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The Odyssey. What was life like in ancient greece ?. Oral Tradition Stories, myths, and poems were memorized and recited by storytellers. These storytellers would travel and “ perform ” their stories for the people of Greece. Who was homer?. Greek poet/storyteller
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What was life like in ancient greece? • Oral Tradition • Stories, myths, and poems were memorized and recited by storytellers. • These storytellers would travel and “perform” their stories for the people of Greece.
Who was homer? • Greek poet/storyteller • thought to be blind, but describes events as a seeing person would • lived around 800 B.C. • Wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey - stories about the war between the Trojans and the Greeks which happened around 1200 B.C.
What is an Epic? • a long narrative poem • has mythological and legendary characters, places, and events • depicts a larger-than-life hero who usually goes on a dangerous journey • the hero is usually helped or hindered by the gods and supernatural creatures on his journey • gives us an idea of the culture Odysseus
What is common in an epic poem? • Homeric Simile, also known as an epic simile. • detailed comparison in the form of a simile that is many lines in length. • The object of the comparison is usually something strange or unfamiliar to something ordinary and familiar. • Epithet • Like an adjective. • Describes a character, place, or event • Ex. “swift-footed Achilles” • In Media Res- The action of the epic begins in the MIDDLE of the plot. So, basically, the story begins in the middle.
What is an epic hero? Epic Hero- a larger-than-life figure from history or legend. • The hero undertakes a dangerous voyage • Demonstrates traits such as courage, loyalty, and honor that are valued by the society in which the epic originates. Epic Heroes: • have supernatural abilities or qualities • are charged with a quest • possess weaknesses • travel to supernatural worlds • will reach a low point- almost to one of failure
What happened before the odyssey? • The Iliad • Story of the last year of the Trojan War • War had lasted 10 years between the Greeks and the Trojans. • The war started when Helen, a Greek, was abducted by Paris, the son of the Trojan king. • Troy was defeated when Odysseus and his men were able to get inside the walls of Troy concealed within the body of the Trojan horse.
The Odyssey • The story of the journey of Odysseus and his men trying to get home after the Trojan War. • Journey lasted10 years • an epic about humans on the journey of life overcoming temptations along the way.
themes in the odyssey • Theme is the main idea or the message behind a story. • Themes in The Odyssey: • Hospitality is virtuous • Loyalty and perseverance are heroic and admirable • Cunning overpowers physical strength • Journeys result in personal growth • Giving in to temptation has negative effects. • Even heroes have flaws