The Odyssey an Epic

By: Homer

Characteristics of an Epic

• An epic is a long narrative poem presenting characters of high importance; adventure story; journey of every human.

• It is written in an elevated speech that is centered around a hero that is somewhat divine in nature whose actions depend on the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.

Characteristics of an Epic Poem (Continued)

• The epic poem was first developed as an oral tradition that was later written down.

• The poem normally begins in medias res, in the middle of the action.

• Themes and Values: honor and the power of fate, or destiny.

• Supernatural elements: Gods, Goddesses, and magical creatures.

Characteristics of an Epic

• Setting is vast, covering many places.

• Opens by stating the theme.

• Contains lists of warriors, ships, armies

• Supernatural forces at work- gods or demons.

• Action consists of great deeds of valor and sometimes requiring super-human strength and courage.

Epic Hero Cycle

• Hero often possesses supernatural abilities or qualities.

• Hero is charged with a quest (mission)

• Hero is tested to prove his worthiness

• He is aided by mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, human helpers, and companions may appear.

Epic Hero Cycle (Continued)

• The hero’s travels may take him to a supernatural world.

• The journey reaches a low point where the hero nearly gives up.

• There is a resurrection. ( Rebirth or restoration)

• Resurrection is paid. (Often results in the hero regaining his rightful place in society.

Epic Hero Characteristics

• Take Control• Responsibility• Understanding• Persuasive• Intelligent• Courage• Talent in an area

(battle)

• Stamina/ endurance

• Strength- emotional and physical

• Has favor of a god/gods

• Super-human qualities

Literary Terms to Know

• Epic Simile• Homeric Simile• Epic• Character• Irony• Foreshadowing• Repetition• Personification• Imagery• Conflict• Tone

• Metaphor• Simile• Climax• Diction• Rhythm• Allusion• Symbol• Hyperbole• Epithet

Myths and Mythology

• Myth: An anonymous story having roots in the beliefs of a race or nation and preserving supernatural events (episodes).

• Mythology: All center at common themes. Study of myths- attempt to explain creation, guess at the meaning of life and death, account for natural phenomena, and chronicle the adventures of heroes.

Cultural Values of the Greek Society

• Honor• Courage• Intelligence• Cleverness• Revenge

• Respect for the gods

• Loyalty to home and family

• Hospitality/ gift giving

Who is Homer?

• Homer is a blind Greek poet who was thought to have lived roughly around 700 BC.

• Lived on a rocky Greek Island, Chios• He sang or spoke these stories to an

audience.• He wrote two epic poems The Iliad

and The Odyssey.

The Iliad

Major Characters:• Achilles• Odysseus• Agamemnon • Helen• Hector• Paris

Other Important Info. • Epic• Trojan War• Trojan Horse• Athena• Apollo• Poseidon• Troy

The Odyssey

• The Odyssey is about the wanderings of Odysseus, a Greek hero and leader of Ithaca.

• The Story is a sequel to the former epic The Iliad.

What is an Odyssey?

• An odyssey is a long wandering voyage- usually marked by many changes of fortune. It is an intellectual or spiritual wandering.

The Odyssey

• The story begins in Troy. Odysseus has just fought in the Trojan War and is on a journey home.

• His journey leads him to many adventures with sea monsters, a cyclops, lotus eaters, and Calypso.

The Odyssey

• After twenty years of Odysseus’ adventures, he finds himself trapped on an island with a nymph, Calypso, who refuses to allow Odysseus to return home.

• Meanwhile, in Ithaca, suitors are trying to win the heart of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife.

The Odyssey

• Odysseus’ son Telemacus believes that his father is still alive, and aided by the goddess Athena, he sets out on a journey to find his father.

Who is Odysseus?

• Odysseus is one of the first Greek heroes’ that is known for his brain power and outstanding athletic abilities.

• Odysseus is known to hesitate before acting which shows his reason and gift to evaluate things.

• Odysseus is a cunning deceiver and valiant warrior.

Who are the important Players?

• Zeus Penelope • Poseidon Telemachus• Hades Odysseus• Athena• Medusa• Hera• Aphrodite• Circe• Calypso

Zeus

• A god of all gods• God of Rain and thunder

Poseidon

• God of the sea• Brother of Zeus

Hades

• God of the Underworld• Brother of Zeus

Athena

• Goddess of War and Wisdom

Medusa

• A woman who was cursed by Athena that who ever she looks upon is turned to stone and her hair is made up of deadly snakes.

Hera

• Queen of the gods• Wife of Zeus

Aphrodite

• Goddess of Love andbeauty

Circe

• Daughter of the sun• Sorceress who was best known for

turning men into animals with her magic wand.

Calypso

• A nymth who keeps Odysseus a captive on the island of Ogygia. She promises him love and immortality.

Penelope

• Queen of Ithaca • Wife of Odysseus

Odysseus

• King of Ithaca• Greek Hero

Telemahcus

• Prince of Ithaca• Son of Odysseus

Ticket Out the Door

• On your own paper, write 3 characteristics of an epic and 3 characteristics of an epic hero.

• You must turn this in before you can leave.