An Introduction to Homer’s The Odyssey The Epic An Introduction to Homer’s The Odyssey

Homer…

Okay seriously… This Homer

Homer’s Background Lived from 850 to 800 B.C. Homer's life is considered a bit of a mystery No one is even sure of his birthplace and age He was a wandering poet and minstrel Most historians agree he was blind He was the first to: Combine isolated tales about various heroic exploits into a single, coherent whole, creating THE EPIC

Homer’s Contributions Prior to the invention of the written language, the legends, myths, or epics were handed down by “rhapsodes” who were verbal storytellers. Two Epic Poems The Iliad The Odyssey

Rhapsodes’ recited homer’s Epics Every four years In Athens At the Festival of Athene

These Epics became… The basis of Greek Education

Definition of Epic: An extended narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes handed down through the generations telling a people’s history, reflecting their culture, and teaching religion, morals, and ethics to the young

Epic Characteristics The main character (protagonist) is the source and subject of legend or a national hero Setting covers several nations, the whole world, or even the universe Deeds of hero presented without favoritism, revealing failings and virtues on his journey Actions of heroism and courage sometimes reveal superhuman powers The Gods play an active role in the outcomes of actions

Epic Characteristics Episodes, even though they may be fictional, provide an explanation for some of the circumstances or events in the history of a nation or people All of the various adventures are essential; each event relates in some way to the central theme

Conventions Poem begins with a statement of the theme Invocation (prayer) to muse or other deity Story begins in medias res (in the middle of things) with the hero at a low point and previous episodes are later recounted Histories and descriptions of significant items (who made a sword or shield, how it was decorated, who owned it from generation to generation)

Conventions Use of patronymics (calling son by father's name): “Laertes' son” Frequent use of epithets or phrases to rename or describe characters "Lord of the Clouds" would be Zeus

Homeric Similes Also known as Epic Similes The Homeric simile compares something everyone would have been familiar with to help create an image of something fantastic that no one would have been able to see. Often used to help develop characters and theme

Homeric Similes A. COMPARE - something familiar to the common man (lions, storms, deer, rivers) or everyday activities (fishing, herding) WITH something fantastical or abstract (slaying of a dragon, hope, peace) B. Example: "Just as an angler poised on a jutting rock flings his treacherous bait in the offshore swell, whips his long rod—hook sheathed in an oxhorn lure— and whisks up little fish he flips on the beach-break, writhing, gasping out their lives . . . so now they writhed, gasping as Scylla swung them up her cliff and there at her cavern’s mouth she bolted them down raw— screaming out, flinging their arms down toward me, lost in that mortal struggle . . .

Epic Hero A larger than life hero from history or legend Usually favored by or descended from deities Participates in a cyclical journey or quest

Epic Hero Cycle The hero is charged with a quest or a call to adventure The hero is tested, to prove his worthiness of himself and his quest Presences of mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and human helpers and companions

Epic Hero Cycle The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one where human beings are barred like the underworld The cycle reaches a low point and the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated or dead A resurrection occurs; helps comes to him in this dire hour of need Restitution--the hero often regains his place on the throne

Modern Epics & Their Heros Star Wars Anakin Skywalker Lord of the Rings Froto Baggins Harry Potter Braveheart William Wallace