THE ODYSSEY An Epic Poem written by Homer

Origins • One of the most famous epic poems ever written • Written between 900 -700 B. C. • Describes legendary events that can be traced back to real battles

Epic: A definition • A long, narrative poem that tells of the adventures of heroes who represent values of their civilizations. • Usually passed down orally

Characteristics of an epic: • Physically impressive hero of historic importance • Setting involving known world and underworld • Actions such as a quest or journey • Evidence of supernatural forces

Conventional formula for an epic: 1. Poet states theme, invokes a Muse, begins in medias res 2. Poet lists warriors, ships, armies, etc. 3. Extended formal speeches by main characters

In Medias Res • The Odyssey begins “in the middle of things” • In the middle of Telemachus‘s life – He is 20 and powerful men are threatening to take his inheritance and mother. • In the middle of Odysseus’s life: – He is stuck on an island having a “mid-life crisis”

What is an odyssey? • An odyssey is a long series of adventures, especially when filled with memorable experiences, hardships, etc.

Conventions of an odyssey: • Personal journey transformed into a cultural journey • Call to adventure • Supernatural forces that help or cause problems to hero • A series of tasks or trials • A victorious or defeated hero • A homecoming

Modern Day Odysseys • The Incredible Journey • The Hobbit • Forrest Gump • The Lion King • The Wizard of Oz • Star Wars

The War-Story Background • Homer’s audience knew the stories of the Trojan War and the important role Odysseus played in it.

The War-Story Background, cont. • Eris’s Golden Apple “for the fairest” • Prince Paris of Troy was forced to decide which goddess should be named the “fairest”: Hera, Aphrodite, or Athena.

Gifts Offered • Hera offered power • Athena offered victory in battle • Aphrodite offered the most beautiful mortal woman

Helen of Troy • Paris liked women, so he chose Aphrodite’s offer • Unfortunately, Helen was already married to Menelaus • Paris kidnapped Helen and stole treasure • This action was a major insult to xenia—Greek hospitality

The Trojan War • Greeks sailed across the sea in 1, 000 ships • Important Greeks: Achilles, Agamemnon, Odysseus, Hera, and Athena • Important Trojans: Hektor, Paris, Priam, Aphrodite

Achilles • Achilles: fiercest warrior of the Greek army • defeated Prince Hektor, the best warrior on the Trojan side • was killed toward the end of the war when Paris, guided by Apollo, shot an arrow into his heel—his one and only weakness

Agamemnon • Agamemnon was he brother of Menelaus • He was a great hero in the war and leader of the army

Heroes • Heroes are thought to be between gods and humans • Heroes are usually sure of themselves and feel “on top of the world”

What Odysseus left behind… • His beautiful, faithful, and strong wife, Penelope • Telemachus, his son, a toddler

Odysseus and the Trojan Horse • 10 years at war • Wooden horse with Greeks hidden inside • Trojans thought it was a peace offering and brought it into the city walls • Greeks jumped out and won the war