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In the Heroic Tradition

In the Heroic Tradition. The Odyssey by Homer. Homer. Approx. 1000 – 700 B.C.? Recited these poems over 2,700 years ago (700 B.C.) Blind Composed orally as songs Traveled throughout Greece Two epics were the basis of Greek & Roman education. The Epic.

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In the Heroic Tradition

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  1. In the Heroic Tradition The Odyssey by Homer

  2. Homer • Approx. 1000 – 700 B.C.? • Recited these poems over 2,700 years ago (700 B.C.) • Blind • Composed orally as songs • Traveled throughout Greece • Two epics were the basis of Greek & Roman education

  3. The Epic Long, narrative poem that tells the adventures of a hero whose actions help decide the fate of a nation or a group of people

  4. In fact . . . The Odyssey is 24 books long!!!

  5. But, we will not be reading the entire epic.

  6. Before the Odyssey . . . • The Odyssey is a sequel to the epic poem The Iliad. • The Iliad is about the Trojan War. • Thewar was between the Trojans and the Greeks around 1200 B.C. • The Trojan War lasted ten years. • Odysseus, Greek king of Ithaca, helped the Greeks win. • The gods were divided over who should win the war and interfered often. • Several gods were mad at Odysseus.

  7. The Gods Were Angry • Odysseus was the man who came up with the idea for the Trojan Horse which allowed the Greeks to win the war. • Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare, typically supported Odysseus.

  8. The History of The Odyssey • Tells of Odysseus’ struggle to get home after the Trojan War. • Odysseus needs to get home to Penelope, his wife, before she weds another and loses the kingdom. • Takes Odysseus ten years to get home because he angers the gods. • He loses all 720 men and 12 ships during his attempts to get home.

  9. Odysseus • He is the epic hero of The Odyssey. • He is mortal which means he can die. • His home is Ithaca which is an island off of Greece.

  10. A Greek Ship

  11. Map of Ancient Greece

  12. What is an Epic Hero? • A well-known character of a high social position (Odysseus is King of Ithaca.) • A respected leader who portrays the goals and values of society • A strong, brave, and intelligent person • BUT, he is human and likely to have weaknesses called tragic flaws.

  13. Odysseus’ Hamartia • Hamartia- a tragic flaw • Odysseus’ flaw – his hubris • Hubris – arrogance, overbearing pride

  14. Important Gods and Goddesses • Zeus - king of the gods • Poseidon - god of the sea, Zeus’ brother, father of Polyphemos • Polyphemos – Half-mortal Cyclops who fights Odysseus (mortals can die; gods can’t) • Athena - goddess of wisdom, skills, and war; protector of Odysseus

  15. Concepts and Themes • Loyalty, devotion, and fortitude • Greek ideal of arete, which translates into “excellence”; or reaching your highest human potential • Strive to succeed against great odds • Triumph of good over evil • Obedience to the gods and laws

  16. Some Literary Devices Used Help me spot… • Hyperbole – exaggeration • Figurative language – writing or speech that is not meant to be interpreted literally • Similes/metaphors • Irony – expect one thing but get another • Personification – nonhuman subjects given human qualities

  17. Today . . . We’ll join Odysseus on his journey.

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