Greek Mythology Homer + Epic Poems + The Odyssey = Good Times! Good Times!

Video Clips Odysseus – going to war- “Travelin’ Soldier” – Dixie ChicksOdysseus – going to war- “Travelin’ Soldier” – Dixie Chicks CyclopsCyclops

What is a Myth?  A reason for something in nature or life that is not necessarily scientific. Examples:  “Aphrodite and Eros” (love)  “Helios”(sun)  “Persephone” (seasons)

What is Folklore?  Stories or myths told orally.

What is the purpose of these stories? 1. To explain how things came to be 2. To teach lessons or values 3. To explain social or religious rituals Plus…they are awesome.

 Myths were stories created to answer basic questions about the world, the gods, and human life. For example: Persephone goes to the underworld to make the seasons change.

Bottom Line 1.Myths are made up stories that helped people make sense of things. 2.They were told through Folklore – (orally) – so there are many different versions of the same story. (Think, “Whisper Down the Lane”)

Homer  Blind, wandering poet  No one knows much about him.  People believe that he collected stories he heard about the Trojan War  He wove them into 2 epic poems: The Illiad and The Odyssey

Epic Poems  Long narrative poem  Tells about the adventure of a HERO whose actions help decide the fate of a nation or of a group of people.  The Odyssey is the most famous epic poem in Western literature. 

Characteristics of an Epic Poem: An Overview

Characteristics of an Epic poem: #1 - THE HERO  Well-known character of high social position whose qualities represent those valuable to his/her society.  Usually pitted against monsters, so they need to be strong & courageous.  Often SEEM superhuman  Must struggle to overcome human weaknesses of PRIDE and STRUGGLE.

#2 - Supernatural Forces  The HERO  faces supernatural monsters  is under the influence of gods/goddesses

#3 - ACTION  The HERO completes many great deeds in a variety of locations (real or imaginary).

#4 - Writing Style  Formal and grand writing style.  Lofty language, yet clear and easy to follow.  Meant to be HEARD rather than read.

Two Epic poems: The Illiad and The Odyssey  The Illiad  What happened AT THE END OF the Trojan War.  The Odyssey  What happened AFTER the Trojan War… on the way home.

The Odyssey 3 CLUES to understand the writing Clues to better understand the poem #1 Epithet #2 Homeric Similes #3 Repetition of epithets, similes, And phrases

Clue #1  Epithet Epithets: Stock words/phrases regularly applied to some person or thing. EXAMPLES: Sunrise  “Rosy-fingered dawn” Athena  “Bright-eyed Athena” Odysseus  “Odysseus, raider of cities”

Used For: 1.) Adds rhythm to the poem 2.) Helps you to remember the plot. 3.) Gives you visual images

Clue #2  Homeric Similes  Poetic comparison of an individual, thing, or event to something else of great familiarity to the audience.  Makes the story more understandable.

Clue #3  Repetition  Epithets, similes, and phrases are repeated throughout the epic poem. Why are they repeated?! 1)Poem is easier to memorize. 2)Helped refresh listeners’ memories – (the poem is too long to recite in one session). 3)Helped listeners recognize certain developments in action.

Odyssey trailer