The Odyssey Homer and the Epic An Introduction

The Odyssey Homer and the Epic: An Introduction

Homer • Exact date of birth not known, but is estimated to be about 850 BCE • Greek poet and writer of The Iliad and The Odyssey • Traditionally believed to have been blind • Some scholars believe that Homer was not one person, but rather a group of writers

The Iliad • Tells the story of the Trojan War • Takes place over 10 years • War between Troy and Greece over the kidnapping (or elopement) of Helen, wife of Menelaus (Menelaos) of Greece, by Paris, king of Troy • Legendary event believed to have taken place (if it did) around 1200 BCE • Central character is the legendary hero Achilles (Akhilleus)

The Odyssey • Tells the story of Odysseus’ trip back home from the Trojan War • Takes place over 10 years • Central character is Odysseus, king of Ithaka

Robert Fitzgerald • Comes closest to matching Homer in rhythm and epic scope • Poet and professor at Harvard until his death • Sought to preserve Greek spellings

Characters • • Odysseus—our hero Penelope—his wife Telemakhos—his son Athena—Greek goddess of wisdom and guide to Odysseus Poseidon—Greek god of the sea and angered by Odysseus The suitors—a group of men who try to get Penelope to marry them in Odysseus’ absence Kirke—enchantress who imprisons Odysseus and his men Polyphemos—the infamous Kyklops who tangles with Odysseus and his crew

Fitzgeraldian spellings • • • Aiolos=Aeolus • Akhaians=Achaeans • Akhillieus=Achilles • Alkinoos=Alcinous Antinoos=Antinous • • Ithaka=Ithaca • Kalypso=Calypso Kharybdis=Charybdis Kikones=Cicones Kirke=Circe Kyklopes/Kyklops=Cyclopes/ Cyclops Menelaos=Menelaus Polyphemos=Polyphemus Seirenes=Sirens Telemakhos=Telemachus

Allusions • An odyssey is a term used to describe a difficult or lengthy journey • James Joyce’s novel Ulysses (the Roman name for Odysseus) • O Brother, Where Art Thou • Music by Cream (“Tales of Brave Ulysses”), the Police (or Sting) (“Wrapped Around Your Finger”)

Why Read it? • At approximately 2800 years old, it’s one of the earliest works of literature. • It is so ingrained in our culture and literature that it is necessary to be familiar with it. • It’s a great introduction to epic poetry. • It’s one of the greatest adventure stories ever written.