The Odyssey Homer

Homer (The Blind Poet) No one is exactly sure who Homer was.  Theories abound, and some even think he never existed.  Regardless, he is traditionally recognized as the original creator of two epic poems: The Iliad and The Odyssey. 

Homer Living sometime in the second half of the 8th century B.C., Homer was probably a minstrel (rhapsody) - a man who traveled constantly, singing songs and telling stories.  His two works were probably handed down orally for centuries before they were actually put down on paper, which means the versions we have today may or may not be close to the original.

The Iliad The Iliad details the last part of the Trojan War. It is valuable to understanding The Odyssey. The epic revolves around Achilles, the mightiest of the Greek warriors.

Events Leading to The Trojan War “The Judgment of Paris” Discord causes problems at a wedding banquet on Mt. Olympus. The poem begins with Paris’ decision that Aphrodite is more beautiful than Hera or Athena; he gives her the golden apple labeled the fairest. As a reward, Aphrodite helps Paris seduce Helen, the wife of Menelaus. Paris and Helen escape to Troy and King Menelaus gathers the Greek Army. Odysseus does not want to go; he feigns madness. Agamemnon suspected a trick; he takes Telemachus, Odysseus’ infant son, and threatens to harm him. Odysseus relents and agrees to take his Ithacan Army and sail to Troy.

Trojan War Achilles withdrew from the battle when Agamemnon steals his mistress. It is only with the death of his best friend, Patroclus, that he returns to avenge his death. He kills Hector, son of King Priam and chief defender of Troy. Achilles is killed by Paris. Odysseus enters Troy dressed as a beggar to survey the city.

The Trick The Greeks retreat and leave a wooden horse behind for the Trojans. The trick is successful and the Greek soldiers take control of the city. The long war ends and a new journey begins for Odysseus in The Odyssey.

Terminology

Epic Long narrative poem with the following characteristics: 1. Contains adventure 2. Central heroic figure 3. Vast setting – often covering the entire world 4. Supernatural forces involved 5. Elevated style – serious tone

Epithets A term, often repeated, used to characterize a person or thing. Wise Odysseus Prudent Penelope Grey-eyed Athena

Epic Simile (Homeric Simile) Comparison of heroic or epic events to simple, everyday events – to people working, for instance, or to the behavior of animals. They are usually longer and more detailed than modern similes. “. . . all the see was like a cauldron / seething over intense fire, when the mixture / suddenly heaves and rises” (XII. 306-309).

Epic Hero A character who remains brave and loyal. A clever, skillful leader in the face of danger and adversity. He is usually larger than life and the subject of legend or a national hero.

Invoking of the Muses Asking for inspiration from one of the goddesses who preside over the arts.

En Media Res (Latin) A literary technique where the narrative starts in the middle of the story instead of from its beginning. The characters, setting, and conflict are often introduced through a series of flashbacks or through characters relating past events to each other. Classical works such as Virgil's Aeneid and Homer's Odyssey begin in the middle of the story.

The Odyssey 11,300 lines – divided into twenty-four books Three major plot strands: 1. What happens to Penelope and Telemachus as they await his return. (The Telemachy) 2. Odysseus’s wanderings during the ten years following the Trojan War. 3. Odysseus’s return to Ithaca.

Themes Journey to manhood Appearance vs. reality Vengeance Cunning over strength Perseverance