos-uses reason to make decisions Strong/Athletic Patient: hesitates before acting because he thinks things through (unlike the impulsive Achilles) Determined Cunning/Crafty Brave/Courageous Loyal to friends and companions Curious Pride (some is good, Odysseus has way too much; is often boastful (but epic heroes are expected to be this way) Self-indulgence (his weakness for women, for example) Predict if any of his strengths could potentially become weaknesses.

Some other things to keep in mind as we read… The nine Muses are Zeus’ daughters who governed, and were inspiration for, human achievement in arts and sciences. Our poet is calling, or invoking, the Muse of poetry for inspiration in his storytelling performance. While the Odyssey is an epic poem, we will read it as a narrative (regular story). The more you read it aloud, the more you will get used to the poetic language and form. You should take notes on characters, plot, setting, etc. as we read in your Reader’s Notebook. Let’s get started. Turn to page 895 for Book I: Invocation.

Odyssey Concerned with the peace and return home after the fall of Troy Goal=get home Destiny/fate is to wander for ten years before returning home Tricks cyclopes=“Nobody”; tricks suitors disguised as beggers Lotus flower offers forgetfulness of home and family Circe provides him with a life of ease and self-indulgence Phaeacians offer love of princess Sirens offer living in the glorious past Calypso offers him the greatest temptation of all: immortality (he refuses, choosing to live in the human condition of suffering, pain and death)