Homers The Odyssey Characteristics of the Epic n

Homer’s The Odyssey

Characteristics of the Epic n An Epic is told in the form of a long narrative poem. – Remember: Narrative Poetry tells a story with plot, characters, conflicts, and settings. n It tells the adventures of an epic hero, a larger than life figure who undertakes great journeys and performs deeds requiring remarkable strength and cunning.

Elements of the Epic 1. ) Epic Hero: Qualities area. Possesses super human strength and confidence b. Is helped and harmed by the gods c. Embodies ideals and values that a culture consider admirable d. emerges victorious from perilous situations

Elements of the Epic 2. ) Epic Plot: Involves a long journey, full of complications, such as: a. strange creatures b. divine intervention c. large-scale events d. treacherous weather

Elements of the Epic 3. ) Epic Setting: a. Includes fantastic or exotic lands b. Involves more than 1 nation

Elements of the Epic 4. ) Archetypes (define): characters, situations, and images that are recognizable in many times and cultures: n a. sea monster d. epic hero n b. wicked temptress e. loyal servant n c. buried treasure f. suitors’ contest

Elements of an Epic 5. ) Epic Themes: Reflect such universal concerns as: n a. courage d. life & death n b. a homecoming e. beauty n c. the fate of a nation f. loyalty

The Language of Homer a. Similes: a comparison between 2 unlike things, using the word like or as. b. Epic Similes: goes on at great length and several lines

The Language of Homer c. Epithets: a brief descriptive phrase used to characterize a particular person or thing. “son of Leartes” or “raider of cities” d. Allusions: a reference to a famous person, place, or event.

Background Information A. Greek Mythology n Knowledge of Greek Mythology begins with Homer’s Epics, the oldest written record of ancient Greece.

Background Information B. About the Author n Historians credit Homer with composing the Iliad and the Odyssey, but many scholars still debate on whether Homer was actually a real person. According to ancient accounts, he lived sometime between 900 & 700 BC, possibly on the island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea. They also believe that he was blind.

Background Information C. The Trojan War n This legendary war occurred sometime around 1200 B. C. According to legend, the war began after a Trojan Prince kidnapped the beautiful Helen from her husband Menelaus, King of Sparta. The King enlisted the help of soldiers from all over Greece to help him get his wife back. They held Troy under siege for 10 years.

Background Information n It was the cleverness of Odysseus that helped end the war by making the Trojans think that they had finally given up. He had his soldiers build a wooden horse and left it at the gates of Troy. The Trojans believed that it was a peace offering, and brought it into the city. Little did they know, there were soldiers hiding inside of the horse, and Troy was doomed.

Background Information D. The Heroic Story of Odysseus n The Odyssey deals with Odysseus’ adventures as he makes his way home from Troy. He encounters various monsters who try to devour him, and enchanting women who try to keep him from his wife, Penelope. Odysseus’ cunning and his ability to get himself out of difficult situations is what sets him apart from others and makes him a true Epic Hero.

Story Setting n This story takes place on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea possibly around 1200 B. C