Homer’s Homer’s The OdysseyThe Odyssey

The second of two volumes of epic poems The second of two volumes of epic poems written about ancient, Greek society.written about ancient, Greek society.

600 B.C.600 B.C.

HomerHomer

Homer was a blind 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

Background The Trojan WarBackground The Trojan War

The first of the two epic poems, The Iliad, is The first of the two epic poems, The Iliad, is written about the Trojan War (1200 B.C.). written about the Trojan War (1200 B.C.).

Paris of Troy kidnaps Helen from SpartaParis of Troy kidnaps Helen from Sparta Helen’s husband recruits kings and soldiers Helen’s husband recruits kings and soldiers

to fight against Troy including Odysseus. to fight against Troy including Odysseus. Constant Fighting ensues between Troy and Constant Fighting ensues between Troy and

Greece.Greece. Odysseus plans and creates a Trojan HorseOdysseus plans and creates a Trojan Horse

Overview ofOverview of The Odyssey The Odyssey

The OdysseyThe Odyssey is an epic poem about is an epic poem about Odysseus adventures on his way home to Odysseus adventures on his way home to Ithaca from Troy after the Trojan war. Ithaca from Troy after the Trojan war.

The Journey of OdysseusThe Journey of Odysseus

Epic PoemEpic Poem

A long, narrative poem that tells about the A long, narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or race. values of a nation or race.

Often based on legends that are partial based on Often based on legends that are partial based on truth truth

Epic Similes—Epic Similes— a comparison using like or as that a comparison using like or as that goes on for several lines. goes on for several lines.

Epithets—Epithets—brief descriptive phrases used to brief descriptive phrases used to characterize a specific person characterize a specific person example: Odysseus is referred to as example: Odysseus is referred to as

“ “The Master Mariner” or “Old Contender”The Master Mariner” or “Old Contender”

Important Character: Book NineImportant Character: Book Nine

CalypsoCalypso—a sea goddess who live on the —a sea goddess who live on the island of Ogygiaisland of Ogygia

AlcinousAlcinous—the king of the Phaecians—the king of the Phaecians LaertesLaertes—Odysseus’ father—Odysseus’ father CirceCirce—A goddess and enchantress who —A goddess and enchantress who

lives on the island of Aeaealives on the island of Aeaea PoseidonPoseidon—the god of the sea, —the god of the sea,

earthquakes, and horsesearthquakes, and horses

Important Characters: Book NineImportant Characters: Book Nine

ZeusZeus—the chief of the Greek gods and —the chief of the Greek gods and goddesses; father of Athena and Apollogoddesses; father of Athena and Apollo

CiconesCicones—allies of the Trojans, who live at —allies of the Trojans, who live at IsmarusIsmarus

Lotus EatersLotus Eaters —inhabitants of a land Odysseus —inhabitants of a land Odysseus visitsvisits

CyclopesCyclopes—a race of one-eyed giants; an —a race of one-eyed giants; an individual member of the race is a Cyclopsindividual member of the race is a Cyclops

ApolloApollo—the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and —the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and medicinemedicine