The Odyssey Homer

Questions To Answer What is an odyssey? What is an epic poem? Who is Homer? Who is Odysseus? What is Ithaca? What was the Trojan War?

What is an odyssey? An odyssey is a long series of wanderings or adventures, especially when filled with extraordinary experiences, hardships, etc. The Odyssey is an epic poem credited to Homer, describing Odysseus's adventures in his ten-year attempt to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. It is believed that The Odyssey was recorded around the 8th to 6th century BC.

Epic Poem An epic poem is a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds. Epics were told orally, and then later written down. Epics have nine main characteristics: opens in medias res (in the middle of the story; the poem does not start at the beginning of the tale). The setting is vast, covering many nations, the world or the universe. begins with a summon to a muse (who were known to be the singers of stories). starts with a statement of the theme. the use of epithets (Alexander the Great; mighty Zeus). includes long lists. features long and formal speeches. shows divine intervention on human affairs. “star" heroes that embody the values of the civilization.

Homer Some say “Homer” is not a poet, but just a fictitious name. Homer is a legendary ancient Greek epic poet who lived in 9th-century, BC. He is the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey. Some say “Homer” is not a poet, but just a fictitious name. Others say Homer was a blind bard (professional poet). “Homer” may come from ancient words that mean “hostage,” “forced to follow,” “guide the blind” and “blind.”

Odysseus Also known as Ulysses Greek king of Ithaca Hero in The Odyssey and plays a big part in The Iliad (a story of his adventures during the Trojan War, also by Homer). Epithet: Odysseus the Cunning Known for the Trojan Horse trick

Ithaca Ithaca is an island located in the Ionian Sea, in Greece. Has an area of 45 square miles and a little more than three thousand inhabitants. Modern Ithaca is generally identified with Homer's Ithaca, the home of Odysseus, whose delayed return to the island is the subject of The Odyssey.

Trojan War In Greek mythology, the Trojan War was waged against the city of Troy (in Turkey) by the Achaeans (Greeks) after Paris of Troy took Helen from her husband Menelaus, the king of Sparta. The war started when goddesses Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite were sent to Paris (a Trojan), to decide who was the prettiest. In return for Paris choosing Aphrodite, Aphrodite promised Paris the prettiest mortal in the world: Helen (married to Sparta king, Menelaus).

Trojan War Agamemnon, king of Mycenae and the brother of Helen's husband Menelaus, led an expedition of Achaean troops to Troy and besieged the city for ten years because of Paris' insult. After the deaths of many heroes, including the Achaeans Achilles and Ajax, and the Trojans Hector and Paris, the city fell to the ruse of the Trojan Horse. The Achaeans desecrated the Trojan temples, thus earning the gods' wrath. Few of the Achaeans returned safely to their homes and many founded colonies in distant shores.

Trojan War The war started when Aphrodite was chosen as the prettiest goddess, according to Paris (a Trojan). The Greeks attacked Troy because Aphrodite promised to give Helen (a Greek married to Menelaus) to Paris. The Greeks won the war because of Odysseus’ idea of the Trojan horse.

Greece vs. Turkey