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The Odyssey
Semantics!
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odyssey (noun)- a long series of wanderings
or adventures, especially when filled with
notable experiences, hardships, etc.
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Odyssey-an epic poem attributed to Homer,
describing Odysseus's adventures in his
ten-year attempt to return home to Ithaca
after the Trojan War.
Source: dictionary.com
What is a myth?
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A traditional story that explains a belief
or a natural phenomenon
Example: Phaethon and the Chariot of
the Sun- explained how the sun moves
across the sky during the day; warned
people to listen to the Gods and do as
they were told (or else!)
What is an epic?
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A long narrative poem about a
legendary hero.
Narrative = story-like
Contains morals, values and ideals of
the culture
Elements of an epic:
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A physically impressive hero of
national or historical importance
A vast setting
A quest or a journey in search of
something of value
Supernatural forces
Glorification of the hero at the end
A basis in a specific culture of society
Greek epics
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Essentially, epics of this time period
taught the Greeks what to do (and
what not to do) to be good Greek
citizens
Homer= Iliad & Odyssey
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Written about 800 B.C.
Told about events from about 1200 B.C.
Greek values and beliefs
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Greeks believed it was wrong for any man to have
hubris.
Hubris- extreme pride or arrogance
The character of a man was very important.
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One important quality to have was courage
Loyalty to both home and family was the most important.
Man was not master of his own destiny or fate, he was
like a “pawn in a chess game.”
Man could not control his own fate, but he could control
how he reacted to the gods’ interfering or meddling
(how someone reacted was an important character
quality).
Homer
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poet
thought to be blind, but describes
events as a seeing person
Ultimately a storyteller
Would have told the story aloud
over several days- not memorized
Homer
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Legendary early Greek poet
Credited with the composition
of the Iliad and the Odyssey
Debate: Real person or name
given to one or more oral
poets who sang traditional
epic material?
Name means “hostage”
Homeric poems are the
product of an oral tradition
The Iliad
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Story of the last year of the Trojan
War; hero=Achilles
War had lasted 10 years.
Troy was defeated when Odyssus
and his men were able to get
inside the walls of Troy concealed
within the body of the Trojan
horse.
The Trojan Horse
The Odyssey
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The story of the journey of
Odysseus and his men trying to
get home after the Trojan War.
Journey=10 years
But really…an epic about humans
on the journey of life overcoming
temptations along the way
Contains morals about living life
The Odyssey
The Odyssey can be divided into four major parts:
 Books 1-4 (Telemachus’s journey in search of his
father);
 Books 5-8 (Odysseus’s departure from Calypso’s
island and arrival in Phaeacia);
 Books 9-12 (a flashback in which Odysseus tells
the Phaeacians of his adventures); and
 Books 13-24 (Odysseus’s return to Ithaca, his battle
with the suitors, and his reunion with his wife,
Penelope, son, Telemachus, and father, Laertes).
Greek Ideal – The Hero
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Arete – highest virtue
 Manliness, courage &
excellence
 Man of action
 Pursuit of life of glory
 Seize power & glory for
oneself
Images and depictions found
everywhere in Greek art,
literature and mythology
 Herakles, Theseus,
Odysseus
Ulysses and the Sirens, ca.
3rd century, artist unknown
Odysseus, Jacob Jordaens,
1600s
The Hero
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Greek heroes and monsters all come
from the same source: the Gods
That means that good and evil come
from the same origin.
In myths and epics, heroes (light)
battle with monsters (dark) symbolizing
the conflict between good and evil.
Odysseus- The hero
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Odysseus possesses a cunning wit, and he uses it
more than he uses his aging physical strength.
He is brave, but he prefers to defeat his enemies
with clever deception rather than meet them headon.
He is on a journey home and he must pass many
trials to reach the safety of his home.
He has weaknesses, but he manages to overcome
them to complete his journey and reclaim his home
and family.
He interacts with the gods and receives both their
favors and their curses.
He is ultimately a heroic figure, a literary icon and
an adventurer’s idol (although other writers have
criticized Odysseus for his deceptions and
disloyalty).
Major Characters in the
Odyssey
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Mortals
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Odysseus- hero; son of Laertes
Penelope- his wife
Telemachus- their son
Primary gods and goddesses
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Athena- goddess of wisdom
Poseidon- god of the sea
Zeus- king of the gods
To begin…
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Epics begin with an invocation (a
prayer to the muse of poetry)
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Muses are 9 daughters of Zeus who
were in charge of the arts.
Calliope was the muse of epic poetry.