The Odyssey “Written” by Homer (a blind poet) around 700 BC Passed down through generations Based on Greek mythology

What is an Epic? Has an original plot structure Characters are realistic but heroic and have flaws like regular men Includes extraordinary monsters Epics are long but exciting

Homer’s Epics 1. Include The Iliad and The Odyssey 2. Tell a story/tale of the history and heroes of their society 3. Express values of the Greek society

Before The Odyssey… There was The Iliad

The story of The Iliad Probable/Historical Cause of Trojan War Troy (a city in modern day Turkey) controlled trade and shipping. Once Troy was destroyed, the Greeks could take control to expand their trade into Asia as much as they pleased. So, the Greeks declared war on Troy to gain more money and power.

The story of The Iliad Legendary cause of the Trojan War? A woman named Helen was married to a Greek King. Helen fell in love and escaped with a Trojan Prince named Paris. The Greek King declared war on the Trojans as revenge.

The Trojan War lasted 10 years until… Odysseus (our hero) had an idea to trick the Trojans into letting down their guard Troy

Film clip from Troy

The Odyssey Picks up where The Iliad left off Odysseus has angered the gods by making a false sacrifice The gods don’t like proud men who don’t give them credit They punish Odysseus by making his journey home last 10 years

Three Plot Strands in the Odyssey 1. Odysseus’ journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War (20 years total) 2. What happens in Ithaca while Odysseus is away—his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus have been waiting for him 3. O’s return to Ithaca—his fight to keep his family and land

Creatures of The Odyssey The Cyclops

The Sirens

Scylla

Charybdis