Background and Introduction The Odyssey Background and Introduction

Background The Iliad and The Odyssey were written around 800-700 B.C.E May be the result of generations of oral poetic composition, to which numerous ancient singers contributed A blind poet named Homer usually gets the credit for composing the epics Background

The Trojan War Trojans vs. Achaeans Troy vs. Greece May have occurred around 1200 B.C.E Began when Paris, a prince of Troy, kidnapped Helen from her husband Menelaus, the king of Sparta Menelaus recruited kings from all over Greece to help him avenge his honor and recover his wife Odysseus, king of the island of Ithaca, joined as well The war raged on for 10 years, until finally Odysseus (known as the master strategist) thought of the plan of the Trojan Horse A giant wooden horse was built and Greek soldiers hid inside Trojans woke in the morning to see the horse, and not a soldier in sight Thinking that the Greeks had fled and left a peace offering, the Trojans brought the horse into their walled city That night, all of the Greek soldiers evacuated the horse and fought the townspeople from within Trojans vs. Achaeans Troy vs. Greece

The Odyssey The word “Odyssey” is Greek for “journey” The hero is Odysseus (Ulysses) who is trying to return home after fighting for 10 years He is known for his craft and guile that helps him get out of tricky situations Begins with 720 men and 12 ships Journey lasts for 10 years, in which Odysseus is the only survivor Finally, makes it home to his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus The Odyssey An overview…

Intervention of the Gods Gods took an active role in human affairs and behaved in human ways The Odyssey contains instances of divine interference Example: Athena was on Odysseus’ side, but he angered those who were on the side of Troy and continues to anger them through his adventures and misadventures Homer’s audience would have seen this epic much like we see fantasy or sci-fi

The Titans Heaven and earth were formed as the first parents Titans Titans were their children Titans Elder Gods, Enormous size, Incredible strength Olympians were their children

Olympians Zeus overthrew the Titans and banished many of them Mount Olympus was their home Mountain top Mysterious region above the mountains, Not heaven

Zeus (Jupiter) Zeus, Poseidon and Hades drew lots for their share of the Universe Zeus won the sky (supreme ruler) Not all-knowing nor all-present

Poseidon (Neptune) God of the sea/ocean Objects held sacred: trident, horses and bulls. controlled sea through emotions, anger, fury http://www.miracosta.edu/home/gfloren/odyssey.htm

Pallas Athena (Minerva) Protector of civilization Goddess of the City Had a special fondness for the Greeks Human Qualities: wisdom and purity Born fully formed (and in full armor) from her father’s head Fierce and ruthless First tamed horses for men to use Zeus’s favorite child Known as “gray-eyed” or “flashing-eyed” Temple was the Parthenon In poetry: wisdom, reason, purity http://poseidon.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/images/concept/athena.jpg

Phoebus Apollo God of light and truth Powers: Musician; archer Human Qualities: beautiful, link between gods and men; sometimes cruel http://poseidon.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/gods/apollo.html

Hermes (Mercury) Zeus’ messenger Powers: messenger and guide for the dead Known for winged sandals, hat and magic wand Human Qualities: shrewd and cunning - Master Thief http://www.geocities.com/athens/2962/colourbook/

Contains both real and imaginary locations in the Mediterranean Places of The Odyssey Contains both real and imaginary locations in the Mediterranean

The Epic A long, narrative poem tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or a race Based on legends, but are works of the imagination Set in an imaginary past, a time supposedly better than the current time Epic Hero- a larger than life figure who embodies the ideals of a nation or race Takes part in long, dangerous adventures Accomplishes deeds that require both courage and superhuman strength

Epic Conventions Foreshadowing Alliteration Similes and Metaphors Epithets- descriptive phrases used to characterize a person or thing Dawn “fingertips of rose” Odysseus “Son of Laertes” “Master mariner” Epic Simile- an elaborate, more involved simile that compares two unlike things using like or as

Epic Simile Example “And Odysseus Let the bright molten tears run down his cheeks, weeping [like] the way a wife mourns for her lord on the lost field where he has gone down fighting the day of wrath that came upon his children. At sight of the man panting and dying there, she slips down to enfold him, crying out; then feels the spears, prodding her back and shoulders, and goes bound into slavery and grief. Piteous weeping wears away her cheeks: but no more piteous than Odysseus’ tears, cloaked as they were, now, from the company.”

You are now ready to read and understand The Odyssey! The End… You are now ready to read and understand The Odyssey!