1. The Odyssey Homer

2. - Written during the pre-Classical period of Greek history by a blind poet known as Homer - It is not know whether Homer was a real person or group of people, or if The Odyssey is one story created by one person or a group of tales passed down verbally through generations and compiled into the epic we are acquainted with

3. At the end of the Trojan War, in the mid-1200’s, Greece was poor and sparsely populated. There was no system of writing and tales of earlier, more prosperous and heroic times were told in the form of songs and poems.

4. Little is known about the Trojan War except what is revealed in the epics of Homer and Virgil.

5. The Iliad and the Odyssey were the Beginnings of Western literature.

6. The Greeks believed completely in the existence of the gods which we now consider mythological.

7. Some city-states of Greece had gods associated with their own regions. they relied on them in times of trouble.

8. These gods were human in form, but immortal and possessed superhuman powers. They had human failings and frequently came into conflict with one another. Most Greeks thought it was only a matter of making an offer to the right god to change their luck or fortune.

9. The Odyssey was originally written in Greek, one of the first written languages and the first language to use letters for vowels.

10. The Greeks believed their country to be flat and circular, their own country occupying the middle of it.

11. The Mediterranean was referred to as “the sea,” and the center of the country was Mt. Olympus.

12. The Greeks knew little of any real people except those to the east and south of their own country. Their imagination peopled the western portion of the sea with giants, monsters, and enchantresses.

13. They believed that the dawn, sun, and moon rose out of the ocean.

14. The abode of the gods was Mt. Olympus. The gate of clouds, kept by goddesses named “the Seasons” opened to admit the passage of the celestials to earth. The gods had separate dwellings, but all repaired to the palace of Jupiter when summoned. They feasted on ambrosia and nectar.

15. Themes of The Odyssey are tied closely to values of Greek society of the time. Home & Family – Odysseus never loses sight of his goal of returning to Penelope and Telemachus, despite all of his difficulties and temptations. Nothing is as important to him.

16. Loyalty to city-state and country – Odysseus is reluctant to go to war, but would never think of refusing his duty. Power of gods and goddesses – Odysseus often thinks he is more clever or powerful than the gods. He is reminded of their power by his continuing bad luck on his journey.

17. Hospitality and Kindness to Strangers – Greeks were known for their kindness to guests, even those who were uninvited. Hospitality was considered a main characteristic of a civilized society. Greeks took pride in their highly refined and civilized society.

18. Tenacity – Odysseus never gives up, no matter How formidable his obstacles. This was the Mark of a true hero. His physical strength, Endurance, and cleverness were characteristics Valued by the Greeks. Code of Conduct for a Good Leader – Odysseus always sees to the welfare of his men first and conducts himself as a leader worthy of respect.

19. Although Ancient Greece does not seem very civilized by our standards, the Greeks prided themselves on their advanced civilization. The first democracy existed in Ancient Greece.

20. Odysseus often felt he was smarter than the gods and encountered many obstacles as a result of his arrogance.