the odyssey
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EPIC POEM
The Odyssey is an epicA long narrative poem describing
action, travel, adventures, and heoric episodes.It is written in a somewhat lyric styleIt 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.
ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC HERO
1. Supernatural abilities/qualities
2. On a quest/journey3. Hero is tested often to
prove he is worthy4. 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 BCBoth 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 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: in the middle of
things)
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
Characters
OdysseusThe 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.
CharactersCalypso--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.
CharactersLaertes--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.
CharactersAthena-- 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.
CharactersPoseidon-- 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
CharactersHermes-- 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.
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