The Odyssey

The OdysseyAn Epic Poem by HomerThese are the titles of two epic poems written between 700 and 600 B.C.E.They are believed to be the work of a blind poet, Homer. However, most people believe that Homer only recorded the poems and was not the original creator.At this time, most people couldnt read or write. For entertainment, men called bards or minstrels travelled from city to city telling stories about warriors and gods. Homer was one of these bards. The Iliad and the OdysseyThe Iliad tells the story of the Trojan War, which occurred roughly between 11941184 B.C. (Part 1)

The Odyssey tells the story of a warrior named Odysseus as he journeys home to Ithaca. (Part 2)The Iliad and The OdysseyThe Greeks were polytheistic; they believed in many gods and goddesses.These gods and goddesses lived on Mount Olympus (think of the Disney movie Hercules) and often behaved worse than humans. They were generally selfish and vindictive, traits that got Odysseus into trouble. Greeks also believed in Muses, nine daughters of Zeus, that gave inspiration to poets, musicians, and artists. Gods and GoddessesAthena-goddess of wisdom who helps Odysseus

Poseidon-god of the sea/sea travel who works against Odysseus

Zeus-king of gods and men who presides on Mount Olympus

Hermes-messenger of the gods

Key Gods/GoddessesCalypso-sea nymph who falls in love with Odysseus

Polyphemus- Cyclops (one-eyed giant) who is Poseidons son

Circe-beautiful witch-goddess

Tiresias-blind Theban (from the city of Thebes) prophet who lives in the UnderworldKey Mythical BeingsAncient Greece

Circa 1100 B.C.

Just after the Trojan War

SettingMap of Ancient Greece

Map of Ithaca

Map of Troy

At the time of the story, Greece did not have a central government. Instead, many different men held power over smaller areas of land.In times of crisis the cities would form armies and fight together against a common enemy (like the Trojans). However, they often fought amongst themselves too.These small kingdoms were the forerunners of the Greek city-states like Sparta and Athens.Greek Cities Epicis a long narrative poem that relates important events in the history or folklore of the culture that produced it.

Epic herois a larger-than-life figure who embodies traits that the culture values (physical strength, bravery, high birth, fame, and battle and leadership skills)The Epic FormOpening invocation to the MuseStarting the story en media res (in the middle of the action)Lofty style (elegant language)Objective tone (the poet is not emotionally involved)Meter (a fixed rhythmic pattern)Epithet (a characterizing phrase for a person, place, or thing)Epic simile (a long comparison over many lines)The Epic FormEpic poetry is lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation.Each indented line indicates a new poetic stanza, or group of lines. Stanzas break up the story into manageable parts for analysis.When you read aloud, pause using normal punctuation. But when you come to the end of a line, only pause if there is punctuation. If there is no punctuation at the end of a line, continue reading like normal. How to Read an Epic PoemThe story is divided into sections called Books.

The editor has added in line numbers on the left of the text. These will help you keep up if you get lost.

We are reading an abbreviated version, so the editor of our textbook skipped certain parts and summarized them for us in italics. This means that things written in italics were not originally in the story.How to Read an Epic Poem

TroyThis is a very complicated story! So if youre having trouble keeping up or understanding, ask for help.

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