Warm-Up 12/2/16 Hand in your station packet if you didn’t yesterday. Think about adventure movies or tv shows you have seen. In your notebook, write down a list of qualities, character names, and titles that come to mind when you think of adventure.

Context of The Odyssey

Context of The Odyssey Setting: Trojan War (1200 B.C.) Odysseus (our epic hero) was a soldier in the Greek army and the king of Ithaca War began between Greeks and Trojans after Paris (prince of Troy) kidnapped Helen (most beautiful woman in the world) from her husband, Menelaus (king of Sparta) Odysseus is responsible for winning the war by creating the famous Trojan Horse. Our story starts as the war ends and Odysseus is on his way home to his family.

Odysseus’ Family Tree Odysseus – warrior, king of Ithaca Penelope – Odysseus’ wife; harassed by suitors who think her husband is dead Telemachus – Odysseus’ son, prince of Ithaca; goes out to search for his dad Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJs2Tx62Xas

The Odyssey and Elements of the Epic

The Odyssey is [an] EPIC! An epic is a long, narrative poem about a national or legendary hero and his/her adventures. Epic poetry was traditionally sung and passed on verbally for generations.

Major Qualities of an Epic Opens “in medias res” (meaning “in the middle of the action”) Contains a vast setting with many exotic locations Main characters give long, formal speeches Features an epic hero (more on that later) Includes supernatural forces and thrilling action Summary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atMbadAoHYk

Think-Pair-Share Which of the tv shows/movies that you brainstormed earlier could qualify as epics? Discuss with your shoulder partner.

Qualities of the Epic Hero Call to Adventure - Lives an ordinary life, but receives a “call to adventure” from an older mentor. Example: Hagrid rescues Harry Potter from the Dursleys and brings him to the wizarding world.

Qualities of the Epic Hero 2. Minor Enemies - The hero must go through many trials and face many lesser enemies, also known as “threshold guardians.” Example: Harry has minor conflicts with his Muggle family, Snape, and Draco Malfoy.

Qualities of the Epic Hero 3. Receives Assistance - The hero’s allies and superhuman powers help him/her every step of the way. Example: Ron and Hermione, as well as Harry’s magical abilities, help him to find the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Qualities of the Epic Hero 4. Showdown With Villain The hero has a showdown, almost to the point of death. Goes against “shadow,” who represents a darker version of themselves. Example: Harry must challenge Voldemort, an evil wizard who has a connection with Harry, and almost dies as a result.

Qualities of the Epic Hero 5. Returns Home The hero succeeds in their quest, claim their prize, and return to a normal life. Example: Harry defeats Voldemort, destroys the Sorcerer’s Stone, and continues his year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Check for Understanding Choose one of the movies/tv shows you identified earlier, or another modern-day example of an epic. Complete the last page of your handout. Be prepared to discuss your answers!

Now, Turn to Page 1212-1223 (Start with “The Lotus-Eaters”) First, read/review Book IX (9) of The Odyssey in small groups of 3-4. Then, you will work together to answer the comprehension questions in your packet. Anything not done is homework DUE TOMORRROW.

Warm-Up Watch the following video adaptation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXF9ouKotbY In your notebook, explain how this video: Helps you better understand the excerpt Is similar to OR different from how you imagined the characters/setting