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"Experience the adventures and trials of Odysseus in Homer's epic narrative poem, 'The Odyssey'. Follow his journey after the Trojan War, facing monsters, gods, and temptations, all to reunite with his wife. Dive into this timeless story of love, sacrifice, and resilience."
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The Odyssey • Take notes.
Homer QUICK BIO Born in early 800 B.C. No one is sure where he was born Many different cities claim to be his birthplace He was a traveling “bard” (poet/storyteller)
What did Homer Do? • Traveled city to city to tell his stories • His job was basically what we would consider a historian or a journalist • He memorized all his stories
Based on historic events Based on his own experiences Often recited to music (which made them easier to remember) Included much repetition – to remind listeners what had already happened in the story Could take up to three weeks to recite The stories of Homer
Stories of Homer, continued… • His stories were sung at religious festivals, poetry contests, and were used to entertain rich noblemen • Homer had to travel from city to city to recite his stories because no one could read • His stories were epic poems
A Few more Homer Facts • It is suspected that he became blind in his later years • He wrote The Iliad first (about the Trojan war) • Then he wrote The Odyssey (about Odysseus’s return home)
What is The Odyssey?? • Epic, Narrative Poem • Greek epos = verse • Narrative – tells a story • Written AFTER The Illiad • A story of adventure, love, temptation, scandal, sacrifice... • FULL of familiar archetypes and themes commonly seen throughout literature, modern television, movies, relationships, etc…
First… The Illiad • Story of the last year of the Trojan War Greeks vs. Trojans (Troy) • Legend is that Paris (of Troy) had stolen Helen, wife to Greek King Meneleous… • War had lasted 10 years. • Troy was defeated when Odysseus and his men were able to get inside the walls of Troy concealed within the body of the Trojan horse.
Quick Review Greeks Trojans King Priam ruled Troy. Troy was under attack because of Paris “stealing” Helen. The biggest baddest warrior was Hector. Agamemnon and Meneleous (Helen’s angry husband) were the leaders of the army. Their biggest baddest warrior was Achilles.
The Odyssey: Plot Summary • Trojan war has ended • Odysseus departs from Troy with a fleet of 12 ships carrying about 700 men • Odysseus makes Poseidon angry with his prideful remarks • Fights monsters, battles storms • Encounters enchanting women who try to keep him from his wife • Loses his men • Goes into the underworld for advice from a blind prophet • Makes it home????
Internal pride bragging, boasting curiosity hunger for fame homesickness External war nature gods, goddesses monsters Penelope’s suitors CONFLICT