1. Elements of the Epic

2. The Epic Hero
Possesses superhuman strength, craftiness, and confidence
Helped or harmed by gods or fate
Embodies the qualities valued by the culture
Overcomes perilous situations
The epic hero has many extraordinary abilities but also human frailties. He moves with confidence through a world of uncertainties. Even with his flaws, the ideal qualities he embodies create an image to which others might aspire.

3. Epic Plot
Depicts a long strange journey filled with such complications as:
Strange creatures
Treacherous weather
Divine intervention
Large-scale events
The epic hero's journey includes many challenges, often supernatural in origin. These obstacles in the way of his goals provide him with the opportunity to prove that he possesses the traits of a true hero. In Greek and Roman epics, various gods intercede on behalf of the hero, helping him to overcome his enemies.

4. Epic Setting Includes fantastic or exotic lands
Involves more than one nation or culture

5. Epic Themes Reflect universal concerns, such as: Courage Loyalty
Beauty
The fate of a nation
Life and death
A homecoming
More than one theme will be developed in this epic. Theme is the message about life that the poet/author conveys through the character and plot.

6. Archetypes
Characters and situations recognizable across times and cultures.
Brave hero
Sea monster
Suitor’s contest
Evil temptress
Loyal servant
Buried treasure
An epic is more than an adventure story. It has an outcome that significantly affects the destiny of a nation or a group of people.
Identify other archetypes- warrior princess, traitorous friend, mother figure, evil witch

7. Archetypes

8. The Figurative Language of Homer
Similes: The epic simile is more elaborate than a simile in a short poem. It does more than make a comparison; it also conveys an idea about what is being described. For example, a writer might compare someone’s voice to the melody of an angelic harp or the wailing of an emergency siren.
Metaphor: A direct comparison, as in the metaphors for flowing blood: “crimson runnels, a river or mortal red.” (Book 22, lines 17-18)

9. The Figurative Language of Homer
Epithets: The word epithet has multiple meanings. It can also refer to “an abusive or nasty phrase.” However, it is not always negative. It is a phrase used to describe someone. Some epithets to describe Odysseus are “the master of battle” and “Son of Laertes.” What epithet would you like for yourself?
Allusions: Indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work. This selection opens with an allusion to the Muses, daughters of Zeus who devoted themselves to the arts and inspiration. “Sing in me Muse” refers to Calliope, the muse of epic story-telling.

10. Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary
Muse: (Noun) A daughter a Zeus, credited with divine inspiration.
In mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses who symbolized the arts and sciences. Today, a muse is a person who serves as an artist's inspiration. Often filmmakers talk about a certain actor being a muse — meaning the actor inspired a movie. Writers, painters, musicians, and other artists have muses.
Synonyms/Antonyms: None 
Forms: Muses
Example sentence: The new mother used her baby as her muse for writing a children’s story.

11. Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary
Harried: (adjective) tormented, harassed.
Someone who is harried is feeling the stress of being rushed, overworked, or harassed. A harried parent might be exhausted but still have to make 3 dozen cupcakes for school and help with a science project.
Harried comes from the verb harry, which itself is from the Middle English word herigan, meaning to pillage, plunder, or make war. Today, harried doesn't imply an act of war, but rather someone who is frazzled or a situation that might cause that feeling. If the project you're working on has been harried from start to finish, you'll be lucky to keep your sanity.

12. Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary
Synonyms: Annoyed, harassed, troubled, vexed, pestered
Antonyms: calm, collected, happy, untroubled
Forms: harry
Example Sentence: The teacher wore a harried expression as she struggled to finish all her grading before the end of the term.

13. Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary
Plunder: (verb) To steal good; to take as spoils
Plunder can mean stolen goods or money obtained illegally, or the act of taking those things. A burglar might plunder a jewelry store and then sneak off with her plunder.
Synonyms: loot, pillage, take, steal, rob, raid
Antonyms: Give, aid, guard, help, protect
Forms: plundered, plundering
Example Sencene: As Troy burned, the Greek army plundered the city, taking anything of value that they could.

14. Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary
Valor: (noun) the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle).
Valor is honor plus dignity. It’s gallant bravery and strength, especially on the battlefield or in the face of danger. It’s a trait fit for a hero.
Synonyms: Gallantry, heroism, bravery, courage
Antonyms: Cowardice, weakness, fear, timidity
Forms: valorous
Example Sentence: Despite being low in numbers, the warriors fought with amazing valor.

15. Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary
Reckless: (adjective) marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences.
If you are reckless, you don't think or care about the consequences of your words or actions, like a reckless driver who speeds while texting, knitting, and eating a sandwich.
Synonyms: foolhardy, rash, heady, bold, careless, irresponsible
Antonyms: thoughtful, careful, cautious, mindful, thoughtful
Forms: recklessly, recklessness
Example sentence: The reckless teens didn’t think about the consequences of their actions.