1. The Odyssey
By Homer

2. Epic * Epic- a long narrative poem about the deeds of gods and heroes.
Usually written about historical, mythical or religious topics
Has a total of 24 parts
Comes from the Latin word “epos” which means “narrative”
Ancient epics were often handed down orally from one generation to another
the people who told the epics were known as “bards/rhapsodes” (traveling poets)
bard- a professional reciter of epic poems
rhapsode- a composer, singer, or declaimer of epic or heroic verse
the action of the epic begins in the MIDDLE of the plot

3. Epic Hero
* Epic Hero- a larger-than-life figure from history or legend.
The hero undertakes a dangerous voyage, demonstrating traits – such as courage, loyalty, and honor- that are valued by the society in which the epic originates.

4. Traits of an Epic Hero Supernatural abilities or qualities
Charged with a quest
Tested
Possesses weaknesses
Travels to supernatural worlds
Will reach a low point- almost to one of failure
A resurrection
Restitution

5. Epithets
* Epithets- labels/stock phrases frequently used by oral storytellers as short labels to reintroduce characters and settings from the story. They are like nicknames for people.
Ex.
Dawn spread out her fingertips of rose- sun’s rays
Slammin Sammy Sosa- baseball player
Air Jordan- basketball player
Son of Crooked Cronus- Zeus
Richard the Lionhearted- King Richard
Braveheart- Scottish hero- Mel Gibson Movie
Great Heart of Odysseus- Odysseus

6. Epic Simile (Homeric Simile)
A Homeric simile is an elaborate comparison, developed over several lines, between something strange or unfamiliar to the audience and something more familiar to them.
For example, in lines on page 902, Homer compares the Cyclops eating the men to a mountain lion devouring its prey, bones and all.
Such similes make the story more interesting to a listening audience.

7. Homer
Two epic poems are attributed to Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Ranked among the great works of Western literature, these two poems together constitute the prototype for all subsequent Western epic poetry.
Modern scholars are generally agreed that there was a poet named Homer who lived before 700 BC, probably in Asia Minor, and that the Iliad and the Odyssey are each the product of one poet's work, developed out of older legendary matter.
Legends about Homer were numerous in ancient times. He was said to be blind. His birthplace has always been disputed, but Chios or Smyrna seem most likely.
The study of Homer was required of all Greek students in antiquity, and his heroes were worshiped in many parts of Greece.
The Iliad and the Odyssey are composed in dactylic hexameter and are of nearly the same length.