Odyssey Notes #3

An Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey

Homer: The Man of Mystery

Who was HOMER? Homer was a blind minstrel (he told stories to entertain and to make his living); audiences had to listen carefully (this is an “oral tradition” so there was a lot of repetition and improvisation used)

Other traveling poets (called rhapsodes) memorized and recited these epics in the banquet halls of kings and noble families

History is vague on Homer’s identity; some say he is just a legend, while others say that a whole series of rhapsodes composed various parts of the epics The epics were not originally written--the Greek alphabet didn’t appear until 725 BC

Cultural Capital: common knowledge that a group of people from same culture shares Cultural Capital can come from the following: Literature Stories/History Religion Famous People Media

Why do we read The Odyssey? The Odyssey is part of our cultural capital as Westerners   Birthplace of Western civilization: Greece-Rome-Europe-Americas Great adventure story! Has stood the test of time—a classic! Follows the Hero’s Journey pattern! AND because it's part of our cultural capital as Westerners.

GREEK VALUES These values help explain characters’ motivations Important to understand some of the main Greek values of the time because…. These values help explain characters’ motivations

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) Reciprocity: Mutual exchange between two people You give to me, I give to you You help me, later I have to help you

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) Hospitality: Treat all guests with respect Be nice first, ask questions later A stranger could be a god in disguise! Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test. . .

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) Arete: Greek idea of excellence, an ideal of human perfection Intelligence (be smart and cunning) Strength Courage Duty

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) Religion: Actions should please the gods Fate controlled by the gods Humans need the gods (man, without the gods, is nothing) [Odysseus’ revelation] Humans should honor gods through sacrifices, asking gods for help and giving credit to gods

Epics and Heroes What is Hubris? Hubris is extreme arrogance or self-pride. Often in Greek tragedies, hubris would be the fatal flaw of the main character, often resulting in their downfall. In Mythology, humans sometimes demonstrated hubris, which angered the gods. Tony Stark (Iron Man)

MYTH AND EPIC “Myth” is a story that uses fantasy to express ideas about life not easily done in realistic terms (it also stresses the relationship of human beings to a higher, spiritual realm)

The Epic

Characteristics of the Epic: Long, narrative poem Reflects values of a nation or race Addresses universal concerns Focuses on the adventures of a historical or legendary hero

5. The supernatural plays an important role 6. Story is set in many locations 7. Hero against the odds – strong and courageous 8. Story is simple and written in formal language

EPICS Things you will discover once you have read an Epic: Classical Allusions: references to mythology Example: She had the face that launched a thousand ships—Refers to Helen of Troy from The Iliad. You will find these allusions in other literature, movies, everyday conversations, and even in modern-day advertising. Example: Percy Jackson series, Honda Odyssey van, Venus razors, Goodyear tires with the wings of Hermes, etc.

EPICS Things you will discover once you have read an Epic: The Hero’s Journey Pattern: Most epic heroes go on some sort of quest. Look for examples of the Separation, Transformation, and Return.

(composed between 900 & 700 BC!) Homer’s Epics (composed between 900 & 700 BC!) First there was… The Iliad

The Iliad Primary model for the epic of war Set in 10th and final year of the Trojan War Achilles’ role and eventual end

After The Iliad (Aeneid by Virgil) Odysseus’ wooden horse trick Greeks defeat the Trojans Odysseus heads for home

The Odyssey Tales of Odysseus

The Travels of Odysseus

The Odyssey Primary model for the epic of the long journey home

THE ODYSSEY Meaning: a long journey with many adventures or a spiritual or intellectual quest The word “odyssey” derives from the name Odysseus, the main character from the Odyssey (he is also referred to as Ulysses in classic literature)

The Odyssey Involves 3 Sets of Characters: The Greek gods Humans Supernatural monsters and creatures

Post-War Trauma Long, exhausting, brutal war (10 years) Odysseus heads for home with nothing but his ships and crews

Why does it take Odysseus 10 years to get home? Read and find out!

And so the epic begins… Meanwhile…there’s trouble at home! In Ithaca, Odysseus is suspected to be dead Suitors have invaded the palace Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, is in an awkward position and must trick the men into leaving her alone Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, resents the imposing situation And so the epic begins…