Odyssey Notes

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Odyssey Notes
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Homer

• believed to have lived during the 8th and 9th
  century B.C.
• known as the blind poet though there is no
  proof
• controversy surrounds Homers life and works as
  there was very little recorded history during the
  time period in which he lived.

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Homer (cont.)

• Rhythm and repetition helped Homer remember the
  story when he told it orally
• He wrote both the Iliad and the Odyssey they were
  thought to be composed 750 B.C. the earliest
  surviving epic poems.

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Homers Epics
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The Iliad

• 10-year war fought on the plains beyond the walls
  of Troy
• The ruins of Troy can still be seen today in
  western Turkey.
• In homers story, the Trojan War was fought
  between the Trojans and the Achaeans.

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• Started over Peris choosing Helen as the most
  beautiful woman instead of Hera.
• - Paris elopes with Helen even though she is
  married to Agamemnon Trojan War begins.
• Achilles fought with the Achaeans under Agamemnon
  though he didnt follow orders. He kills Hector
  for killing his friend.
• Odysseus has the idea to hide inside a trojan
  horse to get inside Troy.
• The Achaeans destroy Troy, but Odysseus refuses
  to thank the Gods for the victory.
• Genre Epic Poem.

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The Odyssey

• the wanderings of the Greek general Odysseus on
  his return from the city of Troy in to his home
  island of Ithaca.
• The events take place shortly before the year
  1200 B.C.
• Genre Epic Poem

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Characteristics of an Epic Poem

• It is a long narrative poem.
• The speaker is a narrator who tells a story.
• The setting is expansive. It may be a sea, a
  region, the world, or a universe.
• There is a main character, who is a hero or is
  capable of being heroic.
• The purpose of an epic poem is not only to
  entertain but also to teach and inspire the
  listener or reader.

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Epic Poem (cont.)

• The action includes extraordinary or super human
  deeds. Typically, the epic hero has a goal and
  has embarked upon a long journey. Journey
  includes obstacles, antagonistsgods, monsters,
  and humanswhich test his bravery, wits, and
  physical prowess.
• Gods or supernatural beings take a part, or an
  interest, in the action

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The Epic Hero Archetype
As told by Harry Potter! (who else?)
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Born into Royalty

• The main character has a extraordinary birth.

Ex Harry is born to famous parents.
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The main character is a hero, who is often
possessed of supernatural abilities or qualities
(example strength, knowledge, etc).
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The hero is charged with a quest.
Harry Must find the horcrux
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The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness
of himself and his quest.
Harry encounters many obstacles to reach his goal
of defeating Voldemort.
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The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical
and helpful animals, and human helpers and
companions
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The heros travels take him to a supernatural
world, often one that normal human beings are
barred from entering.
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The cycle must reach a low point where the hero
nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated.
In the 5th book of the series, the ministry of
magic refuses to believe Voldemort has returned,
so they discredit Dumbledore and Harry Potter.
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A resurrection.
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Restitution. Often this takes the form of the
hero regaining his rightful place on the throne.
They defeat Voldemort and live happily ever
after.sigh
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Terms to Know

• epic- is a long narrative poem that recounts the
  actions, adventures, and travels of a heroic
  figure, called the epic hero.
• hero- a person who is admired for great or brave
  acts or fine qualities

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Terms to Know
tragic hero- a person of great ability who often
comes to grief because of a fault within his or
her character. Epic hero larger than life
figure from history or legend
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Terms to Know

• tragic flaw- often a characteristic that has
  helped him or her achieve success. Ex pride,
  ambition, jealousy, self-doubt, or anger.
• epic hero- a larger-than-life figure from history
  or legend. The hero undertakes a dangerous
  voyage, demonstrating traitssuch as courage,
  loyalty, and honorthat are valued by the society
  in which the epic originates. His typical goal is
  to save his nation and journey over the expanse
  of continents to do so.

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Terms to Know

• oral poetry- Homer and other poets during the
  time period memorized and recited these epics
  aloud. This was due to the fact that the society
  at the time was not literate.

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Terms to Know

• epic simile (also called a Homeric simile)-
  extends a comparison with elaborate descriptive
  details that can fill several lines of verse
• Epithet an adjective or adjective phrase used to
  point out a characteristic of a person or thing.
  The Homeric epithet is often a compound
  adjective, e.g. "rosy-fingered" dawn or "blue
  eyed" Athena