THE ODYSSEY
EPIC POEM
 The

Odyssey is an epic
A long narrative poem describing
action, travel, adventures, and heoric
episodes.
It is written in a somewhat lyric style
 It may have as many as twenty four books
(chpaters)


Most epic poems begin with a statement of
the theme.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EPICS
The
deeds of the hero are
presented without favoritism—
they show his failings as well as
his virtues.
The actions, often battles, reveal
the more-than-human strength
of heroes as they do courageous
and heroic things.
MORE CHARACTERISTICS
 Involve
muses and idols/gods
 Give histories and descriptions of
significant items, such as the Trojan
Horse
 Involve long, formal speeches by
important characters.
 Involve journeys
 The setting can cover several nations, the
whole world, or even the universe.
 The episodes, even though they may be
made up, provide an explanation for some
events in history or nations of people.
EVEN MORE CHARACTERISTICS
The
gods and lesser
divinities play an active
role in the outcome of
actions.
All of the various
adventures relate in some
way to the theme.
TWO MOST FAMOUS EPICS
The
Iliad
The Odyssey
 Both
written by Homer
ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC HERO
1.
2.
3.
4.
Supernatural
abilities/qualities
On a quest/journey
Hero is tested often to prove
he is worthy
Hero is given help from
mythical people/creatures
MORE ELEMENTS OF EPIC HEROES
5. Travels to the supernatural world
that most humans cannot get to.
6. The hero must get to a very LOW
point where he is about to give up
the quest.
7. Goes through a “ressurrection” and
gets the strength to continue with a
renewed spirit.
8. Regains his rightful place (as king,
etc.)
HOMER
Lived
around 1200 BC
Both the Iliad and The
Odyssey are stories about the
war between the Trojans and
the Greeks which happened
between 900 and 700 b.c.
THE ILLIAD
Tells
the story of the Trojan War
It is a prelude to The Odyssey.
 The
most famous story from The
Iliad is that of the Trojan Horse,
which was built by Odysseus and
his men.
THE TROJAN HORSE
THE ODYSSEY
 An
epic poem made up of 24 books
(chapters)
 It tells the story of Odysseus’ adventures
on his way home from the Trojan War,
and the events that happen in Ithaca
before he returns.
 The hero is long-suffering Odysseys, king
of Ithaca and its surrounding islands. He
is also the hero of the Trojan War. He has
been gone 20 years
THE ODYSSEY
It
takes place in the 10 years
following the Trojan War
The setting changes throughout
the story
The epic begins “in media res”
 (translated:
things)
in the middle of
THE ODYSSEY
 Incorporates
strange lands and
monsters
 It incorporates gods and
goddesses & supernatural forces

Each of them has something to do
with Odysseus and his journey
THEMES OF THE ODYESSY
 PRIDE
& HONOR
 TEMPTATION
 LOYALTY
 PERSEVERANCE
 VENGEANCE
Characters
Odysseus
 The protagonist. He is a strong
and courageous warrior but is
most known for his wisdom and
quick thinking.


He is a favorite of the goddess
Athena, who often sends him divine
aid.
He is the bitter enemy of Poseidon
(the antagonist), who dislikes
Odysseus because Odysseus blinds
Poseidon’s son.
Characters
Penelope--the wife of Odysseus,
who waits faithfully for 20 years
for her husband’s return.
Telemachus-- Odysseus and
Penelope’s son.
Characters
Calypso--The beautiful nymph who
falls in love with Odysseus when he
lands on her island. She holds him
prisoner for seven years.
Alcinous- King of the Phaeacians, he
welcomes Odysseus on his island
and hears the story of Odysseus’
wanderings and provides him with
safe passage back to Ithaca.
Characters
Laertes--Odysseus’ father (he does not
appear in the story, but is mentioned)
Circe-- a goddess and enchantress who
lives on the island of Aeaea. She
changes Odysseus’ men into pigs
because of their rude behavior.
Zeus--King of gods and men, he
sometimes helps Odysseus or permits
Athena to help him.
Characters
Athena-- Daughter of Zeus and goddess of
wisdom & war.
-- She assists Odysseus and Telemachus
with divine powers throughout the epic.
--She often appears in disguise as
Mentor, an old friend of Odysseus.
Apollo-- Son of Zeus and god of the sun,
music, poetry, prophecy, & medicine.
Characters
Poseidon-- The god of the sea,
earthquakes, & horses.
Polyphemus-- the cyclops that battles
Odysseus.
Eurylochus-- a trusted officer of
Odysseus.
Persephone-- wife of Hades, the ruler of
the underworld
Characters
Hermes-- the messenger god, persuades
Calypso to let Odysseus leaver her
island.
Tiresias of Thebes-- a blind prophet
whose spirit visits Odysseus in the
underworld.
Sirens--creatures, part woman and part
bird whose songs lure sailors to their
death.
Scylla-- 6 headed sea monster who eats
sailors.