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The Odyssey

The Odyssey. Epic Poem. The Odyssey is an epic A long narrative poem describing action, travel, adventures, and heoric episodes. It is written in a somewhat lyric style It may have as many as twenty four books (chpaters) Most epic poems begin with a statement of the theme.

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The Odyssey

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  1. The Odyssey

  2. Epic Poem • The Odyssey is an epic • A long narrative poem describing action, travel, adventures, and heoric episodes. • It is written in a somewhat lyric style • It may have as many as twenty four books (chpaters) • Most epic poems begin with a statement of the theme.

  3. Characteristics of Epics • The deeds of the hero are presented without favoritism—they show his failings as well as his virtues. • The actions, often battles, reveal the more-than-human strength of heroes as they do courageous and heroic things.

  4. More Characteristics • Involve muses and idols/gods • Give histories and descriptions of significant items, such as the Trojan Horse • Involve long, formal speeches by important characters. • Involve journeys • The setting can cover several nations, the whole world, or even the universe. • The episodes, even though they may be made up, provide an explanation for some events in history or nations of people.

  5. Even More Characteristics • The gods and lesser divinities play an active role in the outcome of actions. • All of the various adventures relate in some way to the theme.

  6. Two Most Famous Epics • The Iliad • The Odyssey • Both written by Homer

  7. Elements of an EPIC HERO • Supernatural abilities/qualities • On a quest/journey • Hero is tested often to prove he is worthy • Hero is given help from mythical people/creatures

  8. MORE Elements of EPIC HEROES 5. Travels to the supernatural world that most humans cannot get to. 6. The hero must get to a very LOW point where he is about to give up the quest. 7. Goes through a “ressurrection” and gets the strength to continue with a renewed spirit. 8. Regains his rightful place (as king, etc.)

  9. HOMER • Lived around 1200 BC • Both the Iliad and The Odyssey are stories about the war between the Trojans and the Greeks which happened between 900 and 700 b.c.

  10. The Illiad • Tells the story of the Trojan War • It is a prelude to The Odyssey. • The most famous story from The Iliad is that of the Trojan Horse, which was built by Odysseus and his men.

  11. The Trojan Horse

  12. The Odyssey • An epic poem made up of 24 books (chapters) • It tells the story of Odysseus’ adventures on his way home from the Trojan War, and the events that happen in Ithaca before he returns. • The hero is long-suffering Odysseys, king of Ithaca and its surrounding islands. He is also the hero of the Trojan War. He has been gone 20 years

  13. The Odyssey • It takes place in the 10 years following the Trojan War • The setting changes throughout the story • The epic begins “in media res” • (translated: in the middle of things)

  14. The Odyssey • Incorporates strange lands and monsters • It incorporates gods and goddesses & supernatural forces • Each of them has something to do with Odysseus and his journey

  15. THEMES OF THE ODYESSY • PRIDE & HONOR • TEMPTATION • LOYALTY • PERSEVERANCE • VENGEANCE

  16. Characters Odysseus • The protagonist. He is a strong and courageous warrior but is most known for his wisdom and quick thinking. • He is a favorite of the goddess Athena, who often sends him divine aid. • He is the bitter enemy of Poseidon (the antagonist), who dislikes Odysseus because Odysseus blinds Poseidon’s son.

  17. Characters Penelope--the wife of Odysseus, who waits faithfully for 20 years for her husband’s return. Telemachus-- Odysseus and Penelope’s son.

  18. Characters Calypso--The beautiful nymph who falls in love with Odysseus when he lands on her island. She holds him prisoner for seven years. Alcinous- King of the Phaeacians, he welcomes Odysseus on his island and hears the story of Odysseus’ wanderings and provides him with safe passage back to Ithaca.

  19. Characters Laertes--Odysseus’ father (he does not appear in the story, but is mentioned) Circe-- a goddess and enchantress who lives on the island of Aeaea. She changes Odysseus’ men into pigs because of their rude behavior. Zeus--King of gods and men, he sometimes helps Odysseus or permits Athena to help him.

  20. Characters Athena-- Daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom & war. -- She assists Odysseus and Telemachus with divine powers throughout the epic. --She often appears in disguise as Mentor, an old friend of Odysseus. Apollo-- Son of Zeus and god of the sun, music, poetry, prophecy, & medicine.

  21. Characters Poseidon--The god of the sea, earthquakes, & horses. Polyphemus-- the cyclops that battles Odysseus. Eurylochus-- a trusted officer of Odysseus. Persephone-- wife of Hades, the ruler of the underworld

  22. Characters Hermes-- the messenger god, persuades Calypso to let Odysseus leaver her island. Tiresias of Thebes-- a blind prophet whose spirit visits Odysseus in the underworld. Sirens--creatures, part woman and part bird whose songs lure sailors to their death. Scylla-- 6 headed sea monster who eats sailors.

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