THE ODYSSEYAn 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• A long, narrative poem that tells of

the adventures of heroes who represent values of their civilizations.

• Usually passed down orally

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

Conventional formula for an epic:1. Poet states the theme, invokes a

Muse, begins in medias res2. Poet lists warriors, ships, armies,

etc. 3. Extended formal speeches by

main characters

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”

What is an odyssey?• An odyssey is a long series of

adventures, especially when filled with memorable experiences, hardships, etc.

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

Modern Day Odysseys

• The Incredible Journey

• The Hobbit• Forrest Gump• The Lion King• The Wizard of Oz• Star Wars

The War-Story Background

• Homer’s audience knew the stories of the Trojan War and the important role Odysseus played in it.

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.

Gifts Offered • Hera offered power• Athena offered victory in battle• Aphrodite offered the most

beautiful mortal woman

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

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

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

Agamemnon

• Agamemnon was he brother of Menelaus

• He was a great hero in the war and leader of the army

Heroes• Heroes are thought to be between

gods and humans• Heroes are usually sure of

themselves and feel “on top of the world”

What Odysseus left behind…• His beautiful,

faithful, and strong wife, Penelope

• Telemachus, his son, a toddler

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