Introduction to The Odyssey

A few terms… Epic—a long narrative poem presenting the adventures of gods or larger-than-life heroes Epic hero—figure of great stature; from history or legend; possesses the character traits that are most valued by society Archetype—the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies; a perfect example

Archetypes Hero—the courageous figure, the one who's always running in and saving the day Anti-hero—represents everything opposite of the hero; the deceitful figure that seeks to cause troubles; ulterior motives Temptress—represents highly refined skills at manipulating men without investing personal emotion Devil—represents temptation, persuasion, and regret Scapegoat—the one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of whether he or she is actually at fault Outcast—he or she has been cast out of society or has left it on a voluntary basis Wise fool—the one who signifies the trials and tribulations of happiness and joy, which ensures the character to be challenged

Heroic Cycle Wow! That looks complicated! (Joseph Campbell’s Version)

Heroic Cycle…again Let’s simplify! Odysseus’ cycle?

Cycle Explained… First there is the call to adventure, with the possibility of a helper (think of Luke Skywalker called by R2D2, and assisted by Obi Wan Kenobi and the robots). Second there is the crossing, with tests and more helpers (the death of Luke's aunt and uncle, and the appearance of more helpers - Hans Solo and Chewbacca). Third there is the supreme ordeal (Luke's confrontation with his father, Darth Vader). Fourth there is the return, with a possible boon to the hero's people (Luke destroys the Death Star, the rebel alliance is saved).

A Little Greek Mythology! A few immortals and monsters Odysseus encounters: Calypso—the queenly Nymph and lover of Odysseus Lotus eaters—A group of people who existed in a state of languorous forgetfulness induced by eating the fruit of the lotus plant Cyclopes—the one eyed sons of Gaia (Earth) Sirens—the Sirens lure mariners with their seductive singing to the rocky shore and the heedless sailors die in their wrecked ships Charybdis—would alternately suck down the waters into her maw and then spew them out causing gigantic waves Scylla—a creature with twelve dangling feet, six long necks and grisly heads lined with a triple row of sharp teeth. Her voice was likened to the yelping of dogs

Calypso and Odysseus

Charybdis

Scylla

A Little Greek Mythology Cont’d A couple of the gods involved: ZEUS was the supreme god of the Olympians POSEIDON was the god of the sea, earthquakes and horses