1. The Odyssey, Odysseus, and the Epic Poem
English 1 CP

2. Journal
Write a list of what makes a person or character heroic. Try to come up with at least 10 items. You may also write in paragraph form if you wish.

3. Key Terms An odyssey is an extended adventurous voyage or trip
An epic poem is a long narrative poem about
important events in the history or folklore of a culture
the incredible deeds and adventures of a hero
An epic hero is the larger-than-life central character in an epic poem
Many epics begin in medias res, or “in the middle of things,” meaning that much of the important action in the story occurred before the point at which the poem begins
Therefore, the adventures are often recounted in flashback, a scene that interrupts the sequence of events to relate earlier events

4. More Detail: Based on historical fact, legend and truth
Epic Poem
Epic Hero
Based on historical fact, legend and truth
Gods/goddesses help and harass the hero
Hero reflects goals and values of society
Taught lessons to listeners/readers
Better than everyone (strength, courage, endurance)
Pride in reputation
Love for family/homeland
Forceful leader

5. Historical and Cultural Context
The backdrop of details of the time and place in which the work is set or in which it was written
Specific events, beliefs, and customs
The Odyssey tells the story of the Trojan War, when the Greeks fought Troy (Turkey)
Trojan War started because Paris kidnapped Helen – her husband is Menelaus
When you read a work from another culture, use background and prior knowledge to analyze the influence of the historical and cultural context.
Historical/Cultural Detail
Background
Analysis
“Now Zeus the lord of the cloud roused in the north a storm against the ships…”
Zeus is king of the gods in Greek mythology
The Odyssey reflects a belief that the gods participate actively in the lives of mortals

6. Homer
Wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey (The Iliad is a story of war, while the Odyssey takes place after)
Collected stories around 800 B.C.
In oral poetic competitions, Greek minstrels sang stories set to music
Stories were told and listened to more than they were read; they were not written down
Did he exist?
He was blind
May have been the greatest in a long line of Greek epic storytellers/collectors

7. The Odyssey
Recounts Odysseus’ (epic hero) difficulties while trying to go home
Odysseus ventures home after 10 years of fighting in the Trojan War
Story begins 10 more years after the end of the war (in medias res; often told in flashbacks)
No one has heard anything about Odysseus since he left 20 years ago
When Odysseus is away, many men begin to vie for his wife, Penelope
Odysseus and Penelope also have a son, Telemachus, who is 20 years old

8. Map of Odysseus’ Travels
Odysseus’ journey takes so long because the gods, including Poseidon (god of the sea) punish him and interfere with his travels

9. Need a better visual? Troy
No, we are not going to watch the whole movie