1. Introduction to
The Odyssey

2. The story of the Odyssey grew out of Oral Tradition
Oral traditions explore universal themes such as:
The importance of heroism
The strength of loyalty
The power of love
The dangers of greed
They also explore archetypes – recognizable people, situations, and images across different cultures and time.

3. Oral Traditions The Hero’s quest – undergoes trials and tests
Struggle between protagonist and antagonist – often good versus evil
Monster – destroyed by the hero
Trickster – gets into trouble through his own actions
Historical/cultural setting – beliefs and customs that reflect time and place

4. How did Oral Traditions Spread?
Minstrel - both a historian and an entertainer.
Minstrels borrowed material from legends, epics, and myths already known by the people.
There was no written history, so stories were told repeatedly
Minstrels traveled from place to place singing of recent events or of the stories of heroes or gods & goddesses
Audiences never tired of the stories.

5. What is an Epic? The oldest literary form or genre
A long story-poem involving:
- larger-than-life heroes
- a dangerous journey or quest
- the fate of an entire race of people is often at stake
- a struggle that the culture of the hero values
- the gods and goddesses often take an active part in helping or hindering

6. Conventions of the Epic
Asks for the aid of a muse – one of the daughters of Zeus that inspires creativity
Uses epic similes – long comparisons, often several sentences
Elevated language, repetitive
Often begins in medias res (in the middle of things) – uses flashbacks to tell story
uses descriptions and phrases that were familiar to the audience called epithets, so that the speaker can catch his breath (e.g.“the great tactician” for Odysseus, and “the clear-eyed goddess” for Athena).

7. What is an Epic Hero? Larger-than-life character
Possesses traits that are highly valued by his society
Represents a cause larger than himself
Traits revealed through his dialogue and actions

8. Who wrote The Odyssey?
The author was Homer. He was blind, and he was a minstrel.
He wrote 2 epics
1. The Iliad - a war epic
2. The Odyssey - a journey epic
They were written abut 800 B.C. and told about events that happened in 1200 B.C.
Homer outshone other minstrels of his day…
1. Because of his originality of ideas
2. Because of his expression and the effect he had on his audience.

9. The Illiad Written between 900-700 B.C.
Covers the events of the Trojan War

10. The Trojan War (The Illiad)
Happened around 1200 b.c. – lasted 10 years
Legendary cause: romantic
Helen of Troy
True cause: economic
Trading routes

11. The Gods and The Trojan War
Gods and goddess intervened in the war
Respect for the gods was essential for survival
Gods and goddess wanted the Trojans to win
Odysseus: responsible for the fall of Troy  punished! (Trojan Horse Idea)

12. About The Odyssey Odyssey = Epic Poem
It is one of the oldest and greatest works of literature
Tells the story of Odysseus’ trip back home from the Trojan War
Takes place over 10 years
Central character is Odysseus, king of Ithaca

13. What the heck is an “odyssey,” anyway?!
[od-uh-see] -
–noun
a long series of wanderings or adventures, esp. when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc.
From dictionary.com

14. Setting GREECE 12th century b.c. (Bronze Age) why?
Aegean Sea and Ionian Islands
Journey from Troy to Ithaca

15. Structure of The Odyssey
Begins in media res
3rd person omniscient narrator
24 books
Non-linear plot (modern)
Layout:
The Telemachy
Odysseus’ wanderings
The Homecoming

16. Main Characters Odysseus: A powerful and cunning warrior
Penelope: Odysseus’ faithful wife,
smart and clever
Telemachus: the son of Penelope and Odysseus, grew up without his father

17. The Gods
Athena: the goddess of war and wisdom. She is Odysseus’s patron saint and watches over him and his son.
Poseidon: the god of the sea. He is Odysseus’ main immortal enemy because Oysseus’ men killed the god’s son.
Calypso: a minor goddess. She keeps Odysseus on her island and offers him immortality.

18. Other supernatural beings
Circe: a witch who turns Odysseus’ men into pigs.
Scylla and Charybdis: sailors have to sail through these two monsters, but to stay away from one you came close to another.
Polyphemus: a Cyclops that eats some of Odysseus’ crew

19. Other important characters
Antinous: one of Penelope’s suitors. He is very loud and the opposite of Odysseus.
Eumaeus: the helpful shepherd who shelters Odysseus when he returns.
Laertes: Odysseus’ father. He has been wasting away while Odysseus was gone, but regains his health when he returns.
Argus: Odysseus’ dog. He recognizes
Odysseus upon his return.

20. Interpretation of The Odyssey
Can be read as a forerunner of the novel (emphasis on character and plot)
Can be read as every human’s struggle to overcome temptations and obstacles in their journey through life.
Taught to Greek youths in order to pass on cultural values and the beliefs of Greek society

21. Guidelines for reading an Epic
Become familiar with character and place names, but be aware that they may have different spellings depending on the translator.
Look for heroic characteristics; a hero is extraordinary and his adventures are grand!
Understand that Gods, goddesses, and other supernatural forces toy with the destiny of humans. They punish and reward human behavior.

22. More Guidelines for Reading an epic
Look for underlying cultural beliefs and values
Respect for deities
Code of hospitality
Notice EPIC CONVENTIONS:
Invocation
Lengthy speeches
Repetition
Epithets
Epic similes

23. "All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."
— Martin Buber