1. The Odyssey

2. What was life like in ancient greece?
Oral Tradition
Stories, myths, and poems were memorized and recited by storytellers.
These storytellers would travel and “perform” their stories for the people of Greece.

3. Who was homer? Greek poet/storyteller
thought to be blind, but describes events as a seeing person would
lived around 800 B.C.
Wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey - stories about the war between the Trojans and the Greeks which happened around 1200 B.C.

4. What is an Epic? a long narrative poem
has mythological and legendary characters, places, and events
depicts a larger-than-life hero who usually goes on a dangerous journey
the hero is usually helped or hindered by the gods and supernatural creatures on his journey
gives us an idea of the culture
Odysseus

5. What is common in an epic poem?
Homeric Simile, also known as an epic simile.
 detailed comparison in the form of a simile that is many lines in length.
The object of the comparison is usually something strange or unfamiliar to something ordinary and familiar. 
Epithet
Like an adjective.
Describes a character, place, or event
Ex. “swift-footed Achilles”
In Media Res- The action of the epic begins in the MIDDLE of the plot. So, basically, the story begins in the middle.

6. What is an epic hero?
Epic Hero- a larger-than-life figure from history or legend.
The hero undertakes a dangerous voyage
Demonstrates traits such as courage, loyalty, and honor that are valued by the society in which the epic originates.
Epic Heroes:
have supernatural abilities or qualities
are charged with a quest
possess weaknesses
travel to supernatural worlds
will reach a low point- almost to one of failure

7. What happened before the odyssey?
The Iliad
Story of the last year of the Trojan War
War had lasted 10 years between the Greeks and the Trojans.
The war started when Helen, a Greek, was abducted by Paris, the son of the Trojan king.
Troy was defeated when Odysseus and his men were able to get inside the walls of Troy concealed within the body of the Trojan horse.

8. The Odyssey
The story of the journey of Odysseus and his men trying to get home after the Trojan War.
Journey lasted10 years
an epic about humans on the journey of life overcoming temptations along the way.

10. themes in the odyssey
Theme is the main idea or the message behind a story.
Themes in The Odyssey:
Hospitality is virtuous
Loyalty and perseverance are heroic and admirable
Cunning overpowers physical strength
Journeys result in personal growth
Giving in to temptation has negative effects.
Even heroes have flaws