The Odyssey an Epic
By: Homer
Characteristics of an Epic
• An epic is a long narrative poem presenting
characters of high importance; adventure
story; journey of every human.
• It is written in an elevated speech that is
centered around a hero that is somewhat
divine in nature whose actions depend on
the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human
race.
Characteristics of an Epic Poem
(Continued)
• The epic poem was first developed as an
oral tradition that was later written
down.
• The poem normally begins in medias res,
in the middle of the action.
• Themes and Values: honor and the
power of fate, or destiny.
• Supernatural elements: Gods,
Goddesses, and magical creatures.
Characteristics of an Epic
• Setting is vast,
covering many
places.
• Opens by stating the
theme.
• Contains lists of
warriors, ships,
armies
• Supernatural forces
at work- gods or
demons.
• Action consists of
great deeds of valor
and sometimes
requiring superhuman strength and
courage.
Epic Hero Cycle
• Hero often possesses supernatural
abilities or qualities.
• Hero is charged with a quest (mission)
• Hero is tested to prove his worthiness
• He is aided by mythical beings, magical
and helpful animals, human helpers, and
companions may appear.
Epic Hero Cycle (Continued)
• The hero’s travels may take him to a
supernatural world.
• The journey reaches a low point where
the hero nearly gives up.
• There is a resurrection. ( Rebirth or
restoration)
• Resurrection is paid. (Often results in
the hero regaining his rightful place in
society.
Epic Hero Characteristics
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Take Control
Responsibility
Understanding
Persuasive
Intelligent
Courage
Talent in an area
(battle)
• Stamina/ endurance
• Strength- emotional
and physical
• Has favor of a
god/gods
• Super-human
qualities
Literary Terms to Know
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Epic Simile
Homeric Simile
Epic
Character
Irony
Foreshadowing
Repetition
Personification
Imagery
Conflict
Tone
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Metaphor
Simile
Climax
Diction
Rhythm
Allusion
Symbol
Hyperbole
Epithet
Myths and Mythology
• Myth: An anonymous story having roots in the
beliefs of a race or nation and preserving
supernatural events (episodes).
• Mythology: All center at common themes.
Study of myths- attempt to explain creation,
guess at the meaning of life and death,
account for natural phenomena, and chronicle
the adventures of heroes.
Cultural Values of the Greek
Society
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Honor
Courage
Intelligence
Cleverness
Revenge
• Respect for the
gods
• Loyalty to home and
family
• Hospitality/ gift
giving
Who is Homer?
• Homer is a blind Greek poet who was
thought to have lived roughly around
700 BC.
• Lived on a rocky Greek Island, Chios
• He sang or spoke these stories to an
audience.
• He wrote two epic poems The Iliad and
The Odyssey.
The Iliad
Major Characters:
• Achilles
• Odysseus
• Agamemnon
• Helen
• Hector
• Paris
Other Important Info.
• Epic
• Trojan War
• Trojan Horse
• Athena
• Apollo
• Poseidon
• Troy
The Odyssey
• The Odyssey is about the wanderings of
Odysseus, a Greek hero and leader of
Ithaca.
• The Story is a sequel to the former epic
The Iliad.
What is an Odyssey?
• An odyssey is a long wandering voyageusually marked by many changes of
fortune. It is an intellectual or spiritual
wandering.
The Odyssey
• The story begins in Troy. Odysseus has
just fought in the Trojan War and is on
a journey home.
• His journey leads him to many
adventures with sea monsters, a
cyclops, lotus eaters, and Calypso.
The Odyssey
• After twenty years of Odysseus’
adventures, he finds himself trapped on
an island with a nymph, Calypso, who
refuses to allow Odysseus to return
home.
• Meanwhile, in Ithaca, suitors are trying
to win the heart of Penelope, Odysseus’
wife.
The Odyssey
• Odysseus’ son Telemacus believes that
his father is still alive, and aided by the
goddess Athena, he sets out on a
journey to find his father.
Who is Odysseus?
• Odysseus is one of the first Greek
heroes’ that is known for his brain
power and outstanding athletic abilities.
• Odysseus is known to hesitate before
acting which shows his reason and gift
to evaluate things.
• Odysseus is a cunning deceiver and
valiant warrior.
Who are the important Players?
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Zeus
Poseidon
Hades
Athena
Medusa
Hera
Aphrodite
Circe
Calypso
Penelope
Telemachus
Odysseus
Zeus
• A god of all gods
• God of Rain and thunder
Poseidon
• God of the sea
• Brother of Zeus
Hades
• God of the Underworld
• Brother of Zeus
Athena
• Goddess of War and Wisdom
Medusa
• A woman who was cursed by Athena
that who ever she looks upon is turned
to stone and her hair is made up of
deadly snakes.
Hera
• Queen of the gods
• Wife of Zeus
Aphrodite
• Goddess of Love and
beauty
Circe
• Daughter of the sun
• Sorceress who was best known for
turning men into animals with her magic
wand.
Calypso
• A nymth who keeps Odysseus a captive
on the island of Ogygia. She promises
him love and immortality.
Penelope
• Queen of Ithaca
• Wife of Odysseus
Odysseus
• King of Ithaca
• Greek Hero
Telemahcus
• Prince of Ithaca
• Son of Odysseus
Ticket Out the Door
• On your own paper, write 3
characteristics of an epic and 3
characteristics of an epic hero.
• You must turn this in before you can
leave.