Introduction to The Odyssey

The story of the Odyssey grew out of Oral Tradition Oral traditions explore universal themes such as: The importance of heroism The strength of loyalty The power of love The dangers of greed They also explore archetypes – recognizable people, situations, and images across different cultures and time.

Oral Traditions The Hero’s quest – undergoes trials and tests Struggle between protagonist and antagonist – often good versus evil Monster – destroyed by the hero Trickster – gets into trouble through his own actions Historical/cultural setting – beliefs and customs that reflect time and place

How did Oral Traditions Spread? Minstrel - both a historian and an entertainer. Minstrels borrowed material from legends, epics, and myths already known by the people. There was no written history, so stories were told repeatedly Minstrels traveled from place to place singing of recent events or of the stories of heroes or gods & goddesses Audiences never tired of the stories.

What is an Epic? The oldest literary form or genre A long story-poem involving: - larger-than-life heroes - a dangerous journey or quest - the fate of an entire race of people is often at stake - a struggle that the culture of the hero values - the gods and goddesses often take an active part in helping or hindering

Conventions of the Epic Asks for the aid of a muse – one of the daughters of Zeus that inspires creativity Uses epic similes – long comparisons, often several sentences Elevated language, repetitive Often begins in medias res (in the middle of things) – uses flashbacks to tell story uses descriptions and phrases that were familiar to the audience called epithets, so that the speaker can catch his breath (e.g.“the great tactician” for Odysseus, and “the clear-eyed goddess” for Athena).

What is an Epic Hero? Larger-than-life character Possesses traits that are highly valued by his society Represents a cause larger than himself Traits revealed through his dialogue and actions

Who wrote The Odyssey? The author was Homer. He was blind, and he was a minstrel. He wrote 2 epics 1. The Iliad - a war epic 2. The Odyssey - a journey epic They were written abut 800 B.C. and told about events that happened in 1200 B.C. Homer outshone other minstrels of his day… 1. Because of his originality of ideas 2. Because of his expression and the effect he had on his audience.

The Illiad Written between 900-700 B.C. Covers the events of the Trojan War

The Trojan War (The Illiad) Happened around 1200 b.c. – lasted 10 years Legendary cause: romantic Helen of Troy True cause: economic Trading routes

The Gods and The Trojan War Gods and goddess intervened in the war Respect for the gods was essential for survival Gods and goddess wanted the Trojans to win Odysseus: responsible for the fall of Troy  punished! (Trojan Horse Idea)

About The Odyssey Odyssey = Epic Poem It is one of the oldest and greatest works of literature Tells the story of Odysseus’ trip back home from the Trojan War Takes place over 10 years Central character is Odysseus, king of Ithaca

What the heck is an “odyssey,” anyway?! [od-uh-see] - –noun a long series of wanderings or adventures, esp. when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc. From dictionary.com

Setting GREECE 12th century b.c. (Bronze Age) why? Aegean Sea and Ionian Islands Journey from Troy to Ithaca

Structure of The Odyssey Begins in media res 3rd person omniscient narrator 24 books Non-linear plot (modern) Layout: The Telemachy Odysseus’ wanderings The Homecoming

Main Characters Odysseus: A powerful and cunning warrior Penelope: Odysseus’ faithful wife, smart and clever Telemachus: the son of Penelope and Odysseus, grew up without his father

The Gods Athena: the goddess of war and wisdom. She is Odysseus’s patron saint and watches over him and his son. Poseidon: the god of the sea. He is Odysseus’ main immortal enemy because Oysseus’ men killed the god’s son. Calypso: a minor goddess. She keeps Odysseus on her island and offers him immortality.

Other supernatural beings Circe: a witch who turns Odysseus’ men into pigs. Scylla and Charybdis: sailors have to sail through these two monsters, but to stay away from one you came close to another. Polyphemus: a Cyclops that eats some of Odysseus’ crew

Other important characters Antinous: one of Penelope’s suitors. He is very loud and the opposite of Odysseus. Eumaeus: the helpful shepherd who shelters Odysseus when he returns. Laertes: Odysseus’ father. He has been wasting away while Odysseus was gone, but regains his health when he returns. Argus: Odysseus’ dog. He recognizes Odysseus upon his return.

Interpretation of The Odyssey Can be read as a forerunner of the novel (emphasis on character and plot) Can be read as every human’s struggle to overcome temptations and obstacles in their journey through life. Taught to Greek youths in order to pass on cultural values and the beliefs of Greek society

Guidelines for reading an Epic Become familiar with character and place names, but be aware that they may have different spellings depending on the translator. Look for heroic characteristics; a hero is extraordinary and his adventures are grand! Understand that Gods, goddesses, and other supernatural forces toy with the destiny of humans. They punish and reward human behavior.

More Guidelines for Reading an epic Look for underlying cultural beliefs and values Respect for deities Code of hospitality Notice EPIC CONVENTIONS: Invocation Lengthy speeches Repetition Epithets Epic similes

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." — Martin Buber