Homer’s OdysseyHomer’s Odyssey

An Introduction to the Epic & the Epic Hero

An Introduction to the Epic & the Epic Hero

EPIC: a long narrative poem that tells the adventures of heroes who embody the

values of their particular civilizations.

EPIC: a long narrative poem that tells the adventures of heroes who embody the

values of their particular civilizations.

The Epic HeroThe Epic Hero

Strengths: Courage Physical Strength Cunning Intelligence Unfailing Loyalty Devotion to Duty Champion of Freedom

and Justice

Strengths: Courage Physical Strength Cunning Intelligence Unfailing Loyalty Devotion to Duty Champion of Freedom

and Justice

The Epic HeroThe Epic Hero

Flaws-Love of Glory (pride) -> HUBRIS-Susceptible to Temptation/Doubt

Flaws-Love of Glory (pride) -> HUBRIS-Susceptible to Temptation/Doubt

The Hero’s JourneyThe Hero’s JourneyThe Beginning1.THE CALL TO ADVENTURE  2.REFUSAL OF THE CALL3.MEETING WITH THE MENTOR  4.TESTS, ALLIES AND ENEMIES  Midway Through  1.THE ORDEAL2.THE REWARD3.THE ROAD BACKThe Climax1.THE RESURRECTION—the climax

The Beginning1.THE CALL TO ADVENTURE  2.REFUSAL OF THE CALL3.MEETING WITH THE MENTOR  4.TESTS, ALLIES AND ENEMIES  Midway Through  1.THE ORDEAL2.THE REWARD3.THE ROAD BACKThe Climax1.THE RESURRECTION—the climax

Epics are Epics are

Filled with action Written in verse

(originally chanted or sung)

Contain supernatural and noble characters

Filled with action Written in verse

(originally chanted or sung)

Contain supernatural and noble characters

Epic ConventionsEpic Conventions

Appeal to the muse In medias res (in the middle of the

action) Elaborate (Homeric) similes Extended formal speeches Epithets: adj. or adj. phrase

describing a person; the art of a name

Appeal to the muse In medias res (in the middle of the

action) Elaborate (Homeric) similes Extended formal speeches Epithets: adj. or adj. phrase

describing a person; the art of a name

HomerHomer

Considered first known poet of Western Literature

Blind Could not read or

write (sang) Composed The Iliad

(750 B.C.) and The Odyssey (720 B.C.)

Considered first known poet of Western Literature

Blind Could not read or

write (sang) Composed The Iliad

(750 B.C.) and The Odyssey (720 B.C.)

Homer’s EpicsHomer’s Epics

Odyssey 24 books Double Plot:

Telemachus’s search for his father;

Odysseus’s adventures in

the 10 year journey from the war

Odyssey 24 books Double Plot:

Telemachus’s search for his father;

Odysseus’s adventures in

the 10 year journey from the war

Iliad Recounts the battles

in the last year of the 10 year war between the Greeks and the Trojans

Heroes: Hector & Achilles

Iliad Recounts the battles

in the last year of the 10 year war between the Greeks and the Trojans

Heroes: Hector & Achilles

The Greek GodsThe Greek Gods

Anthropomorphic Interfere in human

affairs (take sides) Disguise themselves

as humans to help, test, or hurt humans

Actions more governed by emotions than morality

Anthropomorphic Interfere in human

affairs (take sides) Disguise themselves

as humans to help, test, or hurt humans

Actions more governed by emotions than morality

ZeusZeus

Ruler of the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus

Ruler of the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus

PoseidonPoseidon

God of the Sea Enemy to

Odysseus; tries to keep him from reaching home

God of the Sea Enemy to

Odysseus; tries to keep him from reaching home

HermesHermes

The Messenger of the Gods

The Messenger of the Gods

AthenaAthena

Goddess of Wisdom and War

Loves and helps Odysseus

Goddess of Wisdom and War

Loves and helps Odysseus

Odysseus’s JourneyOdysseus’s Journey