Unveiling Greek and Roman Mythology: The Odyssey and Epic Heroes

1. Greek and Roman Mythology “Man is nothing without the Gods”The Odyssey

2. Mythology • It was the ancient Greeks’ way to explain the unexplainable in an unpredictable and mysterious universe. • They believed that everything in their everyday lives was impacted by the gods/goddesses.

3. Homer • Blind minstrel • Lived 3000 years ago (700-800 B.C.) • Composed both epic poems, theOdyssey and the Iliad

4. The Iliad • Written around 750 B.C., approximately 30 years before the Odyssey • Deals with one episode of the Trojan War, the celebrated conflict between the Greeks and the inhabitants of Troy • At the end of the 10 year battle, Odysseus proclaims his success without paying proper homage to the gods and is punished by being sent on a 10 year voyage

5. The Odyssey • The 10 year voyage of Odysseus, also known as Ulysses, to get home to his island home, Ithaca • Written around 720 B.C. • The gods are not perfect, often argue, and play important roles in the lives of the characters • Athena is particularly impressed by Odyssues and is his protector throughout his journey • The majority of his journey is told as Odysseus has nearly made it home and recounts the past

6. Epic Poem • Long narrative spanning many years • Complex in language, yet simple in message • Follows a particular poetic pattern, dactylic hexameter • It is the journey of an epic hero used to teach a lesson or moral

7. Epic Hero • Embarks on a journey/adventure • Quest is marked by tests and trials • Faithful to country, family, and a god • Is brave, yet feels fear • Displays hubris (pride and arrogance) which leads to challenges and obstacles • Intelligent, physically strong, and cunning

8. Foundations of Greek Life What did the Greeks value as a society? • Family • Friends • Home/Hearth • Hospitality

9. Greek Terms • kleos = identity • oikos = community • nostos = return/going back • nostoi = coming home • hubris= pride/arrogance

10. Mythology is All Around US • Hermes and his winged shoes are in the FTD logo, indicating speedy messages. • Atlas had to carry the world on his shoulders just as an atlas carries maps of the world. • The iris in your eye allows you to see color as Iris is the goddess of the rainbow. • Cupid is still used to make people fall in love. • What other examples can you find?

11. Why do we need to learn about Mythology? • Knowing mythology and the origin of many items found in your daily lives is a sign of intelligence and literacy. • It is the foundation of our civilization and is literally translated to mean community. • Our literary archetypes are based on mythology: the hero, trickster, villain, fool, etc. • There are mythological references made frequently in literature. • You might be able to answer the “million dollar” question.

12. What is the difference between a myth, fairy tale, legend, etc.? • Fairy tale – a simple story that deals with supernatural beings, told primarily for the benefit of children; simple messages are used such as “The good guy always wins.” • Fable – Usually a story in which animals act and talk like human beings to get a message across; for example the tortoise that shows that “the slow, sure and steady can win a race.” • Parable – Objects and people are used in a story to get across a message. For example, the biblical story about the tiny mustard seed growing into a giant, strong plant.

13. Legend – a story that got its start from some actual event in the past, but got exaggerated as time went on. • Myth – a story that helps to explain some unexplainable event; for example lightning, how the earth was created, etc. • Science fiction – present day myths that deal with the unknown such as space, ESP, mental telepathy, etc. • Epic – a long story-poem about the adventures of a hero such as Odysseus. • Folk Tale – a fictional story, usually told orally, that tells a timeless story about traditions and beliefs of a group of people.