Background to The Odyssey

About the Author

HOMER He was a blind minstrel or rhapsody Therefore, he was the first rapper Rhapsodies are “singers of tales” The entertainer and myth-maker of his time Wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey

EPIC DETAILS

What is an Epic Epic – a long narrative poem that tells the adventures of heroes who embody the values of their civilization. The Illiad is the epic of war. The Odyssey is the epic of a long journey.

How Epics Were Told Both are epic poems that were composed in Greece around 700-800 B.C. They were originally told aloud by people who could not read or write. They were composed according to a basic story line. They were made up on the spot. The events are based on mythology and legend, but can be factual. These were both told orally, and often sung.

The Epic “A long narrative poem about the adventures of a hero whose actions reflect the ideals and values of a nation or race.” (The Language of Literature, p. 482) Complete Odyssey has 12,000 lines and is divided into 24 books. Involves a hero & a villian Starts in the middle (en medias res) Involves Gods/Goddesses Athena – Goddess of Wisdom Poseidon – god of Sea (Odysseus’ enemy) Epics address universal themes: --Good vs. Evil --Life vs. Death --Sin vs. Redemption

Characteristics of an Epic (info Characteristics of an Epic (info. taken from The Language of Literature, p. 482) The story is set in many locations, real or imaginary, across a wide area (i.e. the land of the dead). The hero is an important historical or legendary character of high social position--a king or prince, for example. The hero is usually pitted against overwhelming odds and must be strong and courageous. A journey is taken in search of something. Supernatural events and beings play an important role in the plot. The story is told in language that is formal and grand, but simple and clear. Glorification of the hero at the end.

Epic Hero An epic hero is larger than life, more impressive than an ordinary human being. An epic hero usually has these character traits: Uncommon strength Exceptional knowledge Cunning (cleverness) Courage Daring

Myths

Why did myths exist? Most cultures have myths that explain natural phenomena, such as: Seasonal changes Fire Lightning Drought Floods Death Myths also teach moral lessons, explain history, express the deepest fears and hopes of the human race. Some myths describe rivalries and among the gods. They also describe the consequences of disobeying higher powers.

Olympian Gods and Goddesses During Homer’s time, gods and goddesses played an important role in their lives. They believed that the gods took an active interest in human’s affairs and often engaged in punishing humans, meddling in love affairs, quarrels, and even were jealous of humans.

BREAK TIME! One Minute Pause- Sevens!

Before The Odyssey

The Trojan War Until 1871, Troy was believed to be fictional. Archeologists found a walled city in the area described. It is located what is now known as Northwestern Turkey. Set in the 10th and final year of the Trojan War The Greeks attacked Troy to avenge an insult suffered by Menelaus, King of Sparta Helen, his wife, ran off with Paris, the young prince of Troy

How did the Trojan War end? Odysseus, the king of the island of Ithaca, was one of the many Greeks who sailed to Troy and besieged the walled city. He thought of a plan that made the Trojans think the Greeks had given up. He devised a giant wooden horse to be built that would be left at the gates of Troy at night.

Trojan War Continued… The Trojans, finding the statue and no Greeks in sight (except for one left purposefully there to validate the plan), they pulled the Trojan horse inside their walled city. After all had celebrated their “victory,” the Greeks snuck out of the horse and launched a surprise attack on the Trojans eventually burning their city to the ground and recapturing Helen.

The story of Odysseus . . . Deals with the adventures he has to overcome as he tries to make his way home to Ithaca where his wife, Penelope, and child, Telemachus, whom he has not seen since Telemachus was just born. He leaves Troy with 12 ships and approximately 720 men. He does not encounter military opponents, but monsters and enchanting women who try to keep him from his wife.

Where The Odyssey begins… Hero of war who has difficulty finding his way back to Ithaca (home). Married Penelope before leaving for war Had one son, Telemachus, who was 3 when Odysseus went to war. When we first meet Odysseus, he is a prisoner on the goddess Calypso’s island. Zeus sends his messanger, Hermes, to set Odysseus free, and the adventure begins. Focus on: What the angry god of the sea, Poseidon, has in store for our hero?

TWO MINUTE PAUSE Jot down 2 questions you have about The Odyssey

Words to Know Terms to Know

Homeric Simile A detailed comparison in simile form that is many lines in length Homer uses an object of comparison that was unfamiliar to his audience Homer’s similes glorify his characters, enrich his text, and deepen his readers’ understanding.

Words to be Familiar with Alienation--The feeling of separation Fate-- Something that unavoidably happens to a person Hero-- Someone who demonstrates courage or ability Quest-- A search or pursuit made in order to find something

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!!