1. The Odyssey
An epic poem by Homer

2. Calliope is the Muse of epic poetry.
Invocation of the Muse
Calliope is the Muse of epic poetry.
One of the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnenosyne.
She inspires the poet!

3. When and where does the story start?
The poet begins telling the story twenty years after the Trojan War has ended. Everyone except Odysseus and his men have made it home already.
The poet brings us to Mt Olympus where the gods are having a council meeting.
Athena, goddess of wisdom, is the first to speak. She begs Zeus for Odysseus’ release from Ogygia island where Kalypso has been keeping him against his will for seven years.

4. What is life like in Ithaca without Odysseus?

5. PENELOPE THE SUITORS TELEMACHUS
Torn between loyalty and fear that her husband is dead.
Vulnerable to the many suitors seeking to marry her.
THE SUITORS
Fighting to marry Penelope to gain Odysseus’ power.
Causing chaos, eating and drinking Odysseus’ food and wine.
TELEMACHUS
On the verge of manhood, age 20.
Unsure what to think of his father or how to handle the suitors.

6. Books I-IV: Telemachus’ Journey
The poet does not introduce Odysseus until Book V.
Athena needs to prepare Telemachus for his father’s homecoming. She puts courage in his heart.
Disguised as a family friend, she advises him to speak up to the suitors and to take a journey in search of word about his father Odysseus.

7. THEME: No Place Like Home
“…he fought only to save his life, to bring his shipmates home” (1.9-10).

8. THEME: No Place Like Home
“when all the rest had left him…
he alone still hungered for home
and wife” ( ).

9. THEME: No Place Like Home
…[Kalypso] keeps on coaxing him…but such desire is in him merely to see the hearthsmoke leaping upward from his own island, tht he longs to .

10. Theme: No Place Like Home
Odysseus tells the Phaecians:
“A rocky isle, but good for a boy’s training;
I shall not see on earth a place more dear,
though I have been detained long by Calypso,
loveliest among goddesses…
as Circe of Aiaia, the enchantress,
desired me, and detained me in her hall.
But in my heart I never gave consent.
Where shall a man find sweetness to surpass
his own home and his parents? In far lands
he shall not, though he find a house of gold.”

11. Steps leading us to Ithaca, home!
Telemachus has gone on a journey to find out more about his father. He is gaining courage.
Odysseus needs the help of the Phaecians to get home.

12. How does the Journey change Odysseus?
We know he arrives naked on the island of Scheria where the Phaecians live. Why? This symbolizes a rebirth for Odysseus.
His journey has transformed him.
We will listen to his story, just like the Phaecians, and learn how he has changed.

13. Odysseus and the Phaecians
They show him great hospitality.
They have a mini-Olympics and a feast in Odysseus honor.
It takes Odysseus several days before he tells King Alcinous and the Phaecians who he is and where he has been.
Odysseus tells them the details of his ten year journey after the ten year Trojan War. Listen and learn how he has transformed.

15. The Lotus-Eaters

16. Polyphemus the Cyclops
How does this episode affect our first impressions of Odysseus and his men? Use the text to support your claims.

17. Aeolus
Who do you blame for this Misadventure?

18. Laestrygoninians
Who do you blame for this misadventure?

19. Circe
What is revealed about Odysseus and his men?

20. Land of the Dead
What is the purpose of this episode?

21. Back to Circe for Some Advice

22. Sirens

23. Scylla and Charybdis
What it means to be between a rock and a hard place!

24. Helios and his Cattle

25. Alone with Calypso for Seven Years

26. The Magical Flight: The Phaecians Help Odysseus

27. Next: Odysseus’ Return