The Greek Epic

Elements of an epic Based on “rhapsode” – oral storytelling passed down from generation to generation The heroes come from the heroic era, which precedes the archaic age in ancient Greece and the founding of Rome by the legendary king Romulus. The heroes of epic literature are bound by a code of honor. The form of the epic is verse -- hexameters -- marking it immediately as poetry. The language of epic is often formulaic. The material of epic is elevated and does not dwell on the ordinary details of life. Catalogues (of things like ships or booty) tend to be long. Speeches are frequent Drama + narrative = EPIC

Homer…the father of the Greek epic Because Homer performed and sang he is called a bard. He is thought to have been blind, and so is known as the blind bard Homer's name will always be linked with the Trojan War because Homer wrote about the conflict between Greeks and Trojans and the return voyages of the Greek leaders.

Odysseus The King of Ithaca A general in the Greek army – known for his intelligence and strategy Inventor of the Trojan Horse, which ensured the Greek victory over Troy Recruited for the Trojan war against his will Husband of Penelope; father of Telemachus A favorite of the goddess, Athena

Odysseus’s problems The Trojan War took TEN YEARS – time in which he was away from his family Won Achilles armor in a fair fight – the loser of the fight, Ajax, killed himself in despair Upon setting sail for home his crew became intoxicated by LOTUS FLOWERS – which acted as a drug and made them forget about trying to get home

Odysseus’s problems (cont.) He and his men were trapped by the Cyclops, who practiced cannibalism. Odysseus had to use his intelligence to save his men. HOWEVER – this angered Poseidon, god of the sea and father of Cyclops Poseidon made the sea journey especially difficult His men were turned into pigs by the witch Circe, who wanted Odysseus as her lover

Odysseus’s problems (cont.) Had to enter The Land of the Dead to get advice to return home – found that his mother had killed herself believing that Odysseus would never return His crew disregarded the advice given by the dead and were destroyed by Zeus who struck their boat with a lightning bolt Odysseus became the “SOLE SURVIVOR” and had to return home alone…

Odysseus’s problems (cont.) BUT…he was taken captive by the beautiful sorceress Calypso who kept him as her LOVE SLAVE for seven years…

Odysseus’s problems (cont.) Time away from home – 10 years in Troy fighting; 10 years on his “odyssey” (journey home) While he’s away many men enter his house, refuse to leave, and demand the right to marry Odysseus’s wife, Penelope The men drive Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, out of his own home, leaving Penelope alone with the men

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