1. THE ODYSSEY An Epic Poem written by Homer

2. Origins One of the most famous epic poems ever written Written between 900-700 B.C. Describes legendary events that can be traced back to real battles

3. Epic: A definition A long, narrative poem that tells of the adventures of heroes who represent values of their civilizations. Usually passed down orally

4. Characteristics of an epic: Physically impressive hero of historic importance Setting involving known world and underworld Actions such as a quest or journey Evidence of supernatural forces

5. Conventional formula for an epic: 1.Poet states the theme, invokes a Muse, begins in medias res 2.Poet lists warriors, ships, armies, etc. 3.Extended formal speeches by main characters

6. In Medias Res The Odyssey begins “in the middle of things” In the middle of Telemachus‘s life –He is 20 and powerful men are threatening to take his inheritance and mother. In the middle of Odysseus’s life: –He is stuck on an island having a “mid-life crisis”

7. What is an odyssey? An odyssey is a long series of adventures, especially when filled with memorable experiences, hardships, etc.

8. Conventions of an odyssey: Personal journey transformed into a cultural journey Call to adventure Supernatural forces that help or cause problems to hero A series of tasks or trials A victorious or defeated hero A homecoming

9. Modern Day Odysseys The Incredible Journey The Hobbit Forrest Gump The Lion King The Wizard of Oz Star Wars

10. The War-Story Background Homer’s audience knew the stories of the Trojan War and the important role Odysseus played in it.

11. The War-Story Background, cont. Eris’s Golden Apple “for the fairest” Prince Paris of Troy was forced to decide which goddess should be named the “fairest”: Hera, Aphrodite, or Athena.

12. Gifts Offered Hera offered power Athena offered victory in battle Aphrodite offered the most beautiful mortal woman

13. Helen of Troy Paris liked women, so he chose Aphrodite’s offer Unfortunately, Helen was already married to Menelaus Paris kidnapped Helen and stole treasure This action was a major insult to xenia—Greek hospitality

14. The Trojan War Greeks sailed across the sea in 1,000 ships Important Greeks: Achilles, Agamemnon, Odysseus, Hera, and Athena Important Trojans: Hektor, Paris, Priam, Aphrodite

15. Achilles Achilles: fiercest warrior of the Greek army defeated Prince Hektor, the best warrior on the Trojan side was killed toward the end of the war when Paris, guided by Apollo, shot an arrow into his heel—his one and only weakness

16. Agamemnon Agamemnon was he brother of Menelaus He was a great hero in the war and leader of the army

17. Heroes Heroes are thought to be between gods and humans Heroes are usually sure of themselves and feel “on top of the world”

18. What Odysseus left behind… His beautiful, faithful, and strong wife, Penelope Telemachus, his son, a toddler

19. Odysseus and the Trojan Horse 10 years at war Wooden horse with Greeks hidden inside Trojans thought it was a peace offering and brought it into the city walls Greeks jumped out and won the war