The Odyssey Epic Poetry and Epic Heroes Epic

The Odyssey Epic Poetry and Epic Heroes

Epic Poetry A long, narrative poem. Contains many characters and spans several years and locations. Usually focuses on a main hero. If read or sung aloud, would take several days to tell. Supernatural events are common.

An Epic Hero… Seems able to conquer most problems he encounters. Does not possess any “super” powers. Usually faces overwhelming odds.

An Epic Hero Is Faithful To: His family His country His god

An Epic Hero Is… Brave Intelligent Determined

The Epic Story… Has been copied over and over in many forms through the centuries. Examples are: The Wizard of Oz Star Wars Forest Gump

Homer Traditional author of The Illiad and The Odyssey. A blind poet The Odyssey was written around 800 B. C. The Odyssey is the sequel to The Illiad.

The Illiad Story of the last year of the Trojan War lasted ten years. Fought between the Greeks and citizens of Troy, and city in modern day Turkey.

The Illiad Fought because Helen (considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world) was kidnapped from her husband, a Greek king, by Paris of Troy. Ended when Odysseus and his men entered Troy in the Trojan Horse.

The Trojan Horse

Map of The Odyssey

Main Characters Odysseus: Left Troy with 12 ships and 720 men. Trying to return to Ithaca to be with his wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus. Is held prisoner for seven years by Calypso before Book 9.

Main Characters Penelope: Odysseus’ faithful wife and queen of Ithaca Must fight off many suitors who want to marry her while her husband is presumed to be dead.

Main Characters Telemachus: Odysseus’ son. Is angered by all the men who want to marry his mother.

Main Characters Calypso: Holds Odysseus captive for seven years. Hopes he will one day marry her.

Main Characters Circe: Goddess who falls in love with Odysseus. Turns Odysseus’ men into animals.

Main Characters Athena: Goddess who tries to help get Odysseus home. Is the goddess of war and wisdom.

Main Characters Poseidon: God of the sea. Furious with Odysseus for blinding his son.