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Discover the captivating world of The Odyssey, a timeless epic poem credited to the legendary blind poet Homer. Follow the adventures of the epic hero Odysseus as he navigates dangerous creatures, treacherous weather, and divine interventions in his quest to reunite with his family. Experience the rich mythology and archetypes of ancient Greece, filled with gods, goddesses, monsters, and hidden treasures. Immerse yourself in this classic tale that explores themes of courage, loyalty, life, and death.
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We will be reading one of the greatest masterpieces of epic poetry….The Odyssey
THREE facts about The Odyssey: #1 It was composed in Greece around 750-725 B.C.
#2 The Odyssey is credited to a blind poet named Homer Not this one
#3 The epic poem survived due to oral tradition- generations later it was written down Oral tradition:a way for a society to pass down stories across generations without a writing system
About the Author • Scholars debate whether Homer really existed • His epics became models for many later writers throughout English literature • Homer’s poems have also influenced more modern work • O Brother, Where Art Thou? • Troy
Homer’s Life and Times • 8th and 7th Century B.C. • Greece • Oral tradition of storytelling • The “Iron Age” - a time when iron tools were invented as archeologists have determined
Epic Epic poem: a long narrative poem which tells about the deeds of a great hero and reflect the values of society from which it originated
Epic Poems Epic setting: • Includes fantastic or exotic lands • Involves more than one nation Epic theme topics: • Courage • Loyalty • Life and death • The fate of a nation
Epic Archetypes: characters, situations, and images that are recognizable in many times and cultures • Sea monster • Buried treasure • Epic hero • Wicked temptress • Loyal servant
Epic Plot • Involves a long journey • Filled with complications • Strange creatures • Divine interventions • Large-scale events • Treacherous weather
What is an epic hero? • Larger than life character • Has superhuman qualities such as amazing strength and stamina • Is of noble birth • Acts on behalf of his people • Exhibits the values of his culture
The Trojan War • The earliest accounts of The Trojan War are found in The Odyssey • Odysseus, ruler of the island of Ithaca, helped to end the war by ordering a giant wooden horse to be taken to Troy • The Trojans allowed the horse through their gates, unaware of the Greek soldiers hiding inside
The Trojan War • The Trojans were people from ancient Troy (Turkey) • The Trojan War was fought between the Trojans and the Greeks over the beautiful maiden Helen…
Odysseus’ Adventures • The first passages we will read depict some of the wanderings of Odysseus after his departure from Troy • Instead of battles with soldiers, Odysseus encounters… • Various monsters who try to devour him • Women that try to keep him from his wife. • In the end, Odysseus goes home and reunites with his family
Roles of Gods and Goddesses • Odysseus’ travels contain some notable instances of divine intervention • Athena is on his side and helps him • Gods that sided with Troy were displeased with him • He angers Gods during his adventures and is forced to suffer many hardships
Mt. Olympus • The Gods and Goddesses of Greek mythology lived on Mt. Olympus above the city of Athens. They were immortal, and they all stood for something that existed in nature. (For example, Apollo is the God of the Sun) • Many of the Gods had faults, illegitimate children with mortals, and affairs!
Roles of Monsters • The Greeks believed in monsters and strange creatures, as well as Gods and Goddesses • Cyclops: one-eyed giant • Sirens: part bird and part woman creatures that would sing and lure sailors to their deaths
