Transcript Slide 1

Odyssey Notes
Homer
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believed to have lived during the 8th and
9th century B.C.
known as the “blind poet” though there is
no proof
controversy surrounds Homer’s life and
works as there was very little recorded
history during the time period in which he
lived.
Homer (cont.)
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Rhythm and repetition helped Homer
remember the story when he told it orally
He wrote both the Iliad and the Odyssey
they were thought to be composed 750
B.C. the earliest surviving epic poems.
Homer’s Epics
The Iliad
10-year war fought on the plains beyond
the walls of Troy
 The ruins of Troy can still be seen today in
western Turkey.
 In homer’s story, the Trojan War was
fought between the Trojans and the
Achaeans.
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Started over Peris choosing Helen as the
most beautiful woman instead of Hera.
 - Paris elopes with Helen even though she
is married to Agamemnon; Trojan War
begins.
 Achilles fought with the Achaeans under
Agamemnon though he didn’t follow
orders. He kills Hector for killing his friend.
 Odysseus has the idea to hide inside a
trojan horse to get inside Troy.
 The Achaeans destroy Troy, but Odysseus
refuses to thank the Gods for the victory.
 Genre: Epic Poem.
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The Odyssey
the wanderings of the Greek general
Odysseus on his return from the city of
Troy in to his home island of Ithaca.
 The events take place shortly before the
year 1200 B.C.
 Genre: Epic Poem
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Characteristics of an Epic Poem
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It is a long narrative poem.
The speaker is a narrator who tells a
story.
The setting is expansive. It may be a sea,
a region, the world, or a universe.
There is a main character, who is a hero
or is capable of being heroic.
The purpose of an epic poem is not only
to entertain but also to teach and inspire
the listener or reader.
Epic Poem (cont.)
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The action includes extraordinary or super
human deeds. Typically, the epic hero
has a goal and has embarked upon a long
journey. Journey includes: obstacles,
antagonists—gods, monsters, and
humans—which test his bravery, wits, and
physical prowess.
Gods or supernatural beings take a part,
or an interest, in the action
The Epic Hero Archetype
As told by Harry Potter! (who else?)
Born into Royalty
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The main character has a extraordinary
birth.
Ex: Harry is born to famous parents.
The main character is a hero, who
is often possessed of supernatural
abilities or qualities (example:
strength, knowledge, etc).
The hero is charged with a quest.
Harry Must find the horcrux’
The hero is tested, often to
prove the worthiness of himself
and his quest.
Harry encounters many obstacles to reach his goal of
defeating Voldemort.
The presence of numerous mythical beings,
magical and helpful animals, and human helpers
and companions
The hero’s travels take him to a
supernatural world, often one that
normal human beings are barred
from entering.
The cycle must reach a low point
where the hero nearly gives up his
quest or appears defeated.
In the 5th book of the series, the ministry of magic refuses to
believe Voldemort has returned, so they discredit Dumbledore and
Harry Potter.
A resurrection.
Restitution. Often this takes the
form of the hero regaining his
rightful place on the throne.
They defeat Voldemort and live happily ever after….sigh
Terms to Know:
epic- is a long narrative poem that
recounts the actions, adventures,
and travels of a heroic figure,
called the epic hero.
hero- a person who is admired for
great or brave acts or fine qualities
Terms to Know:
tragic hero- a person of great ability
who often comes to grief because of a
fault within his or her character.
Epic hero: larger than life figure from
history or legend
Terms to Know
tragic flaw- often a characteristic that has
helped him or her achieve success. Ex:
pride, ambition, jealousy, self-doubt, or
anger.
 epic hero- a larger-than-life figure from
history or legend. The hero undertakes a
dangerous voyage, demonstrating traits—
such as courage, loyalty, and honor—that
are valued by the society in which the epic
originates. His typical goal is to save his
nation and journey over the expanse of
continents to do so.
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Terms to Know
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oral poetry- Homer and other poets
during the time period memorized
and recited these epics aloud. This
was due to the fact that the society
at the time was not literate.
Terms to Know
epic simile (also called a Homeric
simile)- extends a comparison with
elaborate descriptive details that can
fill several lines of verse
 Epithet an adjective or adjective
phrase used to point out a
characteristic of a person or thing.
The Homeric epithet is often a
compound adjective, e.g. "rosyfingered" dawn or "blue eyed"
Athena
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