Mythology The Illiad means “a poem about Ilium” (I.e. Troy)

In the beginning…. Myths were created in a large part of explain things that the ancient Greeks did not understand i.e. Where did the world come from? Who created the first being? Myths of Greece and Rome were told orally because the societies were almost entirely illiterate They passed them down in this manner from generation to generation.

The differences between myth and legend….. True stories that are exaggerated Frequently deal with heroes EX: Trojan War was a real event, but stories can’t be proven.

Myth Myth Not necessary true Created to understand the world around us Often times involves a supernatural being

8 Reasons for Myths Explain natural phenomena Control natural forces – sacrifices, prayer offerings, and rituals Bind people together – common belief Record historical events Geography lessons Set examples for peoples behaviors Justify a social structure Control people

Why Gods and Goddesses were created? Greeks and Romans made their gods in their own image. They were also feared. They were immortal and could change form. They ate nectar, drank ambrosia, and lived on Mount Olympus. http://www.history.com/videos/greek-gods#greek-gods

Why do we need to know this? Literature is filled with allusions to Greek gods and goddesses. From the Lightning Thief to Shakespeare Art is filled with mythological stories as subjects From television to the latest science fiction movie From Atlas Tires to Superman

The Iliad The Illiad means “a poem about Ilium” (I.e. Troy)

Homer’s Iliad Homer is said to be the first teller of adventures of all times. . He was a blind Prophet whose date of birth is around- 800BC

Eris, Goddess of Discord Responsible for Trojan War Angry because she was not invited to the wedding of the Sea Goddess Thetis to King Peleus, Eris tossed the Golden Apple marked “To the Fairest” into the banquet.

The Fairest Aphrodite, (goddess of love and beauty) Hera (Zeus wife) , and Athena (goddess of wisdom, knowledge and skill in battle) ALL wanted the apple. Zeus would not choose. He did not want the goddesses angry with him. Paris was asked to make the decision.

The Decision Hera offered to make Paris ruler of Europe and Asia. Athena offered to let him lead Troy in a victory over the Spartans. Aphrodite offered him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Paris Chooses Aphrodite The most beautiful woman in the world is Helen, the wife of King Menelaus. Aphrodite helps Paris seduce and kidnap Helen.

The Beginning of War King Menelaus called on all those who were loyal to him. They gathered a huge army and built a thousand ships to carry the army to Troy. Helen of Sparta was now called “Helen of Troy.” She was “The face that launched a thousand ships.”

The Trojan War The battle raged for 10 years. Many great heroes lost their lives. A prophet predicted that Troy could be captured only with the help of Achilles.

The Hero Achilles Knowing of the prophecy, and worried that her son would be killed in war, Achilles’ mother dipped him in the river Styx to make him immortal. His only weakness was the place on his heals where she held him.

Achilles Achilles agreed to allow his friend Patroclus to wear his armor. The next day Patroclus was killed and stripped of the armor by the Trojan hero Hector, who mistook him for Achilles. Achilles was overwhelmed with grief for his friend and rage at Hector. Achilles kills Hector. He desecrated the body, dragging it behind his chariot before the walls of Troy. Finally Paris, aided by Apollo, wounded Achilles in the heel with an arrow; Achilles died of the wound.

10 Years of War The Gods are tired of watching men kill each other and decide to help end the war. Athena whispers an idea in the Spartan hero Odysseus’s ear.                                                   

gods and goddess take sides For Troy Aphrodite Ares Apollo Artemis

Continued For the Greeks Hera Athena Poseidon

The Trojan Horse Odysseus tells them they will build a huge horse of wood. Some would climb inside and hide. The rest would sail around the tip of the islan, where they could not be seen. One would stay behind and tell the Trojans that he had been abandoned by the Greeks, and that the horse was an offering to Athena.

The Fall of Troy The Trojans believed the trick. They had a huge banquet to celebrate the end of the war. At night the men from inside the horse came out and unlocked the gates to the city.

The Burning of Troy The city is invaded by the army. The Trojans are drunk and spent from their night of revelry, unable to fight back. The Spartans destroy and burn the city. Aphrodite saves Helen from the destruction.

The War Ends King Menelaus accepts Helen back. The Warriors can now return home. Odysseus leaves for home, his wife, and son.

The Odyssey

What is an Epic? Epics are long, narrative poems that tell the adventures of heroes who in some way embody the values of their civilization.

What types of epics are the Iliad and the Odyssey? Iliad – War Epic Odyssey – Journey

Modern Day Epics Star Wars Forrest Gump Hobbit Lord of the Rings Wizard of Oz

Others?

Attributes of a Hero Well aren’t I special!

Eight Step Transformation We usually divide the Journey into eight steps, but you must remember that the journey is a single process and an individual adventure towards growth and transformation. As such, the sequence of events and the duration of the experience will vary from one person to another.

Separation (from the known) The Call to Adventure Offers an opportunity to face the unknown. It promises physical or spiritual gain. Something must call the hero to action. Often times they don’t have a choice whether to answer the call or not.

The Threshold (Jumping off point) Cool Toys and Cool friends Early on the hero receives assistance from an older wiser figure. This helper may give our hero a symbol of protection/something cool to whoop on people and animals.

Allies Better known as Homies Along the journey the hero will find a loyal companion If they are lucky, it might be several loyal friends. This cool friends assist the hero on their journey home

Initiation and Transformation The Challenges The hero will encounter trials and tests along the way. The hero will meet many foes (bad guys) The hero will have many challenges to overcome. These will help the hero grow stronger, wiser. They have to learn a lesson.

Initiation and Transformation The Abyss The greatest challenge is faced here. The lowest point for the hero on this journey They usually break emotionally and submit or give up to the lesson of the journey.

Initiation and Transformation The Revelation and the Atonement The hero achieves the goal of his/her quest The hero will gain understanding (rebirth) Must make peace with the new situation or the new you.

The Return (with a gift) Return to our everyday life but as a new person. The essence of the return is to begin contributing to society.

A Few Words If a hero is properly defined as somebody who does something dangerous to help somebody else, then the heroes of Greek mythology do not qualify.

BECAUSE They were a pretty selfish bunch, often with additional antisocial tendencies thrown into the bargain--in other words, not exactly role models for the younger generation of today.

How is Odysseus different from other heroes? Hero in Trouble Clever (not just brute strength) Did not want to go to war

Why did Odysseus object to the Trojan War? He believes no war should be fought over an unfaithful woman (Helen). He wants to stay at home with his wife and newborn son.

So, he tried to pretend he was crazy. Menelaus put him to the test.

Odysseus attempts to “Draft Dodge” Tried to appear insane by planting salt instead of seeds. Draft recruiters throw his son in front of his plow. Odysseus reveals his sanity by avoiding running over Telemachus.

The Epic Begins Odysseus been gone 20 years. Telemachus is 20 years old. Suitors have invaded his house, robbing him of his inheritance, and attempt to marry his mother Penelope (Odysseus’s Wife)

Penelope and her suitors