THE ODYSSEY By Homer Part 1 An Introduction

THE ODYSSEY By, Homer Part 1: An Introduction Jeanette K. Lasko

What is an epic? n. A long, narrative poem n Tells n The the adventures of heroes and characters reveal qualities about their civilization and time period

Who was Homer? n Possibly a blind minstrel n Minstrels were people who traveled from town to town singing about legendary events or about gods

HOMER n He was possibly just a legend n Possibly a woman

The People and Their Times n Approximately 800 B. C. n Very violent culture War and death were common

The People and Their Times n n n People worshiped gods and goddesses People concerned about their relationship with gods since they controlled all things People believed in myths

Example of a god n n This is the god Poseidon He is the god of the sea Odysseus angers him Here we see Poseidon punish Odysseus

How The Story Was Told… n The story was passed on by Oral Tradition n This means by word of mouth

How The Story Was Told… n Stories and historical events were not recorded; just told to generation after generation n Many people couldn’t read or write, so to be educated they had to listen

How The Story Was Told… n Many words and parts were made up on the spot to fit the rhythm of the story n There is much repetition it gave the singer time to prepare and think ahead n The epic is divided into parts, and then into books

Important Terms n Homeric Simile- compares epic events to everyday events – Helps people unfamiliar with war and heroes understand the events better

Important Terms n The language used is Archaic n This means some of it is old and outdated n Examples: – Beeves= cows – Combers= large waves

Credits n Leeming, David A. (2003). The Odyssey: An Introduction by David Adams Leeming. In Elements of Literature (pp. 878 -886). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. n Websites (used for images): – www. ensemblestudios. com – www. library. thinkquest. org – www. livius. org – www. legion-fourteen. org – www. cumbavac. com – www. artsales. com/artistory/ancient_ships