Chapter 7 The Stories of Homer

The Stories of Homer Storytellers kept the Mycenean civilization alive after its fall and during the Dark Ages Bards – storytellers Lyre – ancient stringed instrument Epics – story-poems Were all epics alike?

Homer History’s first great poet; said to be blind Wrote two long epics set in Mycenean times The Iliad The Odyssey He was the first to describe the deities Some say his epics inspired the written language – how?

The Iliad Describes the final days of the war between Mycenae and Troy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrZljNHD1mY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiQ4j-D5o4o

The Iliad – key terms Paris – prince of Troy Helen – most beautiful woman in the world; married to King of Sparta (Menelaus) Menelaus – King of Sparta Agamemnon – King of Mycenae (brother of Menelaus) King Priam – Ruler of Troy; father of Paris Soothsayer – someone who interprets the will of the gods and predicts the future Achilles – Greek king; great warrior in Greek army Hector – Older brother of Paris; great Trojan warrior Patroclos – Achilles’ best friend; killed by Hector

The Odyssey Describes the fall of Troy and the journey of Odysseus to get home Odysseus uses a large wooden horse When Troy is defeated, Odysseus journeys home, but it takes much longer than expected. Why?

The Odyssey – key terms Odysseus – king of Ithaca Polyphemus – one-eyed Cyclops Laestrygonians – man-eating giants Circe – enchantress who turns men into pigs Lotus-eaters – give plants that make you forget Sirens – sing songs no man can resist Scylla – many-headed monster Penelope – wife of Odysseus

Historical Accuracy Homer lived long after the Mycenean age He told his epics based on what life may have been like The epics provide information about the Mycenean and Archaic Ages

HW Questions – p. 71 How were the early epics recited? What are the names of Homer’s two great works? According to Homer, what caused the Trojan War? What was Achilles’ greatest wish? What does The Iliad tell us about the character of the Mycenean warriors? What was Odysseus’ clever plan to end the siege? How long did it take Odysseus to return home? Describe Odysseus’ personality. Are Homer’s works historically accurate?