Download Homer`s The Odyssey

Homer’s The Odyssey
The second of two volumes of epic poems
written about ancient, Greek society.
600 B.C.
Homer
Homer was a blind poet who composed
these epic poems, which were told or
sung orally. They teach the world about…
1.The Trojan War
2.The Ideal Greek Hero:
Odysseus
3.How Greek Gods Interact
with the Greeks
Background The Trojan War
 The first of the two epic poems, The Iliad, is
written about the Trojan War (1200 B.C.).
 Paris of Troy kidnaps Helen from Sparta
 Helen’s husband recruits kings and soldiers
to fight against Troy including Odysseus.
 Constant Fighting ensues between Troy and
Greece.
 Odysseus plans and creates a Trojan Horse
Overview of The Odyssey
The Odyssey is an epic poem about
Odysseus adventures on his way home to
Ithaca from Troy after the Trojan war.
The Journey of Odysseus
Epic Poem
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A long, narrative poem that tells about the
adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and
values of a nation or race.
Often based on legends that are partial based on
truth
Epic Similes— a comparison using like or as that
goes on for several lines.
Epithets—brief descriptive phrases used to
characterize a specific person
example: Odysseus is referred to as
“The Master Mariner” or “Old Contender”
Important Character: Book Nine
 Calypso—a sea goddess who live on the
island of Ogygia
 Alcinous—the king of the Phaecians
 Laertes—Odysseus’ father
 Circe—A goddess and enchantress who
lives on the island of Aeaea
 Poseidon—the god of the sea,
earthquakes, and horses
Important Characters: Book Nine
 Zeus—the chief of the Greek gods and
goddesses; father of Athena and Apollo
 Cicones—allies of the Trojans, who live at
Ismarus
 Lotus Eaters —inhabitants of a land Odysseus
visits
 Cyclopes—a race of one-eyed giants; an
individual member of the race is a Cyclops
 Apollo—the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and
medicine