1. The Odyssey Background Notes English I

2. What We Have Gained from the Ancient Greeks Values Values System of Laws System of Laws Political Theories Political Theories Architecture Architecture Language Language Theater Theater

3. Gods and Goddesses: Polytheism Ancient Greeks were polytheistic (many gods and goddesses) Ancient Greeks were polytheistic (many gods and goddesses) Gods and goddesses Gods and goddesses Were immortal (couldn’t die) Were immortal (couldn’t die) Controlled mortals (could die) Controlled mortals (could die) Represented nature or specific cities Represented nature or specific cities Lived on Mount Olympus Lived on Mount Olympus

4. Specific Gods and Goddesses Some gods and goddesses in The Odyssey: Poseidon=god of the sea Athena=goddess of wisdom and the arts of war and peace Hermes=the messenger god Zeus=king of the gods

5. The Odyssey Homer’s Epic Story of Odysseus and His Struggle to Return Home

6. Homer and His Epics Blind poet, 700s BC Told The Iliad and The Odyssey Works are considered “epics,” which are long, narrative poems that tell about heroes and their adventures

7. The Epic Covers several years Covers several years Told in many settings Told in many settings Relates to the values of a civilization Relates to the values of a civilization “Oral tradition” (passing stories to future generations by word of mouth) “Oral tradition” (passing stories to future generations by word of mouth)

8. The Epic Hero No “super” powers No “super” powers Faithful to family, country, and god(s) Faithful to family, country, and god(s) Brave - overcomes fear because of duty (against evil, for good) Brave - overcomes fear because of duty (against evil, for good) Intelligent - uses mind in tough situations Intelligent - uses mind in tough situations Higher being/force guides him on quest Higher being/force guides him on quest

9. Modern Epics Harry Potter Harry Potter Lord of the Rings Lord of the Rings Star Wars Star Wars

10. Books 1-5 (the short version) Books 1-5 Books 1-5