1. The Odyssey Epics & Introductions 1

2. Review: What is an odyssey? “An adventure-laden progress through space and time.” It is that telling of an episode in a human life that gives its incidents magic and meaning. “An inward odyssey and how he wandered around from spiritual place to place until he found his way home to a laboriously achieved belief.” “ an intellectual or spiritual quest.” 2

3. What is an epic? An epic is a long, narrative poem, 1,000 lines that features the adventures of a hero. Epics often contain the following characteristics: 1.They begin with an Invocation, a plea from the poet to the Muse of Poetry for help in composing a great poem. 2.They also often begin in the middle of things so the action is already unfolding as the story begins. 3.They feature the adventures of a strong, clever hero who takes a journey and learns lessons about himself, his culture, or human nature on the way. These lessons often include “Rites of Passage,” or important steps we take to become more mature or spiritually enlightened. They often involve conflicts with gods/goddesses, monsters, witches, and/or other supernatural entities. 4.The Point of View is often split between first person and an omniscient narrator and always shows a patriotic, nationalistic sentiment. 5.The poem does not rhyme but features long, sophisticated similes (“epic similes”) metaphors, and epithets (are short descriptions of people or nature.) They are often hyphenated. Example: “Rosy-fingered dawn” or “son-of-the-mighty Etocles.” 6.The poem shows the relationship between men and gods. Usually it reminds men that they are NOT gods’ equals and if they pretend to be, there will be retribution. However, there is also the hope offered that good or just will win over evil and injustice 7.The poem also shows culture, values, and ethics of Greek culture 3

4. The Epic Hero Represents the values of a culture: In this case those of ancient Greece such as: Marriage Fidelity Loyalty Kingship Honour the Gods Undertakes a difficult journey or quest. Departure Initiation Return Has an unusual origin Has an antagonist Poseidon 4

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6. Read Book 1, pp.77-92. While we are reading keep in mind what we have discussed today about the genre of the epic and the archetype of the epic hero. 6

7. What is the significance in this of the station of Odysseus’ journey and what is its meaning as a whole? Question from: http://www.theimaginativeconservative.org/2013/05/eva-bran-odyssey.html http://www.theimaginativeconservative.org/2013/05/eva-bran-odyssey.html Discuss 7

8. References Images http://blog.nanowrimo.org/post/51648285482/the-camp-rebel-files-how-writing-an-epic-poem- taught http://blog.nanowrimo.org/post/51648285482/the-camp-rebel-files-how-writing-an-epic-poem- taught Text http://www.theimaginativeconservative.org/2013/05/eva-bran-odyssey.html http://mcgavockenglish1.wikispaces.com/file/view/Notes%20on%20Epic%20Poems.doc/1759208 13/Notes%20on%20Epic%20Poems.doc http://mcgavockenglish1.wikispaces.com/file/view/Notes%20on%20Epic%20Poems.doc/1759208 13/Notes%20on%20Epic%20Poems.doc http://www.pattileemuratori.com/theodyssey.htm 8