1. Chapter 7
The Stories of Homer

2. The Stories of Homer
Storytellers kept the Mycenean civilization alive after its fall and during the Dark Ages
Bards – storytellers
Lyre – ancient stringed instrument
Epics – story-poems
Were all epics alike?

3. Homer History’s first great poet; said to be blind
Wrote two long epics set in Mycenean times
The Iliad
The Odyssey
He was the first to describe the deities
Some say his epics inspired the written language – how?

4. The Iliad Describes the final days of the war between Mycenae and Troy

5. The Iliad – key terms Paris – prince of Troy
Helen – most beautiful woman in the world; married to King of Sparta (Menelaus)
Menelaus – King of Sparta
Agamemnon – King of Mycenae (brother of Menelaus)
King Priam – Ruler of Troy; father of Paris
Soothsayer – someone who interprets the will of the gods and predicts the future
Achilles – Greek king; great warrior in Greek army
Hector – Older brother of Paris; great Trojan warrior
Patroclos – Achilles’ best friend; killed by Hector

6. The Odyssey
Describes the fall of Troy and the journey of Odysseus to get home
Odysseus uses a large wooden horse
When Troy is defeated, Odysseus journeys home, but it takes much longer than expected. Why?

7. The Odyssey – key terms Odysseus – king of Ithaca
Polyphemus – one-eyed Cyclops
Laestrygonians – man-eating giants
Circe – enchantress who turns men into pigs
Lotus-eaters – give plants that make you forget
Sirens – sing songs no man can resist
Scylla – many-headed monster
Penelope – wife of Odysseus

8. Historical Accuracy Homer lived long after the Mycenean age
He told his epics based on what life may have been like
The epics provide information about the Mycenean and Archaic Ages

9. HW Questions – p. 71 How were the early epics recited?
What are the names of Homer’s two great works?
According to Homer, what caused the Trojan War?
What was Achilles’ greatest wish?
What does The Iliad tell us about the character of the Mycenean warriors?
What was Odysseus’ clever plan to end the siege?
How long did it take Odysseus to return home?
Describe Odysseus’ personality.
Are Homer’s works historically accurate?