The OdysseyBackground and Introduction

Background

The Iliad and The Odyssey were written around 800-700 B.C.E

May be the result of generations of oral poetic composition, to which numerous ancient singers contributed

A blind poet named Homer usually gets the credit for composing the epics

The Trojan WarTrojans vs. Achaeans

Troy vs. Greece

The Odyssey

The word “Odyssey” is Greek for “journey”

The hero is Odysseus (Ulysses) who is trying to return home after fighting for 10 years

He is known for his craft and guile that helps him get out of tricky situations

Begins with 720 men and 12 ships

Journey lasts for 10 years, in which Odysseus is the only survivor

Finally, makes it home to his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus

An overview…

Intervention of the Gods

Gods took an active role in human affairs and behaved in human ways

The Odyssey contains instances of divine interference

Example: Athena was on Odysseus’ side, but he angered those who were on the side of Troy and continues to anger them through his adventures and misadventures

Homer’s audience would have seen this epic much like we see fantasy or sci-fi

The Titans

Heaven and earth were formed as the first parents Titans were their children

Titans Elder Gods, Enormous size,

Incredible strength Olympians were their children

Olympians Zeus overthrew the Titans and banished

many of them

Mount Olympus was their home Mountain top Mysterious region above the mountains, Not

heaven

Zeus (Jupiter) Zeus, Poseidon

and Hades drew lots for their share of the Universe

Zeus won the sky (supreme ruler)

Not all-knowing nor all-present

Poseidon (Neptune) God of the sea/ocean

Objects held sacred: trident, horses and bulls.

controlled sea through emotions, anger, fury

http://www.miracosta.edu/home/gfloren/odyssey.htm

Pallas Athena (Minerva)

Protector of civilization Goddess of the City Had a special

fondness for the Greeks

Human Qualities: wisdom and purity

http://poseidon.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/images/concept/athena.jpg

Phoebus Apollo

God of light and truth

Powers: Musician; archer

Human Qualities: beautiful, link between gods and men; sometimes cruel

http://poseidon.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/gods/apollo.html

Hermes (Mercury) Zeus’ messenger

Powers: messenger and guide for the dead

Known for winged sandals, hat and magic wand

Human Qualities: shrewd and cunning - Master Thief

http://www.geocities.com/athens/2962/colourbook/

Places of The OdysseyContains both real and imaginary locations in the Mediterranean

The Epic Epic Hero- a larger than life figure

who embodies the ideals of a nation or race Takes part in long, dangerous

adventures Accomplishes deeds that require

both courage and superhuman strength

A long, narrative poem tells about the

adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or a race

Based on legends, but are works of the imagination

Set in an imaginary past, a time supposedly better than the current time

Epic Conventions Foreshadowing

Alliteration

Similes and Metaphors

Epithets- descriptive phrases used to characterize a person or thing Dawn

“fingertips of rose” Odysseus

“Son of Laertes” “Master mariner”

Epic Simile- an elaborate, more involved simile that compares two unlike things using like or as

Epic Simile Example “And

Odysseus Let the bright molten tears run down his cheeks, weeping [like] the way a wife mourns for her lord on the lost field where he has gone down fighting the day of wrath that came upon his children. At sight of the man panting and dying there, she slips down to enfold him, crying out; then feels the spears, prodding her back and shoulders, and goes bound into slavery and grief. Piteous weeping wears away her cheeks: but no more piteous than Odysseus’ tears, cloaked as they were, now, from the company.”

The End…You are now ready to read and understand The Odyssey!