1. The Odyssey

2. Myth in The Odyssey Gods = All powerful, all knowing
Gods can have an alter ego
Athena = goddess of wisdom - Reflects Odysseus’ wisdom
Poseidon = god of the sea - Reflects Odysseus’ arrgoance

3. What is an Epic?
Long narrative poem about the adventures of a hero

4. The hero Larger than life Historically significant
(mostly) favored by the gods
Mortal
On a journey or quest
Exceptional morals

5. The Setting Vast, spans many lands, nations, worlds, universes, etc.
Involves supernatural forces

6. The action
Deeds of valor, superhuman courage and feats, show values and beliefs of a culture
Hero’s actions determine the nation’s fate

7. Supernatural forces Gods, goddesses, monsters, mythological creatures
Work against the hero

8. The Writing
Uses repetition
Several moments of suspense and climax

9. Early Epic poems Oral and narrative poems
Told in pre-literate societies
Used to pass on morals/values of a culture

10. The Trojan war
The Odyssey is told “In Media Res” which means… In the middle
2. Homer wrote The Illiad before writing The Odyssey To understand The Odyssey, you must first understand what happens in The Illiad.
3. THE TROJAN WAR WAS FOUGHT BETWEEN WHAT TWO GROUPS? The residents of the city, Troy, (Trojans) and the residents of Mycanaea, (Achaens)
4. WHO IS THE WOMAN THAT LEGEND CREDITS WITH STARTING THE WAR? Helen of Troy

11. The Trojan war continued
5. DESCRIBE THE SCENARIO THAT LED PRINCE PARIS TO KIDNAP HELEN. Helen was married to King Menelaus; however, Helen was given to Prince Paris, son of the King of Troy, as a prize for naming Aphrodite the most beautiful woman in the world. See the problem? Helen was ALREADY MARRIED!!! Prince Paris didn’t mind. His solution – he abducted HER and took her back to Troy 6. THE NAMES OF THE BROTHERS WHO BESEIGED TROY FOR 10 LONG YEARS: King Menalus and his brother, King Agamenmnon

12. The Trojan war continued
7. HOW DID THE ACHAENS FINALLY WIN THE TROJAN WAR? The wise and brave King of Ithaca (Odysseus) devised a plan to enter the gates of Troy. Soldiers hid in a hollow man-made Trojan horse and disguised it as a gift for the Trojans; who believed the horse was sacred. Once inside the gates, the soldiers pillaged the city and burnt it down! 8. WHO IS ODYSSEUS? Ruler of the Kingdom of Ithaca, Most prominent leader of The Trojan War, Main character in The Odyssey Known for his cleverness, cunning ideas, and eloquence as a speaker

13. The Trojan war continued
9. HOW LONG WAS ODYSSEUS GONE FROM ITHACA? 20 Years
WHAT ISSUES DOES ODYSSEUS HAVE TO CONTEND WITH TO RETURN HOME? Poseidon- God of the seas works against Odysseus
WHAT DOES ODYSSEUS HAVE TO CONTEND WITH ONCE HE GETS HOME? Evil suitors who plunder, steal, and manipulate are trying to take over his throne and steal his wife, Penelope
WHO IS HELPING ODYSSEUS?
Athena- goddess of wisdom.

14. Male and Female roles in Literature
Themes of the odyssey
Fate vs. Free Will
Male and Female roles in Literature
The Importance of Life’s Journey/Quest
The Power of Nature
Mortal Choices/ Sacrifices/ Trade- offs
The Importance of Home and Family