Homer’s The Odyssey

1. Homer’s The Odyssey The second of two volumes of epic poems written about ancient, Greek society. 600 B.C.

2. Homer Homer was ablind 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. The Journey of Odysseus

6. Epic Poem • 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”

7. 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

8. 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