1. Introduction and Literary Terms
Epic: The Odyssey
Introduction and Literary Terms

2. Epic
Long narrative poem about the deeds and adventures of national or legendary heroes

3. Epic Conventions a) Invocation to a Muse (goddess)
“Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story…”
“Of these adventures, Muse, daughter of Zeus,
tell us in our time, lift the great song again.”

4. Epic Conventions b) Topic & theme stated in first lines “… the story
of that man skilled in all ways of contending,
the wanderer, harried for years on end,
after he plundered the stronghold
on the proud height of Troy.”

5. Epic Conventions
c) Beginning: in medias res (in the middle of things) so flashbacks are used d) Language: formal, elevated, poetic often recited to music (lyres) stock epithets and epic similes long speeches by main characters

6. Epic Conventions
e) Lines: formulaic meter based on long & short syllables f) An epic hero on an epic journey g) Intervention of supernatural (gods and goddesses )

7. Trojan War Time: 1200 B.C. Place: modern-day Turkey
Armies: Greek (Achilles) and Trojan (Hector)
Legendary cause: Helen of Troy
Purpose: control of trade in Aegean Sea
Length: 10 years

8. Structure of The Odyssey
24 books long 3 main plot strands: a) Ithaca without Odysseus b) Odysseus’ travels after the war c) Odysseus returning home

9. Themes of The Odyssey loyalty, devotion, fortitude
Greek ideal of strong body and strong intellect
Wandering hero returning home
Triumph of good over evil
Obedience to laws of gods

10. Homer Legendary blind bard (poet) Lived between 1000 B.C. and 700 B.C.
From western Asia Minor
(Ionia in eastern Mediterranean)
Orally “composed” Iliad and Odyssey
Oral tradition: travelled and recited epic poetry

11. Epic Hero Central hero of epic poem (e.g. Odysseus)
Larger-than-life figure from history or legend
Importance: national, international, cosmic
Traits of hero are those valued by his society

12. Epic Vocabulary
1) Archetype: character, image, or situation that appears in lit of all cultures and all times
2) Bard: wandering poet who recites poems
3) Epic simile: Homeric simile;
long & elaborate comparison of unlike subjects
using words like, as, just as, so

13. Epic Vocabulary
4) Flashback: scene that interrupts a narrative to relate earlier events 5) Guile: (filled with) crafty, cunning, clever, wily 6) Hubris: arrogance caused by excessive pride

14. Epic Vocabulary
7) Meter: rhythmical pattern; number & types of stresses (beats) in each line Original: written in dactylic hexameter: lines of six feet (beats), 3 syllables each with stress on first syllable 8) Muses: spirits that inspire poets; 9 omniscient goddesses of art, literature, & science

15. Epic Vocabulary
9) Myths: Fictional tales that: a) describe actions of gods & heroes b) explain causes of natural phenomena Myths emphasize supernatural events rather than historical events. 10) Narrative poem: a poem that tells a story, e.g. an epic

16. Epic Vocabulary
11) Oral tradition: passing songs, stories, & poems from one generation to another by word of mouth 12) Stock epithets: adjective-noun phrases that describe people, forces, and objects e.g. Odysseus the wanderer Calypso, loveliest among goddesses Zeus the lord of cloud Dawn with fingertips of rose