An Introductory Lecture Homer’s Odyssey An Introductory Lecture

Overview Greek Mythology The Trojan War The Odyssey

Setting Greece 1250 B.C.E.

Write responses in your notes. Think about… What is a myth? What purpose do they serve? What is an example of a myth? Briefly describe one. How do ancient myths connect to our lives today? Write responses in your notes.

Myths A myth is an explanation of something in nature; how everything in the universe came into existence and all that happens Myths are early science but also entertainment; they are precursors to modern literature Greek mythology is made up of stories about gods and goddesses

The Gods Zeus, king of the gods Hera, Zeus’ wife, queen of the gods Athena, goddess of wisdom Poseidon, god of the sea Hades, god of the underworld Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty Artemis, goddess of the hunt Apollo, Artemis’ twin, god of the sun Ares, god of war

The Trojan War Archaeological remains provide evidence of a war around 1260-1250 B.C.E., but cause unknown Scholars believe the war began over control of the trade route between the Aegean and Black Seas Ancient mythology states that the war began over a woman

? The Story King Peleus marries sea nymph Thetis All gods on Olympus are invited except ERIS, the Goddess of Discord Eris crashes the wedding and leaves a parting gift: an apple with the words “For The Fairest” on it Hera (Queen of Gods), Athena, (Goddess of Wisdom/War), and Aphrodite (Goddess of Love) all claim the apple Paris, Prince of Troy, will be the judge ?

Paris chooses Aphrodite The Bribe Hera offers him POWER Athena offers him WISDOM Aphrodite offers him the MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN in the WORLD Paris chooses Aphrodite

“the face that launch’d a thousand ships” Helen’s Abduction Helen is the beautiful daughter of King of Sparta (in Greece) Helen has many suitors, and they swear oath to protect Helen and her new husband Father chooses Menelaus and makes him King of Sparta also Paris abducts Helen One thousand ships, including Odysseus and Achilles, leave for Troy “the face that launch’d a thousand ships”

NOTE: Zeus favored the Trojans, but stayed neutral to please Hera Taking Sides THE TROJANS (Paris/Hector) Aphrodite Ares Apollo Artemis THE GREEKS (Achilles/Odysseus) Hera Athena Poseidon NOTE: Zeus favored the Trojans, but stayed neutral to please Hera

The Bloody War Lasted ten years Hand-to-hand combat Periods of temporary truce to bury the dead No fighting after sunset

Clever Odysseus The Greeks build a gigantic hollow horse and hide inside Sinon chosen to tell a tale of the Greeks leaving Priest Laocoon tried to warn the Trojans: “I fear the Greeks even when they bear gifts” Poseidon sent a serpent to kill Laocoon

Surprise! In middle of night Greeks leave horse and attack Troy is in flames before Trojans know what has happened King of Troy dead, women and children become slaves Helen is returned to Menelaus

Odysseus’ Fate Greeks violated Trojan temples Greeks did not offer sacrifices to the gods to thank them for their victory Odysseus, creator of the Horse, will suffer the most It is the END of the war…but for Odysseus, the adventure is just BEGINNING

Homer YES! NO

Homer Lived some 2700 years ago Greatest and finest Greek bard (singer-poet) who also happened to be blind First recorder of formerly oral, epic poems that served to entertain the ancient Greeks Wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey around 700 B.C.E. By the time they were written down, these works had survived 400 years of additions, subtractions, and mutations

Epic Poetry An epic is a story-poem about a great hero who performs daring deeds that require superhuman courage Told orally, not written, recited from memory by minstrels (traveling entertainers) In Greek epics the gods frequently help or hinder the hero

Characteristics Vast setting Style Plot Themes Formal tone and diction Hero delivers long, formal speeches Plot A dangerous journey in foreign lands Supernatural beings Themes Reflects timeless values Universal themes, such as good vs. evil

Homeric Hero A larger-than-life figure Usually male and of noble birth Takes part in long, dangerous adventures Reflects the values and ideals of a nation Actions determine the fate of his people Seeks revenge for injustices or wrongs committed against him, his family, his society Performs courageous acts

Homeric Hero Excels in skill, strength, and courage Accepts challenges and sometimes invites problems Generous to his followers, ruthless to enemies Encounters women who tempt him Usually has a guide Battles demons or monsters Achieves his goal

The Odyssey What is the literal definition of an odyssey? What is its metaphorical definition? An odyssey can be described as A series of wanderings Trials and tribulations Joys and successes How can I use Odysseus’ journey as a paradigm for my life?

Plot Picks up after the conclusion of the Iliad 10-year adventurous voyage of Odysseus and his men after the Trojan War His intended destination is his homeland of Ithaca and his beloved wife Penelope Unfortunately, they get a little sidetracked…

The Journey Call to Adventure… The Trojan War Wise, Helpful Guides… The Gods & Goddesses Dangerous Trials… Sea Perils/Temptations Meeting the Monster… Cyclops, Scylla, Charybdis The Enchanted Forest… The Land of the Dead The Sacrifice… His Crew The Hero’s Return… Victory in Ithaca

Structure Divided into three sections As you read, consider: Books 1-4: Focus on Odysseus’ son Books 5-12: Describe Odysseus as he makes his way home to Ithaca Books 13-24: Describe the events after his return to Greece and is reunited with his family As you read, consider: The role of the hero (that which is within his control) The role of divine intervention (that which is beyond the hero’s control)

Themes Hospitality to strangers Loyalty to friends Reputation (balance of pride and honor) Importance of family Courage

Essential Questions Identity How do your actions demonstrate your character? Power What are the responsibilities of a leader?

The End