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THE ODYSSEY

THE ODYSSEY. An Epic Poem written by Homer. Origins . One of the most famous epic poems ever written Written between 900-700 B.C. Describes legendary events that can be traced back to real battles. Epic: A definition.

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THE ODYSSEY

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  1. THE ODYSSEY An Epic Poem written by Homer

  2. Origins • One of the most famous epic poems ever written • Written between 900-700 B.C. • Describes legendary events that can be traced back to real battles

  3. Epic: A definition • A long, narrative poem that tells of the adventures of heroes who represent values of their civilizations. • Usually passed down orally

  4. Characteristics of an epic: • Physically impressive hero of historic importance • Setting involving known world and underworld • Actions such as a quest or journey • Evidence of supernatural forces

  5. Conventional formula for an epic: • Poet states the theme, invokes a Muse, begins in medias res • Poet lists warriors, ships, armies, etc. • Extended formal speeches by main characters

  6. In Medias Res • The Odyssey begins “in the middle of things” • In the middle of Telemachus‘s life • He is 20 and powerful men are threatening to take his inheritance and mother. • In the middle of Odysseus’s life: • He is stuck on an island having a “mid-life crisis”

  7. What is an odyssey? • An odyssey is a long series of adventures, especially when filled with memorable experiences, hardships, etc.

  8. Conventions of an odyssey: • Personal journey transformed into a cultural journey • Call to adventure • Supernatural forces that help or cause problems to hero • A series of tasks or trials • A victorious or defeated hero • A homecoming

  9. Modern Day Odysseys • The Incredible Journey • The Hobbit • Forrest Gump • The Lion King • The Wizard of Oz • Star Wars

  10. The War-Story Background • Homer’s audience knew the stories of the Trojan War and the important role Odysseus played in it.

  11. The War-Story Background, cont. • Eris’s Golden Apple “for the fairest” • Prince Paris of Troy was forced to decide which goddess should be named the “fairest”: Hera, Aphrodite, or Athena.

  12. Gifts Offered • Hera offered power • Athena offered victory in battle • Aphrodite offered the most beautiful mortal woman

  13. Helen of Troy • Paris liked women, so he chose Aphrodite’s offer • Unfortunately, Helen was already married to Menelaus • Paris kidnapped Helen and stole treasure • This action was a major insult to xenia—Greek hospitality

  14. The Trojan War • Greeks sailed across the sea in 1,000 ships • Important Greeks: Achilles, Agamemnon, Odysseus, Hera, and Athena • Important Trojans: Hektor, Paris, Priam, Aphrodite

  15. Achilles • Achilles: fiercest warrior of the Greek army • defeated Prince Hektor, the best warrior on the Trojan side • was killed toward the end of the war when Paris, guided by Apollo, shot an arrow into his heel—his one and only weakness

  16. Agamemnon • Agamemnon was he brother of Menelaus • He was a great hero in the war and leader of the army

  17. Heroes • Heroes are thought to be between gods and humans • Heroes are usually sure of themselves and feel “on top of the world”

  18. What Odysseus left behind… • His beautiful, faithful, and strong wife, Penelope • Telemachus, his son, a toddler

  19. Odysseus and the Trojan Horse • 10 years at war • Wooden horse with Greeks hidden inside • Trojans thought it was a peace offering and brought it into the city walls • Greeks jumped out and won the war

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