Transcript The Odyssey
THE ODYSSEY
EPIC POEM
The
Odyssey is an epic
A long narrative poem describing
action, travel, adventures, and heoric
episodes.
It is written in a somewhat lyric style
It may have as many as twenty four books
(chpaters)
Most epic poems begin with a statement of
the theme.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EPICS
The
deeds of the hero are
presented without favoritism—
they show his failings as well as
his virtues.
The actions, often battles, reveal
the more-than-human strength
of heroes as they do courageous
and heroic things.
MORE CHARACTERISTICS
Involve
muses and idols/gods
Give histories and descriptions of
significant items, such as the Trojan
Horse
Involve long, formal speeches by
important characters.
Involve journeys
The setting can cover several nations, the
whole world, or even the universe.
The episodes, even though they may be
made up, provide an explanation for some
events in history or nations of people.
EVEN MORE CHARACTERISTICS
The
gods and lesser
divinities play an active
role in the outcome of
actions.
All of the various
adventures relate in some
way to the theme.
TWO MOST FAMOUS EPICS
The
Iliad
The Odyssey
Both
written by Homer
ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC HERO
1.
2.
3.
4.
Supernatural
abilities/qualities
On a quest/journey
Hero is tested often to prove
he is worthy
Hero is given help from
mythical people/creatures
MORE ELEMENTS OF EPIC HEROES
5. Travels to the supernatural world
that most humans cannot get to.
6. The hero must get to a very LOW
point where he is about to give up
the quest.
7. Goes through a “ressurrection” and
gets the strength to continue with a
renewed spirit.
8. Regains his rightful place (as king,
etc.)
HOMER
Lived
around 1200 BC
Both the Iliad and The
Odyssey are stories about the
war between the Trojans and
the Greeks which happened
between 900 and 700 b.c.
THE ILLIAD
Tells
the story of the Trojan War
It is a prelude to The Odyssey.
The
most famous story from The
Iliad is that of the Trojan Horse,
which was built by Odysseus and
his men.
THE TROJAN HORSE
THE ODYSSEY
An
epic poem made up of 24 books
(chapters)
It tells the story of Odysseus’ adventures
on his way home from the Trojan War,
and the events that happen in Ithaca
before he returns.
The hero is long-suffering Odysseys, king
of Ithaca and its surrounding islands. He
is also the hero of the Trojan War. He has
been gone 20 years
THE ODYSSEY
It
takes place in the 10 years
following the Trojan War
The setting changes throughout
the story
The epic begins “in media res”
(translated:
things)
in the middle of
THE ODYSSEY
Incorporates
strange lands and
monsters
It incorporates gods and
goddesses & supernatural forces
Each of them has something to do
with Odysseus and his journey
THEMES OF THE ODYESSY
PRIDE
& HONOR
TEMPTATION
LOYALTY
PERSEVERANCE
VENGEANCE
Characters
Odysseus
The protagonist. He is a strong
and courageous warrior but is
most known for his wisdom and
quick thinking.
He is a favorite of the goddess
Athena, who often sends him divine
aid.
He is the bitter enemy of Poseidon
(the antagonist), who dislikes
Odysseus because Odysseus blinds
Poseidon’s son.
Characters
Penelope--the wife of Odysseus,
who waits faithfully for 20 years
for her husband’s return.
Telemachus-- Odysseus and
Penelope’s son.
Characters
Calypso--The beautiful nymph who
falls in love with Odysseus when he
lands on her island. She holds him
prisoner for seven years.
Alcinous- King of the Phaeacians, he
welcomes Odysseus on his island
and hears the story of Odysseus’
wanderings and provides him with
safe passage back to Ithaca.
Characters
Laertes--Odysseus’ father (he does not
appear in the story, but is mentioned)
Circe-- a goddess and enchantress who
lives on the island of Aeaea. She
changes Odysseus’ men into pigs
because of their rude behavior.
Zeus--King of gods and men, he
sometimes helps Odysseus or permits
Athena to help him.
Characters
Athena-- Daughter of Zeus and goddess of
wisdom & war.
-- She assists Odysseus and Telemachus
with divine powers throughout the epic.
--She often appears in disguise as
Mentor, an old friend of Odysseus.
Apollo-- Son of Zeus and god of the sun,
music, poetry, prophecy, & medicine.
Characters
Poseidon-- The god of the sea,
earthquakes, & horses.
Polyphemus-- the cyclops that battles
Odysseus.
Eurylochus-- a trusted officer of
Odysseus.
Persephone-- wife of Hades, the ruler of
the underworld
Characters
Hermes-- the messenger god, persuades
Calypso to let Odysseus leaver her
island.
Tiresias of Thebes-- a blind prophet
whose spirit visits Odysseus in the
underworld.
Sirens--creatures, part woman and part
bird whose songs lure sailors to their
death.
Scylla-- 6 headed sea monster who eats
sailors.