THE ODYSSEY MYTH IN THE ODYSSEY Gods All

THE ODYSSEY

MYTH IN THE ODYSSEY • Gods = All powerful, all knowing • Gods can have an alter ego • Athena = goddess of wisdom - Reflects Odysseus’ wisdom • Poseidon = god of the sea - Reflects Odysseus’ arrgoance

WHAT IS AN EPIC? • Long narrative poem about the adventures of a hero

THE HERO • Larger than life • Historically significant • (mostly) favored by the gods • Mortal • On a journey or quest • Exceptional morals

THE SETTING • Vast, spans many lands, nations, worlds, universes, etc. • Involves supernatural forces

THE ACTION • Deeds of valor, superhuman courage and feats, show values and beliefs of a culture • Hero’s actions determine the nation’s fate

SUPERNATURAL FORCES • Gods, goddesses, monsters, mythological creatures • Work against the hero

THE WRITING • Uses repetition • Several moments of suspense and climax

EARLY EPIC POEMS • Oral and narrative poems • Told in pre-literate societies • Used to pass on morals/values of a culture

THE TROJAN WAR 1. The Odyssey is told “In Media Res” which means… In the middle 2. Homer wrote The Illiad before writing The Odyssey To understand The Odyssey, you must first understand what happens in The Illiad. 3. THE TROJAN WAR WAS FOUGHT BETWEEN WHAT TWO GROUPS? The residents of the city, Troy, (Trojans) and the residents of Mycanaea, (Achaens) 4. WHO IS THE WOMAN THAT LEGEND CREDITS WITH STARTING THE WAR? Helen of Troy

THE TROJAN WAR CONTINUED 5. DESCRIBE THE SCENARIO THAT LED PRINCE PARIS TO KIDNAP HELEN. Helen was married to King Menelaus; however, Helen was given to Prince Paris, son of the King of Troy, as a prize for naming Aphrodite the most beautiful woman in the world. See the problem? Helen was ALREADY MARRIED!!! Prince Paris didn’t mind. His solution – he abducted HER and took her back to Troy 6. THE NAMES OF THE BROTHERS WHO BESEIGED TROY FOR 10 LONG YEARS: King Menalus and his brother, King Agamenmnon

THE TROJAN WAR CONTINUED 7. HOW DID THE ACHAENS FINALLY WIN THE TROJAN WAR? The wise and brave King of Ithaca (Odysseus) devised a plan to enter the gates of Troy. Soldiers hid in a hollow man-made Trojan horse and disguised it as a gift for the Trojans; who believed the horse was sacred. Once inside the gates, the soldiers pillaged the city and burnt it down! 8. WHO IS ODYSSEUS? Ruler of the Kingdom of Ithaca, Most prominent leader of The Trojan War, Main character in The Odyssey Known for his cleverness, cunning ideas, and eloquence as a speaker

THE TROJAN WAR CONTINUED 9. HOW LONG WAS ODYSSEUS GONE FROM ITHACA? 20 Years 10. WHAT ISSUES DOES ODYSSEUS HAVE TO CONTEND WITH TO RETURN HOME? Poseidon- God of the seas works against Odysseus 11. WHAT DOES ODYSSEUS HAVE TO CONTEND WITH ONCE HE GETS HOME? Evil suitors who plunder, steal, and manipulate are trying to take over his throne and wife, Penelope 12. WHO IS HELPING ODYSSEUS? Athena- goddess of wisdom. steal his

THEMES OF THE ODYSSEY Fate vs. Free Will Male and Female roles in Literature The Importance of Life’s Journey/Quest The Power of Nature Mortal Choices/ Sacrifices/ Trade- offs The Importance of Home and Family