1. Odyssey Notes

2. Homer  believed to have lived during the 8th and 9th century B.C.  known as the “blind poet” though there is no proof  controversy surrounds Homer’s life and works as there was very little recorded history during the time period in which he lived.

3. Homer (cont.) Rhythm and repetition helped Homer remember the story when he told it orally Rhythm and repetition helped Homer remember the story when he told it orally  He wrote both the Iliad and the Odyssey they were thought to be composed 750 B.C. the earliest surviving epic poems.

4. Homer’s Epics

5. The Iliad 10-year war fought on the plains beyond the walls of Troy 10-year war fought on the plains beyond the walls of Troy The ruins of Troy can still be seen today in western Turkey. The ruins of Troy can still be seen today in western Turkey. In homer’s story, the Trojan War was fought between the Trojans and the Achaeans. In homer’s story, the Trojan War was fought between the Trojans and the Achaeans.

6. Started over Peris choosing Helen as the most beautiful woman instead of Hera. Started over Peris choosing Helen as the most beautiful woman instead of Hera. - Paris elopes with Helen even though she is married to Agamemnon; Trojan War begins. - Paris elopes with Helen even though she is married to Agamemnon; Trojan War begins. Achilles fought with the Achaeans under Agamemnon though he didn’t follow orders. He kills Hector for killing his friend. Achilles fought with the Achaeans under Agamemnon though he didn’t follow orders. He kills Hector for killing his friend. Odysseus has the idea to hide inside a trojan horse to get inside Troy. Odysseus has the idea to hide inside a trojan horse to get inside Troy. The Achaeans destroy Troy, but Odysseus refuses to thank the Gods for the victory. The Achaeans destroy Troy, but Odysseus refuses to thank the Gods for the victory. Genre: Epic Poem. Genre: Epic Poem.

7. The Odyssey the wanderings of the Greek general Odysseus on his return from the city of Troy in to his home island of Ithaca. the wanderings of the Greek general Odysseus on his return from the city of Troy in to his home island of Ithaca. The events take place shortly before the year 1200 B.C. The events take place shortly before the year 1200 B.C. Genre: Epic Poem Genre: Epic Poem

8. Characteristics of an Epic Poem  It is a long narrative poem.  The speaker is a narrator who tells a story.  The setting is expansive. It may be a sea, a region, the world, or a universe.  There is a main character, who is a hero or is capable of being heroic.  The purpose of an epic poem is not only to entertain but also to teach and inspire the listener or reader.

9. Epic Poem (cont.)  The action includes extraordinary or super human deeds. Typically, the epic hero has a goal and has embarked upon a long journey. Journey includes: obstacles, antagonists—gods, monsters, and humans—which test his bravery, wits, and physical prowess.  Gods or supernatural beings take a part, or an interest, in the action

10. The Epic Hero Archetype As told by Harry Potter! (who else?)

11. Born into Royalty The main character has a extraordinary birth. The main character has a extraordinary birth. Ex: Harry is born to famous parents.

12. The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of supernatural abilities or qualities (example: strength, knowledge, etc).

13. The hero is charged with a quest. Harry Must find the horcrux’

14. The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest. Harry encounters many obstacles to reach his goal of defeating Voldemort.

15. The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and human helpers and companions

16. The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering.

17. The cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated. In the 5th book of the series, the ministry of magic refuses to believe Voldemort has returned, so they discredit Dumbledore and Harry Potter.

18. A resurrection.

19. Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful place on the throne. They defeat Voldemort and live happily ever after….sigh

21. Terms to Know: epic- is a long narrative poem that recounts the actions, adventures, and travels of a heroic figure, called the epic hero. hero- a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities

22. Terms to Know: tragic hero- a person of great ability who often comes to grief because of a fault within his or her character. Epic hero: larger than life figure from history or legend

23. Terms to Know tragic flaw- often a characteristic that has helped him or her achieve success. Ex: pride, ambition, jealousy, self-doubt, or anger. tragic flaw- often a characteristic that has helped him or her achieve success. Ex: pride, ambition, jealousy, self-doubt, or anger. epic hero- a larger-than-life figure from history or legend. The hero undertakes a dangerous voyage, demonstrating traits— such as courage, loyalty, and honor—that are valued by the society in which the epic originates. His typical goal is to save his nation and journey over the expanse of continents to do so. epic hero- a larger-than-life figure from history or legend. The hero undertakes a dangerous voyage, demonstrating traits— such as courage, loyalty, and honor—that are valued by the society in which the epic originates. His typical goal is to save his nation and journey over the expanse of continents to do so.

24. Terms to Know oral poetry- Homer and other poets during the time period memorized and recited these epics aloud. This was due to the fact that the society at the time was not literate. oral poetry- Homer and other poets during the time period memorized and recited these epics aloud. This was due to the fact that the society at the time was not literate.

25. Terms to Know epic simile (also called a Homeric simile)- extends a comparison with elaborate descriptive details that can fill several lines of verse epic simile (also called a Homeric simile)- extends a comparison with elaborate descriptive details that can fill several lines of verse Epithet an adjective or adjective phrase used to point out a characteristic of a person or thing. The Homeric epithet is often a compound adjective, e.g. "rosy- fingered" dawn or "blue eyed" Athena Epithet an adjective or adjective phrase used to point out a characteristic of a person or thing. The Homeric epithet is often a compound adjective, e.g. "rosy- fingered" dawn or "blue eyed" Athena