Important Characters in The Odyssey The Odyssey The

Important Characters in “The Odyssey”

The Odyssey • The Odyssey is an epic, a long narrative poem that tells about the adventures of the epic hero, Odysseus. During his journey, Odysseus encounters creatures and adventures over a vast amount territory. The Odyssey even includes a journey to Hades-(hell).

The Odyssey like any epic, includes: • Adventure • A central heroic figure • A vast setting-often covering the entire world. • Supernatural forces • A serious tone

The Characters are either: • Mortals • Gods or Goddesses • Monsters or Creatures

The Mortals (Humans) • The Main Character, the Epic Hero, is Odysseus • Odysseus' weaknesses are human. He suffers from pride and has difficulties seeing the frailties of his friends. Odysseus is curious; He struggles to control his desires and largely succeeds. His sailors on the other hand, cannot control their desires, with fatal consequences.

Mortals Odysseus and his wife Penelope

Odysseus’ Family • Laertes-(father) Telemachus-Son Philoetius Euryclecia Servants in Odysseus’ household

Gods and Goddesses Zeus Chief of the Greek Gods and Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses • Athena • Apollo • Daughter of Zeus • Friend of Odysseus • Goddess of War • Son of Zeus • God of music, poetry, prophecy, and medicine

Gods and Goddesses • Poseidon • Greek god of the Seas • Father of the Cyclops • Is sometimes angry w/Odysseus • Aeolus • Keeper of the winds • Helps Odysseus

The Gods and Goddesses • Calypso • Sea goddess who keeps Odysseus captive for 9 years

Gods and Goddesses Circe Goddess and Enchantress that lives on the island of Aeaea. Transforms Odysseus’ crew into swine.

Monsters and Creatures • Cyclopes/Cyclops • Sirens One-eyed giants. Odysseus blinds the cyclops Polyphemus • Part woman/part bird. Her songs lure sailors to their death.

Monsters and Creatures • Scylla A six-headed monster that devours sailors • Charybdis (kah rib dis) • A dangerous whirlpool personified as a female sea monster