1. By: Homer

2. A long time ago in a place far, far away…
There was a man named Homer…

3. …and his epic called the Odyssey

4. An Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey

5. Homer:
The Man of Mystery

6. Who was HOMER?
Homer was a blind minstrel (he told stories to entertain and to make his living); audiences had to listen carefully (this is “oral tradition” so there was a lot of repetition)

7. Other traveling poets (called rhapsodes) memorized and recited these epics in the banquet halls of kings and noble families

8. Homer
Although Homer was blind, it is believed that he once did have vision since his writings are so vivid and descriptive.

9. History is vague on Homer’s identity; some say he is just a legend, others say that a whole series of rhapsodes composed various parts of the epics
The epics were not originally written--the Greek alphabet didn’t appear until 725 BC

10. Great Epics of Ancient Greece
Homer used the Olympian Gods and Goddess in most of his poems
He is most Famous for The Odyssey and The Iliad

11. Why do we read The Odyssey?
The Odyssey is part of our cultural capital as Westerners
Birthplace of Western civilization:
Greece-Rome-Europe-Americas
Great adventure story!
Has stood the test of time—a classic!
Follows the Hero’s Journey pattern!
AND because we have to

12. The Epic

13. Epic- a long narrative poem that relates the deeds of a hero

14. MYTH AND EPIC
“Myth” is a story that uses fantasy to express ideas about life not easily done in realistic terms (it also stresses the relationship of human beings to a higher, spiritual realm)

15. An epic contains the following elements:
1. Hero-
is child of a god
Has a remarkable birth or childhood
Possesses unusual strength or powers
Has traits valued by society
Conceals or does not know his identity

16. An epic contains the following elements :
2. Quest- Journey taken search of something of value
3. Challenges- Faced by the hero during the quest
4. Assistance- To the hero in the form of friends, animals, gods, or magical objects

17. EPICS Things you will discover once you have read an Epic:
Classical Allusions: references to mythology
Example: She had the face that launched a thousand ships—Refers to Helen of Troy from The Illiad.
You will find these allusions in other literature, movies, everyday conversations, and even in modern day advertising.
Example: Percy Jackson series, Honda Odyssey van, Venus razors, Good Year tires with Hermes wings, etc.

18. (explains characters’ motivations)
Greek Values
(explains characters’ motivations)
Hospitality:
Treat all guests with respect
Be nice first, ask questions later
A stranger could be a god in disguise!
Be our guest,
be our guest,
put our service
to the test. . .

19. (explains characters’ motivations)
Greek Values
(explains characters’ motivations)
Arete:
Greek idea of excellence, an ideal of human perfection
Intelligence (be smart and cunning)
Strength
Courage
Duty
Qualities as valor and virtue, making up good character

20. (explains characters’ motivations)
Greek Values
(explains characters’ motivations)
Religion:
Actions should please the gods
Fate controlled by the god
Humans need the gods (man, without the gods, is nothing) [Odysseus’ revelation]
Humans should honor gods through sacrifices, asking gods for help, and giving credit to gods

21. The Iliad and Odyssey are based on the famous Trojan War

22. Trojan War
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24. Eris: Goddess of chaos, strife and discord

26. Aphrodite: Goddess of Love
Hera: Goddess of Marriage, Women and Birth
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom

28. Paris a Trojan mortal

29. Hera offered to make him king of Europe and Asia,
Athena offered wisdom and skill in war
Aphrodite offered the most beautiful woman, Helen of Sparta