1. Term: Homer
Many theories on Homer’s identity; believed to be a blind poet who lived in Greece 700 B.C.
Wrote The Illiad (about the Trojan War) 750 B.C.
Wrote The Odyssey (about King Odysseus) 30 years later in 720 B.C.
Wrote about a time much different than his own
During the Homeric age, stories passed down verbally
This is why stories recorded are written in poetic form
Rhyme is easier to remember, like a song
Epic poems sometimes performed as plays
Within the past 3,000 years the human race has only produced 6-10 great epics; HOMER WROTE TWO OF THEM!

2. Term: The Illiad The Illiad precedes The Odyssey
Homer’s epic poem details the events of the Trojan War. You should know:
How does it start?
Who is it between?
Who are the main characters/heroes?
How does it end?
The Odyssey’s main character, King Odysseus fights in the war for ten years
The Trojan Horse symbolizes Odysseus’ strength of intellect in addition to his physical strength. This makes him an epic hero.

3. Term: The Odyssey Homer’s second epic following The Illiad
Begins with a call to the muses (goddesses of inspiration for literature and art) to help tell the great story of King Odysseus of Ithaca
Odysseus leaves pregnant wife, Penelope, and instructs her to remarry if he does not return
Due to hubris, Odysseus is forbidden to return home by Poseidon (god of the sea)
Wanders the world for ten additional years after the Trojan War
Meanwhile suitors settle in Ithaca trying to win Penelope’s hand in marriage while wasting the resources of her palace
With the help of the goddess Athena, Odysseus punishes the suitors and reclaims his throne

4. Literary Terms to Know
EPIC
EPIC HERO
MEDIAS RES
FLASHBACK

5. Term: Epic
A long narrative poem about important events and heroes in the history or folklore of a culture; portrays the ideals and customs of the society it represents
Presence of myth, mythical creatures, and gods/goddesses who guide the hero or sabotage his/her actions
Told to entertain, teach moral lessons, or lessons about religious and societal customs
Many epics begin in Medias Res—in the middle of things—meaning that major events occur before events in the poem begin
Main character is considered the epic hero
Main character’s adventures are often recounted in flashback

6. Term: Epic Hero
The larger-than-life protagonist (main character) of the epic poem
Demonstrates character traits valued by represented society
Communicated through character’s dialogue and action (indirect characterization)
Always possesses superior characteristics in strength and intellect, but is recognizably human
Uses only TWO things: tools at hand and own mind to escape hardship
Usually has a character flaw that they must overcome

7. Term: Flashback
A scene that interrupts the narrator to relate earlier events
The action always returns to the present after a flashback
Flashback