1. The “prologue” to Homer’s Odyssey
The Invocation
The “prologue” to Homer’s Odyssey

2. Invo what?
The Odyssey was recited in front of a live audience. To start, the narrator would invoke, or address some deity (god), for assistance.
In the Odyssey, the narrator asks Memory (the muses) for assistance and inspiration.

3. Who are the Muses?
The Ancient Greeks believed that artistic achievement does not arise spontaneously, but as the result of outside intervention.
The Muses were the 9 daughters of Zeus. The Muses granted or withheld the spark necessary to prompt the memory and create art.

4. The Muses at a glance

5. Euterpe, Muse of Lyric Poetry

6. Erato, Muse of Love Poetry

7. Thalia, Muse of Comic Poetry