1. Epic Poems The Odyssey By: Homer

2. Today’s Goal Introduce ourselves to our next piece of literature, The Odyssey Discuss one of The Odyssey’s common themes Learn about what genre it belongs to Conclude what to expect from the piece

3. Quick Write What is a hero to you? Characteristics Personality or Physical Traits Actions **Be prepared to share your answers with the class

4. Epic Poetry A genre of classical poetry originating in Greece Long narrative with journeys of an Epic Hero who represents an entire cultural, racial, or religious group: Greeks used the Homeric Epics as ethical textbooks in their schools They were seen not only as good stories but also as a source of knowledge about human conduct and relations with Gods. The Greeks also used mythology to explain people and their culture – through creation, weather, nature, and the universe.

5. Odyssey 1. An epic poem attributed to Homer, describing Odysseus’s adventures in his ten-year attempt to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. 2. A long series of wanderings or adventures, filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc…

6. A Hero’s Journey A personal journey transformed into a cultural journey A call to an adventure or quest Supernatural forces that give aid or cause problems A series of tasks and trials A collision of forces A victorious or defeated hero Homecoming – the hero’s reintegration into or banishment from society