Homer, HEROES, and The Odyssey

Homer Ancient Greek epic poet No reliable biographical information about him May have lived around the time of the Trojan War OR 3 centuries later Believed that he was a court singer and storyteller Author of The Iliad and The Odyssey

Homer

Types of Heroes Situation Hero: Epic Hero: A person who “saves the day” by completing a heroic act. This person’s hero status may be celebrated, but only for a short period of time. Epic Hero: A hero has some unusual qualities that separate him from the average person. In Greek mythology, a hero was often of divine origin, being the progeny of a deity. A hero can be defined as a person who acts in a way that benefits the greater good of his society.

OTHER TYPES OF HEROES the Warrior, the Scholar, and the Saint. Heroes fall into one of (or sometimes a combination of) three main archetypes or categories: the Warrior, the Scholar, and the Saint.

The Warrior Hero The Warrior archetype are those who in some way base their sense of hero-hood on strength. This could be strength of purpose, physical strength, will power, endurance, perseverance, or some other form of strength

The Scholar The Scholar archetype bases their sense of hero-hood on being 'smart'. This could be founded in formal education, street-smarts, skills and abilities.

The Saint The Saints base their sense of hero-hood in a desire to be (or be seen as) good. This could be played out through formal religion or through doing things that are generally seen as "good."

The Tragic Hero Noble birth Well-liked Tragic flaw (hamartia) Downfall

The Odyssey An adventure story Odysseus Journey home from Troy Survival Divine justice

Characters in The Odyssey Odysseus - son of Laertes, king of Ithaca, hero of Trojan War, master of strategies Eurylochus - second in command to Odysseus Calypso Athena Poseidon Hermes

Characters in The Odyssey Lotus-eaters Polyphemus - son of Poseidon, a Cyclops Aeolus - keeper of the winds Circe

Characters in The Odyssey In the Underworld: Hades – god of the Underworld Teiresias - blind prophet Agamemnon – commander in the Trojan War Achilles – central character of The Illiad Ajax – hero in the Trojan War Heracles – (Roman=Hercules) Greek hero; paragon of masculinity

Characters in The Odyssey Back in Ithaca: Penelope - wife of Odysseus Telemachus - son of Odysseus and Penelope Antinous - principal suitor

Terms/Techniques to look for Epic - long narrative poem or story about a hero Reflects customs, habits, aspirations of a people Hero’s legendary travels, over a long period of time Muses - goddesses of the arts Called upon by the author to help tell the story In medias res - in the middle of things Story starts in the middle, at hero’s lowest point

Terms/Techniques to look for Deeds of valor (great courage) Hamartia A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a hero Hubris Excessive pride or self-confidence Supernatural forces – i.e. the gods Repetition What stock phrases do you see used again and again?

Roles of the gods Determine human misery Punish humans Provide aid to humans Deus ex machina God from the machinery An unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation

JOSEPH CAMPBELL’S HERO JOURNEY HOW TO BECOME AN EPIC HERO

The Hero’s Journey A hero’s journey can be divided into steps. The journey is a single process and an individual adventure towards growth and transformation. The sequence of elements and the duration of the experiences will vary from one person to another. Remember that the journey is a process of separation, transformation, and return. Each stage must be completed successfully if the hero-candidate is to become Heroic.

The Hero Journey (overview) Separation or Departure (from the known) -The Call to Adventure -Refusal of the Call -Supernatural Aid -Crossing the First Threshold Initiation and Transformation -The Road of Trials -Meeting with the Goddess -Atonement with the Father -Apotheosis -Ultimate Boon The Return (to the known world) -The Refusal of the Return -Rescue from Without -Magic Flight -Crossing of the Return Threshold -Master of Two Worlds -Freedom to Live

The Separation & Departure The Call to Adventure The hero-candidate is “called” or offered the opportunity to face the unknown and gain something of physical or spiritual value. He may choose willingly to undertake the quest, or we may be dragged into it unwillingly. The hero-candidate is summoned by a HERALD or messenger.

The Call continued The hero-candidate’s call to adventure may be a blunder (unintended mistake) which reveals an unsuspected world, and that individual is drawn into a relationship with forces that are not rightly understood. Within this range The Call can take many forms: something taken from the hero-candidate, his family, or society; the quest is to reclaim it, Something is lacking in the hero-candidate’s life, and he must find what is missing, Wants to save or restore honor to one’s self own, family, or country. Something is not permitted to members of his society, and he must win these rights for his people.

Supernatural Aid In most stories, the hero will have a guide, someone who is wise in the ways of the world, and someone who will offer the hero guidance and wisdom as he/she progresses through the journey.