The Odyssey

1
The Odyssey

• Background Information

2
Epic

• Epic- a long narrative poem presenting characters
  of high position in a series of adventures
• Adventure Story
• Forerunner of the novel
• Journey of every human

3
Myths and Mythology

• Myth- An anonymous story having roots in the fold
  beliefs of a race or nation and presenting
  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.

4
Epic Characteristics

• Hero is important/ of great significance
• Setting is vast (covers many places)
• Opens by stating the theme
• Opens in Medias-Res (in the middle)
• Contains lists of warriors, ships, armies

• Supernatural forces at work-Gods or demons.
• Style is grand
• Action consists of great deeds of valor and
  sometimes requiring super-human strength and
  courage

5
What is an Odyssey?

• Definition- a long wandering voyage- usually
  marked by many changes of fortune. An
  intellectual or spiritual wandering.

6
Cultural ValuesOf the Greek Society

• Honor
• Courage
• Intelligence
• Cleverness
• Revenge

• Respect for the Gods
• Loyalty to home and family
• Hospitality/Gift Giving

7
Qualities of a Leader

• Take Control
• Responsibility
• Understanding
• Persuasive
• Intelligent
• Courage
• Talent in an area (battle)
• Stamina/endurance
• Strength- emotional physical
• Has the favor of the gods
• Super-human qualities

8
Important Characters

• Helios- Sun God
• Zeus- Ruler of Gods
• Calypso- Immortal Goddess
• Odysseus- Hero (only he has the strength and
  intelligance and favor of the Gods to survive
• Cyclops- one eyed monster (Poseidon is his father)

9
Theme Setting

• Theme- Odysseus search for his home and identity
• Setting- Troy.to Ithaca
• http//summit.k12.co.us/schools/shs/computer/lfryk
  holm/map.html

10
Literary Devices

• Homeric Simile - comparison (extended) of 2
  actions or objects that develops mounting
  excitement.
• Epithet- a word or phrase used to characterize
  someone or something- watch the Gods/Goddesses
• ex Zeus- Ruler of the Gods

11

• How
• Does
• It
• All
• Happen.