Odyssey Hero's Journey: Key Terms and Concepts

Ordinary World

The hero's normal life before the adventure begins (Odysseus as king of Ithaca)

Call to Adventure

The hero is faced with a challenge or quest that requires them to leave their ordinary world (Odysseus called to fight at Troy)

Refusal of the Call

The hero initially hesitates or refuses to embark on the journey (Odysseus pretends madness to avoid being called in war)

Meeting the Mentor

The hero encounters a mentor who provides guidance and support (Athena helps Odysseus)

Crossing the Threshold

The hero leaves their ordinary world and enters the new world of the adventure (Odysseus leaves Troy, faces Cicones and storms)

Tests, Allies, and Enemies

The hero faces challenges and makes allies (Lotus Eaters, Cyclops, Circe, Sirens)

Approach to the Inmost Cave

The hero prepares for the major challenge (Odysseus travels to the Underworld)

Ordeal

The hero faces the greatest test (Prophecy from Tiresias, Scylla & Charybdis)

Reward

The hero survives and gains something (Knowledge, prophecy, wisdom)

The Road Back

The hero begins the journey home (Leaves Calypso, sails to Phaeacians)

Resurrection

The hero faces a final test and is transformed (Kills the suitors, reclaims Ithaca)

Return with the Elixir

The hero returns home changed and shares wisdom (Odysseus as wiser king and husband)

Hero

The main character who goes on the journey (Odysseus)

Mentor

Wise guide who helps the hero (Athena)

Shadow

Greatest enemy or darkest fear (Poseidon, suitors)

Threshold Guardian

Characters who test the hero at new stages (Scylla, Charybdis, Laestrygonians, Lotus Eaters)

Shapeshifter

Characters whose loyalty/identity changes (Circe, even Athena at times)

Trickster

Mischief makers, only help when convenient (Hermes, suitors' mockery)

Herald

Brings the call to adventure or message (Hermes to Calypso)

Allies

Helpers who support the hero (Telemachus, Penelope, King Alcinous, loyal servants)

Epithets

Descriptive phrases (e.g., "Odysseus, raider of cities")

Epic Simile

Extended comparison using "like" or "as" over several lines

In Media Res

Story begins in the middle of action (The Odyssey starts with Odysseus away from Ithaca)

Frame Narrative

Story within a story (Odysseus tells his journey at Alcinous' court)

Hubris

Excessive pride or defiance of the gods (Odysseus boasting to Polyphemus)

Xenia

Greek hospitality custom (King Alcinous hosting Odysseus)

Hamartia

Tragic flaw or error in judgment (Odysseus' pride)

Oral Tradition

Passing stories by word of mouth before writing

Muse

Goddess inspiring creativity (Homer invokes Muse of epic poetry)

Invocation

Calling upon a god/goddess for help (Homer asks the Muse to help tell the story)

Zeus

Chief god; initially angry at Odysseus, later helps him at Athena's request

Poseidon

God of the sea; angry because Odysseus blinded Polyphemus

Athena

Goddess of wisdom; Odysseus' main helper and mentor

Penelope

Odysseus' loyal wife who waits 20 years

Telemachus

Odysseus' son; grows into leadership during father's absence

Tiresias

Blind prophet in the Underworld

Calypso

Nymph who detains Odysseus for 7 years

Circe

Enchantress who turns men to swine; Odysseus stays 1 year

Eurylochus

Captain in Odysseus' crew; leads men into danger

King Alcinous

Phaeacian king who helps Odysseus return home

Hermes

Messenger god; orders Calypso to release Odysseus

Cicones

Allies of Troy; Odysseus raids them but loses many men

Scylla

Six-headed sea monster

Charybdis

Deadly whirlpool

Polyphemus

Cyclops, son of Poseidon, blinded by Odysseus

Helios

Sun god whose cattle are forbidden (crew eats them → punished by Zeus)

Laestrygonians

Cannibal giants who destroy Odysseus' fleet

Sirens

Creatures whose song lures sailors to death

Lotus Eaters

People who feed sailors fruit that makes them forget home

Heroic Qualities of Odysseus

Brave, clever, resourceful, determined, strong leader

Flaws of Odysseus

Pride (hubris), reckless decisions, temptation

Example of Hubris

Reveals his name to Polyphemus, causing Poseidon's curse

Relationship with the Gods

Favored by Athena, punished by Poseidon, helped by Zeus/Hermes

Leadership Example

Resists the Lotus Eaters, protects crew from Circe by negotiating