What is a Myth?

1. What is a Myth? • Myths explained phenomenon in the natural world that couldn’t be explained or understood. • Myths use fantasy to express ideas about life that cannot be expressed easily in realistic terms. • When Myths were written, people did not have microscopes, telescopes, and a knowledge of electricity, gravity, and science that we do today. • Gods and goddesses were given credit for unexplained phenomenon in nature and in the sky. • Myths reflected the values and customs of a society. • Myths occurred in all societies throughout the world. • think of a creative or funny explanation for lightning, thunder, snow, or earthquakes

2. What is an Epic Poem? A long, narrative poem which traces the adventure of a hero. • The setting is huge, covering great nations, the world, or the universe. • Supernatural forces (gods, angels, demons) interest themselves in the action. • Classical Conventions: (necessary elements for an epic) Invocation of the Muses Theme in opening Vast setting Action Supernatural forces Epic similes Epic epithets In Media Res (starts in the middle) Epic hero Objectively reported What is an Epic Hero? A legendary figure who usually embodies the goals and virtues of an entire nation or culture. Hero is physically strong, of national or international importance, and of great historical or legendary significance. An epic hero is human, therefore he or she has faults. However, the epic hero is superior to other human beings; thus, “larger than life”. The action consists of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage.

3. The 13 Qualities Valued by the Greeks 1. Courage 2. Physical strength 3. Intelligence 4. Patience 5. Strong will 6. Cleverness 7. Athletic ability 8. Honesty 9. Stamina 10. Ability to resist temptation 11. Ability to make difficult decisions 12. Loyalty 13. Resilience

4. Unpardonable Greek Sin There was one character flaw that the Greeks particularly hated: Hubris What is hubris? Excessive Pride and Arrogance Two important Greek precepts: “Know Thyself” and “Nothing in Excess” Sometimes Greek heroes became cocky. They failed to realize their own human limitations. In this case, they were guilty of hubris – too much pride and arrogance.

5. The Invocation of the Muses Muses: The nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. In Greek mythology, poetry, and literature, they are the goddesses or spirits who inspire the creation of literature and the arts. When the bards, poets, rhapsodes, or minstrels would sing, they would first invite the muses to come and help them tell their story. The Greeks believed that the muses provided creative inspiration and could “speak through” the poet.

6. Written by Homer Homer was blind. He was known as a bard, minstrel, or rhapsode. These were considered both historians and entertainers. The stories were originally told orally; they were written later. They were recorded around the 8th or 9th century B.C. The actual events took place around 1200 B.C. The Illiad and The Odyssey The Illiad and The Odyssey are epic poems from Ancient Greece. They are famous myths which are rooted in a true historical event, the Trojan War, which took place around 1200 B.C.

7. The Illiad • The 10-year-war between the Greeks and the Trojans. • Literary Reason: Paris, prince of Troy, “kidnapped” Helen from Greece (Sparta). She was already married to King Menalaus. He rallied all the Greek warriors to go and get her back. • Probable reason: Disagreement over trade on the Aegean Sea. • Troy was a strategic port that the Greeks wanted. It was a convenient place to stop for them on their way to trade with people on the Black Sea. Before the war, the Trojans would charge the Greeks money to stop there…like a tax. Also, Troy and the surrounding area had nice, fertile soil, as opposed to the rough terrain of southern Greece and the islands. • Several heroes emerged from the Trojan War: Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus. • Hector and Achilles both lost their lives. • According to the myth, Odysseus faked illness to try to get out of going!

8. The Trojan Horse The war between the Greeks and Trojans lasted 10 years. Odysseus conceived the idea of the wooden horse. He had a wood maker create a giant hollow horse. He and his men hid inside. The Greeks acted like they had packed up and gone home. They left one sole soldier who claimed he was no longer a Greek. He told the Trojans that the Trojan Horse was an offering to Athena and if they brought it into the city, it would bring them her favor. While Odysseus and his men hid inside the Trojan Horse, it was brought into the city by the joyous Trojans who were celebrating the end to the war. That night, in the darkness, the soldiers snuck out and sacked the city. The Greek ships returned and joined in the fight. Troy was destroyed.

9. What is an odyssey? A journey through life (universal) = man trying to achieve personal land of peace and joy; therefore, we must test ourselves and overcome obstacles.

10. The Odyssey The Odyssey is told inmedia res. That’s a fancy way to say that the story starts in the middle. Here’s how it is told: 1. Odysseus washes up on the island of Phaeacia. They ask him to tell his story because it’s not everyday that a muscley, handsome dude washes in with the tide. 2. Odysseus first listensto a special singer tell the story of the Trojan Horse. the Phaeacians don’t know he is Odysseus yet because he hasn’t told them his identity. 3. Odysseus tells the Phaeacians he is Odysseus, King of Ithaca. He tells them about his adventures during these 10 years after the Trojan War ended. 4. Odysseus is taken home by the Phaeacians and has to win back his kingdom. Our readings will be concentrated on items 3 & 4.