1. The Odyssey
Homer

2. Zeus
Mythology
The group of stories (folklore/legends) associated with a culture
Believed to be true
Explains natural events that were not understood

3. The Greek World
People could accumulate wealth through war or raids on other cities. It was acceptable to steal goods and/or people from another city.
In Ithaca (where Odysseus rules) wealth was measured in possessions, livestock, servants, and slaves.
Greece was not a unified country like it is today; it was made up of lots of little kingdoms.

4. Ancient People to Know Odysseus (Ulysses) Ruler of Ithaca
Penelope is his wife
Telemachus is his son
Priam
Ruler of Troy
His sons are Hector and Paris
Menelaus
Ruler of Sparta
His wife’s name is Helen

5. Homer
Lived in Greece
Lived about 850 BC (the dates vary; 850 BC is the best estimate)
Was a traveling poet
Wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey
Believed to be blind

6. Epic Hero Qualities
Embodies the spirit and values of a particular society
Superhuman!- Is braver, stronger, smarter, and more clever than the average person
On a quest
Something of great value to him or his people
Meets Villains
Try to keep him from his quest
Villains are uglier, more evil and more cunning than the average villain
Has one important weakness
The divine world interferes with the human world

7. The Apple of Discord
Peleus and Thetis, a sea-goddess, are getting married.
Eris, the goddess of discord, was not invited to the wedding and was angry. She storms in and throws a golden apple down on the banquet table. “The apple belongs to whomever is the fairest,” said Eris.

8. The Apple of Discord
Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite all claim the apple. They want Zeus to decide who should get it.
This puts Zeus in a tough spot as he’s related to all of them in a way.

9. The Apple of Discord
Zeus decides to let Paris decide who should get the apple.
The women all try to bribe Paris:
Hera promises him power if he chooses her.
Athena promises wealth.
Aphrodite promises him the most beautiful woman in the world.
Who will he choose?

10. The Apple of Discord Paris chooses Aphrodite.
In turn, Aphrodite gives Paris Helen.
Whoops! What’s the problem with that?

11. The Apple of Discord
Paris goes to Sparta where Menelaus treats him as an honored guest.
When Menelaus leaves for a funeral, Paris steals (?) Helen, along with a considerable portion of Menelaus’s wealth.
All the former suitors agree to fight to get Helen back.
Thus, the face that launched 1,000 ships:

12. The Apple of Discord
Helen’s!
This begins the Trojan War.