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The Odyssey

The Odyssey. An epic poem by Homer. The Odyssey. Epic poem composed by the Greek poet Homer between 900-700 B.C. (B.C.E.) Main hero is Odysseus (Latin name Ulysses) Adventure story about Odysseus’s voyage home after the Trojan War Sequel to The Iliad , an epic poem also by Homer.

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The Odyssey

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  1. TheOdyssey An epic poem by Homer

  2. The Odyssey • Epic poem composed by the Greek poet Homer between 900-700 B.C. (B.C.E.) • Main hero is Odysseus (Latin name Ulysses) • Adventure story about Odysseus’s voyage home after the Trojan War • Sequel to The Iliad, an epic poem also by Homer

  3. Who was Homer? • No one knows • Supposedly a blind, illiterate storyteller • Rhapsode: a person who recited the epic poems of ancient Greece from memory

  4. What is an epic poem? • A long narrative poem that tells the bold deeds of a great hero, which tells the story of a people at the same time. • Often contains supernatural events, long time periods, distant journeys, and struggles between good and evil.

  5. Characteristics of an epic poem: • Begins with an “Invocation to a Muse” • The Muses were 9 goddesses in charge of literature & art • Daughters of Zeus who inspired poets, musicians, & artists

  6. Epic similes a.k.a. Homeric similes Elaborate comparisons of unlike subjects Example from The Odyssey: “Think of a catch that fishermen haul in to a half-moon bay In a fine-meshed net from the whitecaps of the sea: How all are poured out on the sand, in throes for the salt sea, Twitching their cold lives away in Helios’ fiery air: So lay the suitors heaped on one another” Epic poems contain . . .

  7. Epithets Adjectives or descriptive phrases expressing a characteristic of a person or thing Examples from The Odyssey: “gray-eyed Athena” for Athena, goddess of wisdom “Laertes’ son” for Odysseus “The Wanderer” for Odysseus “Penelope’s true son” for Telemachus Epic poems contain . . .

  8. What is an epic hero? • A main character w/ supernatural abilities or qualities (god-like) • Possesses traits that embody the ideals of his people (strength, wisdom, courage) • Undertakes a dangerous voyage or quest, during which he encounters many supernatural beings • Often visits a supernatural world where regular mortals cannot go

  9. Odysseus King of Ithaca Trojan War veteran Member of Achaean (Greek) army Devoted husband to Penelope Father to Telemachus Famous for his cleverness & cunning Wins the war against Troy with the Trojan Horse Strategy.

  10. Characters in The Odyssey Deities (gods & goddesses)

  11. Zeus • Ruler of the gods • God of thunder, rain, & lightning • Husband of Hera (his sister) • Fathered many immortals & mortals

  12. Athena • Virgin goddess of wisdom & warfare • Born from the head of Zeus • Supported the Achaeans in the Trojan War • Patron of Odysseus

  13. Poseidon • God of the sea, earthquakes, & horses • Brother of Zeus • Hates Odysseus for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus

  14. Hermes • Messenger to the gods • Son of Zeus and Maia • God of fertility & guide for souls to the Underworld

  15. Supernatural beings encountered by Odysseus Circe Polyphemus Scylla the Sirens Calypso

  16. Odysseus’ family • Wife Penelope, who has been waiting 20 years for Odysseus to return • Son Telemachus, who was a baby when Odysseus left

  17. Din: a loud, continuous noise Disperse: to scatter or spread Lucid: clear & easy to understand Broach: to raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion Pine: to long for something or someone Insolence:state of being rude or impertinent Lavished: gave in a generous way Prudent: wise & cautious Pondered: considered carefully Harmonious: agreeing in a friendly way; having a pleasing sound Vocabulary from The Odyssey Part 1

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