odyssey study guide

Epic

A long narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and beliefs of a nation/ race

Hero

Odysseus (king of Ithaca)

Villain

Those who anger the Gods/ go against Odysseus/ Greeks

Damsel in distress

Penelope (Queen of Ithaca)

Vast Setting

Greece/ Medeteranian sea/ underworld

Supernatural powers

God/ Goddesses/ Monsters

Glorification of the hero in the end

• Odysseus is revered for his heroic prowess

  • Archetypes of the epic are exemplified in “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler / Star Wars exemplifies qualities of the epic.

Epic Hero

• Odysseus (is not like ordinary people), excels in strength, a specific skill (his craft or guile; often seen as quick-thinking), and courage. He values honor and has the help of Athena (goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare)

Hubris

• in Greek tragedy) excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis.

Epithet:

•  A brief, descriptive phrase that helps to characterize a person or thing. ONLY an epithet if it is repeated! 

Epic Simile:

• A comparison between two things, using ‘like’ or ‘as’ and going on at great length and detail

In Media Res:

in the middle

• The Three Stages of a Hero’s Journey:

Separation, initiation, and return

Separation

• Call to adventure: The hero becomes aware of a life beyond everyday existence

• Refusal of the call: The hero denies abilities and does not desire to leave (Odysseus is called to fight in the Trojan War on the day his son, Telemachus, was born)

• Crossing the first threshold: The hero is tested and pulled into a new realm.

Initiation

• The road of trials: A Series of tests to prepare the hero

• Meeting with the goddess: An Offering is made to request the hero’s success

• Woman as temptress: The hero is distracted by selfish pleasure

• Atonement with the Father: The hero comes to terms with preants/protector

• Apotheosis: Hero is transformed into his full potential/divine state

• The Ultimate Boone: a favor/blessing is bestowed to complete the journey

Return

• The Refusal of the Return: The hero hesitates to return home (Odysseus is unsure whether Penelope still loves him, since he has been gone for so long)

• The Magical Flight or Rescue: the hero has made an extraordinary journey home

• Crossing of the Return Threshold: The hero has supernatural force to help him cross back over

• Master of Two Worlds: The hero is now a bridge/master of these two seemingly separate worlds 

• Freedom to Live: The hero can move freely between the two realms 

The Trojan War

The Trojan War started after Paris, the son of the king of Troy (King Priam), ran off with Helen, the queen of Sparta (King Menelaus). This caused the Greeks and Trojans to begin a war that lasted ten years

• Citing the Poem:

• “Quote” (Author, Title Book. Line(s)).

  • Example: “Quote” (Homer, “The Odyssey” 9.5-8).

Citing information from the sidebar or summary in blue:

• “Quote” (Author Page).