Epic Unit: The Odyssey

Unit Introduction

You Should be Able to Answer…

What is a hero, why is one important, and why is Odysseus considered one?

Why is mythology important? What is an epic poem? In what context does The Odyssey occur? In what context was The Odyssey written?

What is a hero, why is it important, and why is Odysseus considered one?

Hero – What, Who, Why

Comes from greek heros for “one who is worthy” A hero represents what a culture values above

all else Represents the ideal – what we should all strive to be

Who your heroes are tells who what is important to you

Odysseus (from oddusumai for “to suffer pain”), for his combination of strength and intellect and willingness to endure trials, represents what Ancient Greeks believed was most important

Epic Heroes

Why is Mythology Important?

Myths

Stories that use fantasy (supernatural elements) to express ideas about life

Deal with relationship between human beings and the unknown or spiritual

Myth

Greeks believed in two aspects of the mind:Mythos: domain of artistic, intuitive mindLogos: Domain of logical, factual, practical

mind Two blended seamlessly to the Greeks

What Is an Epic Poem?

Epic Poem: Definition

Long, narrative poem of adventures recounting episodes important to the history of a nation or race and relating to a central heroic figure

Epic: Characteristics

Hero is a figure of imposing stature, great importance, and historical or legendary significance

Vast setting Action consists of deeds of great bravery Features supernatural forces and creatures Style is elevated and objective

Epic Poem: Conventions

Poem opens with an invocation of the Muse – prayer to the Muse for inspiration

Begins In Medias Res (“in the middle”) – in mid-action Catalogs warriors, ships, armies, etc. Uses epic similes (long comparisons using “like” or “as”) Uses epithets for description – hyphenated adjectives

(“rosy-fingered dawn,” “gray-eyed Athena”) Uses Deus Ex Machina (“god from the machine”) –

supernatural forces that set things right

In what context does The Odyssey occur?

Context of The Odyssey

Trojan War: Recounted in The Iliad Also, as seen in “Troy”

Cause: King Menelaus’ wife, Helen, runs off (kidnapped?) with Prince Paris of Troy Menelaus’ brother, Agamemnon, organizes all Greeks to attack Troy (“a

thousand ships”) After 10 years and many deaths (including Achilles), Troy is sacked,

Helen returned to Menelaus, Greeks return home Victory in Troy?

Agamemnon poisoned by unfaithful wife Odysseus wanders for another 10 years

The Trojan Horse

In what context was The Odyssey written?

Background

Credited to Homer, a rhapsode Epics like “The Odyssey” were composed orally

and then recited by rhapsodes (“singers of tales”) – they were memorized!

Rhapsodes improvised over basic storyline to a particular rhythm or meter

Recounted epics during multiple sittings The Odyssey and The Iliad were the distant

past for rhapsodes’ listeners (like the Revolutionary War is for Americans)

Map of Odysseus Journey

Troy

Cicones

Lotus Eaters

Cyclops

King AiolosLaistrygonians

Calypso

Scylla and Charybdis

Underworld

Circe

Thrinakia

Scheria

Ithaca

Themes

“Where shall a man find sweetness to surpass his own home and his parents? In far lands he shall not, though he find a house of gold.” (Part I)

A soldier’s return to civilized life, conquering the “hero’s heart.” (Part II)

What does all of this have to do with The Odyssey? Odysseus, the epic hero of The Odyssey,

is a cornerstone of our concept of heroes/heroism

The Odyssey is a classic example (and among the best) of an epic poem

Although not true in the sense of logos, The Odyssey contains truth from mythos