1. Introduction and Writing Prompts
The Odyssey
Introduction and Writing Prompts

2. The Odyssey Written by Homer Genre: epic poem
The Odyssey is the ten year journey of Odysseus as he tries to return home from the Trojan War.
The Iliad, also written by Homer, is the story of the ten year Trojan War, and Odysseus was a key warrior in the battle.

3. A little about the Trojan War
The party
The missing invitation
Golden apple marked “For the fairest”
Aphrodite, Hera, Athena
Zeus refuses to judge; sends girls to Mount Ida to see Prince Paris
Paris’ father is Priam, King of Troy
Goddesses try to bribe Paris

4. A little about the Trojan War
Paris gets Helen and “kidnaps” her.
Her husband, Menelaus, King of Sparta is angry
Greeks gather an army to get Helen back
“The face that sailed a thousand ships.”
Odysseus did not want to go to war
Ten year war brought about heroes like:
Achilles
Ajax
Hector
Odysseus

5. A little about the Trojan War
Odysseus originated the Trojan Horse idea
“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts”
Greeks defeat the Trojans, and Odysseus is a hero of the war
The Odyssey begins as Odysseus leaves Troy and heads for Ithaca, his home.
The journey should take him two weeks, but it ends up taking him ten years.

6. Please respond to this prompt
Please list eight qualities of a good leader.
Please list four leaders in our society/culture.
Identify if they are a good or bad leader.
What makes them a good leader or a bad leader?
Be prepared to share your responses with the class

7. Possible Responses Responsible Respectable Intelligent Confident
Communication skills
Motivated
Willing to take risks
Good listener
Trustworthy
Consistent

8. Epic
Definition
A long, narrative (tells a story) poem written in an elevated style about the deeds of a hero that has real world historical significance

9. Conventions of the Epic Genre
Definition—a widely used and accepted device or technique; a pattern
CONVENTIONS OF EPICS
Invocation to the muse
Homer prays to Calliope
Epic begins “in medias res” (in the middle)
Odyssey begins at the Council of the gods where Athena is asking Zeus to allow Odysseus to return home.
Moves into flashback to ensure the reader gets the whole story

10. Conventions of the Epic Genre
Includes epos—many short adventures
Includes standard epithets as a substitute for the god’s/person’s name
Epithet—an adjective or descriptive phrase that is regularly used to characterize a person, place, or thing
Wine-dark sea
Grey-eyed Athena
The observant courier
The curse of man

11. Conventions of the Epic Genre
Supernatural is used
Gods become involved with the action and intervene in human affairs
Poetic devices are widely used
Similes, metaphors, personification

12. HOMERIC SIMILE
Homeric simile, also called an epic simile is a detailed comparison in the form of a simile that is many lines in length.
The word "Homeric" is based on the Greek author, Homer.
Compares something from mythology that the reader cannot comprehend (Hermes flying) with something concrete in our world (seagull swooping down for fish) that helps aid in the comprehension.

13. Journal Entry
Based on your list of leadership qualities, is Odysseus a good leader?
Formal Assignment:
Create a report card for Odysseus and grade him in seven areas of leadership.
You are the teacher; create a high school; give grades that include comments that support your grade.
Examples are available for you to look at
Be creative
Due date: