Transcript Odyssey
The Odyssey Semantics! odyssey (noun)- a long series of wanderings or adventures, especially when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc. Odyssey-an epic poem attributed to Homer, describing Odysseus's adventures in his ten-year attempt to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Source: dictionary.com What is a myth? A traditional story that explains a belief or a natural phenomenon Example: Phaethon and the Chariot of the Sun- explained how the sun moves across the sky during the day; warned people to listen to the Gods and do as they were told (or else!) What is an epic? A long narrative poem about a legendary hero. Narrative = story-like Contains morals, values and ideals of the culture Elements of an epic: A physically impressive hero of national or historical importance A vast setting A quest or a journey in search of something of value Supernatural forces Glorification of the hero at the end A basis in a specific culture of society Greek epics Essentially, epics of this time period taught the Greeks what to do (and what not to do) to be good Greek citizens Homer= Iliad & Odyssey Written about 800 B.C. Told about events from about 1200 B.C. Greek values and beliefs Greeks believed it was wrong for any man to have hubris. Hubris- extreme pride or arrogance The character of a man was very important. One important quality to have was courage Loyalty to both home and family was the most important. Man was not master of his own destiny or fate, he was like a “pawn in a chess game.” Man could not control his own fate, but he could control how he reacted to the gods’ interfering or meddling (how someone reacted was an important character quality). Homer poet thought to be blind, but describes events as a seeing person Ultimately a storyteller Would have told the story aloud over several days- not memorized Homer Legendary early Greek poet Credited with the composition of the Iliad and the Odyssey Debate: Real person or name given to one or more oral poets who sang traditional epic material? Name means “hostage” Homeric poems are the product of an oral tradition The Iliad Story of the last year of the Trojan War; hero=Achilles War had lasted 10 years. Troy was defeated when Odyssus and his men were able to get inside the walls of Troy concealed within the body of the Trojan horse. The Trojan Horse The Odyssey The story of the journey of Odysseus and his men trying to get home after the Trojan War. Journey=10 years But really…an epic about humans on the journey of life overcoming temptations along the way Contains morals about living life The Odyssey The Odyssey can be divided into four major parts: Books 1-4 (Telemachus’s journey in search of his father); Books 5-8 (Odysseus’s departure from Calypso’s island and arrival in Phaeacia); Books 9-12 (a flashback in which Odysseus tells the Phaeacians of his adventures); and Books 13-24 (Odysseus’s return to Ithaca, his battle with the suitors, and his reunion with his wife, Penelope, son, Telemachus, and father, Laertes). Greek Ideal – The Hero Arete – highest virtue Manliness, courage & excellence Man of action Pursuit of life of glory Seize power & glory for oneself Images and depictions found everywhere in Greek art, literature and mythology Herakles, Theseus, Odysseus Ulysses and the Sirens, ca. 3rd century, artist unknown Odysseus, Jacob Jordaens, 1600s The Hero Greek heroes and monsters all come from the same source: the Gods That means that good and evil come from the same origin. In myths and epics, heroes (light) battle with monsters (dark) symbolizing the conflict between good and evil. Odysseus- The hero Odysseus possesses a cunning wit, and he uses it more than he uses his aging physical strength. He is brave, but he prefers to defeat his enemies with clever deception rather than meet them headon. He is on a journey home and he must pass many trials to reach the safety of his home. He has weaknesses, but he manages to overcome them to complete his journey and reclaim his home and family. He interacts with the gods and receives both their favors and their curses. He is ultimately a heroic figure, a literary icon and an adventurer’s idol (although other writers have criticized Odysseus for his deceptions and disloyalty). Major Characters in the Odyssey Mortals Odysseus- hero; son of Laertes Penelope- his wife Telemachus- their son Primary gods and goddesses Athena- goddess of wisdom Poseidon- god of the sea Zeus- king of the gods To begin… Epics begin with an invocation (a prayer to the muse of poetry) Muses are 9 daughters of Zeus who were in charge of the arts. Calliope was the muse of epic poetry.