The OdysseyThe Odyssey

HomerHomer

• No one knows who he is for sure

• Thought to be a blind minstrel from the island of Chios

• Some scholars think he is just a legend.

EpicEpic

• The Odyssey is an epic poem.

• An epic – a long narrative poem– tells about the adventures of a hero – hero reflects the ideals and values of a nation

or race– Setting was on a large scale (worldwide)– Supernatural beings took interest in events

Spreading of talesSpreading of tales• Epics were often told by rhapsodes or

minstrels– These were people who traveled and sang

tales – Tales were often of legendary events or

figures– This was a form of entertainment and

information– Stories were often told over a period of

days

Retelling of talesRetelling of tales

• The wording of many epics varied as each minstrel would make up the words on the spot.

• Minstrels used formulas to help the audience remember and to give them time to think of what to say next. – The formulas make some passages seem

repetitive to modern day readers

FormulasFormulas

• There were formulas for such things as the arrival of guests, eating meals, taking baths.

• Homeric similes = comparison between a heroic or epic event to an everyday event

Homeric SimileHomeric Simile

• When Athena prevents an arrow from striking Menelaus in the Illiad, the goddess’ actions are described as follows:– She brushed it away from his skin as lightly as

when a mother /– Brushes a fly away from her child who is lying

in sweet sleep

Ancient worldAncient world

• At the time of the Odyssey, travelers and strangers were always treated kindly for it was always possible that it could be a god or goddess in disguise.

• The seats of honor were those closest to the host/ hostess

• One was to pay tribute to the gods before eating, drinking, going on a trip, etc.

SettingSetting

• Supposedly written between 900 &700 B.C.

• Set in 1200 B.C

• Set after the Trojan War– Odysseus has still not gotten home from the

war

• Audience would’ve been familiar with the details of the Trojan War

In the beginningIn the beginning

• The first line of the poem invokes the gods. Even the minstrels would still do such a thing.– Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story– Of that man skilled in all ways of contending. . .

• The nine Muses were daughters of Zeus who were said to inspire the arts including poetry, music, and dance.

While you read:While you read:

• Take notes– Names, places, major events

• Fill in the Names to Know – Put a page number and chapter to help you

look back at when you 1st met the char.

• Make a timeline– Story is not chronological