the iliad: the trojan war before we talk about odysseus’s journey, let’s look at the trojan war

The Iliad: The Trojan War

Before we talk about Odysseus’s journey, let’s look at the Trojan War.

What was the cause of the Trojan War?

Group 1

Helen of Troy

Troy vs. the Achaeans (Greeks)

“Triumphant Achilles,” by Franz Matsch, 1942,

What ended the Trojan War?

Group 2

The Trojan Horse

The Greeks Win!!

All the major heroes return home, but Odysseus never does.

The Odyssey starts ten years after the Trojan war, after Odysseus has been trying to make his way home without much luck.

Who is Homer?

No, not Homer Simpson!

The Odyssey

Epic Poem: A long narrative poem about a serious subject. The poem focuses on the adventures of a hero, such as Odysseus.

Epic hero: The main character of an epic poem. This character embodies the values in his culture.

What happened after the war?

The Odyssey

Read first part of book one.

From this part, what can you tell about how the Greeks thought of the gods? What role do the gods play in human life?

Trouble at Home

Telemachus is bummed that his Mom is being courted by other men. He’s losing hope that Dad’s still alive.

Penelope has tricks that keep her suitors at bay.

Odysseus’ Journey

Odysseus is help captive by Calypso, who wants him as a husband.

The gods free Odysseus from this island.

He tells the Phaeceans of his tale so far, but he doesn’t tell them who he is.

The Cyclops

The Underworld

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