An Introduction to Homer’s Odyssey

Who was HOMER? Homer was a blind minstrel (he told stories to entertain and to make his living); audiences had to listen carefully (this is “oral tradition” so there was a lot of repetition and improvisation used)

Other traveling poets (called rhapsodes) memorized and recited these epics in the banquet halls of kings and noble families

History is vague on Homer’s identity; some say he is just a legend, others say that a whole series of rhapsodes composed various parts of the epics. The epics were not originally written--the Greek alphabet didn’t appear until 725 BC.

The Odyssey is a sequel (the second book in a series). It is the second of Homer’s two great epic poems. Part one is called The Iliad. The Iliad is the story of the Trojan War which might actually have taken place around 1250 B.C. The poem is a tale of myth and magic, not history.

Cultural Capital: common knowledge that a group of people from same culture shares Cultural Capital knowledge can come from: Literature Stories/ History Religion Famous People Media

Why do we read The Odyssey? The Odyssey is part of our cultural capital as Westerners   Birthplace of Western civilization: Greece-Rome-Europe-Americas Great adventure story! Has stood the test of time—a classic! Follows the Hero’s Journey pattern!

GREEK VALUES These values help explain characters’ motivations Important to understand some of the main Greek values of the time because…. These values help explain characters’ motivations

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) 1. Reciprocity: Mutual exchange between two people You give to me, I give to you You help me, later I have to help you

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) 2. Hospitality: Treat all guests with respect Be nice first, ask questions later A stranger could be a god in disguise! Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test. . .

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) 3. Arete: Greek idea of excellence, an ideal of human perfection Intelligence (be smart and cunning) Strength Courage Duty

(explains characters’ motivations) Greek Values (explains characters’ motivations) 4. Religion: Actions should please the gods Fate controlled by the god Humans need the gods (man, without the gods, is nothing) [Odysseus’ revelation] Humans should honor gods through sacrifices, asking gods for help, and giving credit to gods

What is Hubris? Hubris is extreme arrogance or self-pride. Often in Greek tragedies, hubris would be the fatal flaw of the main character, often resulting in their downfall. In Mythology, humans sometimes demonstrated hubris, which angered the gods. Tony Stark (Iron Man)

What is a Myth? “Myth” is a story that uses fantasy to express ideas about life not easily done in realistic terms (it also stresses the relationship of human beings to a higher, spiritual realm)

Characteristics of the Epic: Long, narrative poem Reflects values of a nation or race Addresses universal concerns Focuses on the adventures of a historical or legendary hero

5. The supernatural plays an important role 6. Story is set in many locations 7. Hero against the odds – strong and courageous 8. Story is simple and written in formal language

Things you will discover once you have read an Epic: Classical Allusions: references to mythology Example: She had the face that launched a thousand ships—Refers to Helen of Troy from The Iliad. You will find these allusions in other literature, movies, everyday conversations, and even in modern day advertising. Example: Percy Jackson series, Honda Odyssey van, Venus razors, Good Year tires with Hermes wings, etc.

Conventions of the Epic

A brief descriptive phrase Epithet A brief descriptive phrase Characterizes a person, place or thing Gives story-teller a “breather” Helps with rhyming or meter Examples: rosy-fingered dawn gray-eyed Athena The blue-maned god who makes the islands tremble Son of Laertes and gods of old, master mariner and soldier

Compares epic events to everyday events Homeric Simile Compares epic events to everyday events “…in one stride he clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to beat their brains out, spattering the floor.”

In Medias Res in the middle Odysseus' Timeline A literary technique in which the plot sequence is out of order; Latin for “in the middle,” the story begins in the middle of the action, flashes back to the beginning to catch up, then skips to the end Example: Forrest Gump Odysseus' Timeline

The Travels of Odysseus

The Odyssey Primary model for the epic of the long journey home

THE ODYSSEY Meaning: a long journey with many adventures or a spiritual or intellectual quest The word “odyssey” derives from the name Odysseus, the main character from the Odyssey (he is also referred to as Ulysses in classic literature)

The Odyssey Involves 3 Sets of Characters: The Greek GODS Humans Supernatural monsters and creatures

The Odyssey A story told in 3 stages

PART ONE A story of what happens in Ithaca to Odysseus’ wife (Penelope) and son (Telemachus) as they await his return

PART TWO A story of Odysseus’ wanderings after the Trojan War (the war lasted 10 years and his wanderings lasted another 10 years!)

PART THREE A story of how Odysseus returns home to Ithaca and joins forces with his son to destroy his enemies.