THE ODYSSEY

EPIC POEM

The Odyssey is an epicA long narrative poem describing

action, travel, adventures, and heoric episodes.It is written in a somewhat lyric styleIt may have as many as twenty four books (chpaters)

Most epic poems begin with a statement of the theme.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EPICS

The deeds of the hero are presented without favoritism—they show his failings as well as his virtues.

The actions, often battles, reveal the more-than-human strength of heroes as they do courageous and heroic things.

MORE CHARACTERISTICS

Involve muses and idols/gods Give histories and descriptions of

significant items, such as the Trojan Horse Involve long, formal speeches by

important characters. Involve journeys The setting can cover several nations, the

whole world, or even the universe. The episodes, even though they may be

made up, provide an explanation for some events in history or nations of people.

EVEN MORE CHARACTERISTICS

The gods and lesser divinities play an active role in the outcome of actions.

All of the various adventures relate in some way to the theme.

TWO MOST FAMOUS EPICS

The IliadThe Odyssey

Both written by Homer

ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC HERO

1. Supernatural abilities/qualities

2. On a quest/journey3. Hero is tested often to

prove he is worthy4. Hero is given help from

mythical people/creatures

MORE ELEMENTS OF EPIC HEROES

5. Travels to the supernatural world that most humans cannot get to.

6. The hero must get to a very LOW point where he is about to give up the quest.

7. Goes through a “ressurrection” and gets the strength to continue with a renewed spirit.

8. Regains his rightful place (as king, etc.)

HOMER

Lived around 1200 BCBoth the Iliad and The Odyssey are stories about the war between the Trojans and the Greeks which happened between 900 and 700 b.c.

THE ILLIAD

Tells the story of the Trojan War

It is a prelude to The Odyssey.The most famous story from

The Iliad is that of the Trojan Horse, which was built by Odysseus and his men.

THE TROJAN HORSE

THE ODYSSEY

An epic poem made up of 24 books (chapters)

It tells the story of Odysseus’ adventures on his way home from the Trojan War, and the events that happen in Ithaca before he returns.

The hero is long-suffering Odysseys, king of Ithaca and its surrounding islands. He is also the hero of the Trojan War. He has been gone 20 years

THE ODYSSEY

It takes place in the 10 years following the Trojan War

The setting changes throughout the story

The epic begins “in media res”(translated: in the middle of

things)

THE ODYSSEY

Incorporates strange lands and monsters

It incorporates gods and goddesses & supernatural forces

Each of them has something to do with Odysseus and his journey

THEMES OF THE ODYESSY

PRIDE & HONORTEMPTATIONLOYALTYPERSEVERANCEVENGEANCE

Characters

OdysseusThe protagonist. He is a strong

and courageous warrior but is most known for his wisdom and quick thinking.

He is a favorite of the goddess Athena, who often sends him divine aid.

He is the bitter enemy of Poseidon (the antagonist), who dislikes Odysseus because Odysseus blinds Poseidon’s son.

Characters

Penelope--the wife of Odysseus, who waits faithfully for 20 years for her husband’s return.

Telemachus-- Odysseus and Penelope’s son.

CharactersCalypso--The beautiful nymph who

falls in love with Odysseus when he lands on her island. She holds him prisoner for seven years.

Alcinous- King of the Phaeacians, he welcomes Odysseus on his island and hears the story of Odysseus’ wanderings and provides him with safe passage back to Ithaca.

CharactersLaertes--Odysseus’ father (he does

not appear in the story, but is mentioned)

Circe-- a goddess and enchantress who lives on the island of Aeaea. She changes Odysseus’ men into pigs because of their rude behavior.

Zeus--King of gods and men, he sometimes helps Odysseus or permits Athena to help him.

CharactersAthena-- Daughter of Zeus and

goddess of wisdom & war. -- She assists Odysseus and Telemachus with divine powers throughout the epic.--She often appears in disguise as Mentor, an old friend of Odysseus.

Apollo-- Son of Zeus and god of the sun, music, poetry, prophecy, & medicine.

CharactersPoseidon-- The god of the sea,

earthquakes, & horses. Polyphemus-- the cyclops that battles

Odysseus. Eurylochus-- a trusted officer of

Odysseus.Persephone-- wife of Hades, the ruler

of the underworld

CharactersHermes-- the messenger god, persuades

Calypso to let Odysseus leaver her island.

Tiresias of Thebes-- a blind prophet whose spirit visits Odysseus in the underworld.

Sirens--creatures, part woman and part bird whose songs lure sailors to their death.

Scylla-- 6 headed sea monster who eats sailors.