1. An Introduction to

2. “odyssey”
meaning: a long journey with many adventures or a spiritual or intellectual quest
the word “odyssey” derives from the name Odysseus, the main character from The Odyssey (he is also referred to as Ulysses in classic literature)

3. Why read The Odyssey ?
It’s a great adventure that has stood the test of time – a classic!
It follows the
Hero’s Journey pattern.

4. Who was Homer?

5. Homer
Homer is the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey (both are based on the most famous event in Greek history—the Trojan War).
The Iliad and The Odyssey were composed sometime between 900 and 700 B.C.E.!

6. Homer
Homer was a blind minstrel (he told stories to entertain and to make his living).

7. Homer
Audiences had to listen carefully (this is “oral tradition” so there was a lot of repetition and improvisation used).
The epics were not
originally written --
The Greek alphabet
didn’t appear
until 725 BCE.

8. Homer
other traveling poets (called rhapsodes) memorized and recited these epics in the banquet halls of kings and noble families

9. Homer?
history is vague on Homer’s identity; some say there were actually two Homers (some say he is just a legend, others say that a whole series of rhapsodes composed various parts of the epics)

10. Myth and Epic
“Myth” is a story that uses fantasy to express ideas about life not easily done in realistic terms.
Myths also stress the
relationship of human beings to a higher, spiritual realm.

11. Myth and Epic The Iliad and The Odyssey are both epics!
“epic” is a long story poem about a legendary hero
the supernatural plays an important role
The Iliad and The Odyssey are both epics!

12. Myth and Epic
The Iliad (a war epic) is named for Ilion (another name for the city of Troy); it opens in
the 10th and last year
of the
Trojan
War.

13. Myth and Epic
The Odyssey (a journey epic) is 11,300 lines long and divided into 24 “books.”

15. Myth and Epic
Homer used the Trojan War as the basis of his poems (but added his own plot structure, characters, dialogue, and details of fabulous monsters).

16. Myth and Epic
The Odyssey also retells how Odysseus conceives a plan to leave a huge wooden horse filled with Greek warriors outside the gates of Troy.

17. The Odyssey
a story told in 3 stages

18. The Odyssey
Part 1: a story of what happens in Ithaca to Odysseus’ wife (Penelope) and son (Telemachus) as they await his return

20. The Odyssey
Part 2: a story of Odysseus’ wanderings after the Trojan War (the war lasted 10 years and his wanderings lasted another 10 years!)

22. The Odyssey
Part 3: a story of how Odysseus returns home to Ithaca and joins forces with his grown son to destroy his enemies

24. The Odyssey
a story involving 3 sets of characters

25. The Odyssey
the Greek gods
humans
supernatural
monsters and creatures

26. The Odyssey
the Greek gods were interested in human affairs and often intervened to protect or punish mortals

28. The Odyssey Homer’s portrayal of the gods made them seem human (they
quarreled,
loved, and
were jealous).

30. The Odyssey
Homer is always respectful of the gods (which is essential for survival)

31. The Odyssey Point of View (split)
narration is omniscient (offering insight into the thoughts and feelings of even minor characters, gods, and mortals alike)
Odysseus narrates Books in the first person

32. The Odyssey Major Conflicts:
Odysseus must return home; he must also vanquish the suitors who threaten his estate
Telemachus must mature and secure his own reputation in Greek society