Homer

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Homers Odyssey

• An Introduction to the Epic the Epic Hero

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EPIC a long narrative poem that tells the
adventures of heroes who embody the values of
their particular civilizations.
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The Epic Hero

• Strengths
• Courage
• Physical Strength
• Cunning Intelligence
• Unfailing Loyalty
• Devotion to Duty
• Champion of Freedom and Justice

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The Epic Hero

• Flaws
• -Love of Glory (pride) -gt HUBRIS
• -Susceptible to Temptation/Doubt

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The Heros Journey

• The Beginning
• THE CALL TO ADVENTURE 
• REFUSAL OF THE CALL
• MEETING WITH THE MENTOR 
• TESTS, ALLIES AND ENEMIES 
• Midway Through 
• THE ORDEAL
• THE REWARD
• THE ROAD BACK
• The Climax
• THE RESURRECTIONthe climax

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Epics are

• Filled with action
• Written in verse (originally chanted or sung)
• Contain supernatural and noble characters

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Epic Conventions

• Appeal to the muse
• In medias res (in the middle of the action)
• Elaborate (Homeric) similes
• Extended formal speeches
• Epithets adj. or adj. phrase describing a
  person the art of a name

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Homer

• Considered first known poet of Western Literature
  
• Blind
• Could not read or write (sang)
• Composed The Iliad (750 B.C.) and The Odyssey
  (720 B.C.)

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Homers Epics

• Odyssey
• 24 books
• Double Plot
• Telemachuss search for his father
  Odysseuss
• adventures in the 10 year journey from the
  war

• Iliad
• Recounts the battles in the last year of the 10
  year war between the Greeks and the Trojans
• Heroes Hector Achilles

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The Greek Gods

• Anthropomorphic
• Interfere in human affairs (take sides)
• Disguise themselves as humans to help, test, or
  hurt humans
• Actions more governed by emotions than morality

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Zeus

• Ruler of the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus

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Poseidon

• God of the Sea
• Enemy to Odysseus tries to keep him from
  reaching home

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Hermes

• The Messenger of the Gods

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Athena

• Goddess of Wisdom and War
• Loves and helps Odysseus

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Odysseuss Journey