Unit: Epic Poetry:

The Odyssey
By Homer

An Introduction to the Epic

Poem
Homer’s The Odyssey: Context
• The Odyssey is an EPIC POEM written by Homer,
the most famous of Greek Storytellers.
• The time and place in which The Odyssey was
written is unknown and Homer, it is argued, may
not actually have been the author.
• It is possible that the epic poem is merely a
collection of oral traditions passed on from
generation to generation.
• Most scholars believe that Homer wrote the poem
in Greece about 700 B.C.E.
Homer’s The Odyssey: Epic Hero
• Epic poems are long, narrative poems about
important events in the history or folklore of a
nation or culture.
• The protagonist in an epic poem is known as an
epic hero, the larger-than-life central character.
• Through adventurous deeds, the epic hero
demonstrates traits that are highly valued in
his/her society (bravery, war accomplishments,
etc).
Homer’s The Odyssey: Epic Poetry
• Most epics begin in media res, which means “in
the middle of things.”
• This means that the most of the important action
of the story occurred BEFORE the point in which
the poem begins.
• For instance: The Odyssey begins right AFTER
the end of the Trojan War.
• Therefore, most of the story’s epic events are
told in flashback manner.
Homer’s The Odyssey: Notes
• Setting: the story begins after the Trojan War and
covers the next ten years. Odysseus’s travels
cover the Aegean and surrounding seas and
eventually end in Ithaca, in northwestern Greece;
Telemachus travels from Ithaca to southern
Greece.
• Point of View: 3rd person omniscient
• Tone: celebratory and nostalgic; the poet views
the times in which the action is set as glorious
and larger than life.
Homer’s The Odyssey: Notes
• Themes: The power of cunning over strength;
the pitfalls of temptation; the tension between
goals and obstacles; the misery of separation;
maturation as a journey.

• Motifs: Disguises; storytelling; seductresses.

• Symbols: Food; the wedding bed; the great bow;

symbols of temptation.
Homer’s The Odyssey: Vocab
• Recall key terms from the unit on poetry; they will play a
key role in your understanding of this story:
1. Simile
2. Metaphor
3. Narrative poem
4. Symbol
5. Stanza
6. Refrain
7. Rhythm
Great Books: The Odyssey
• Copy down the following questions and answer them as you
watch the video. As you watch the program, note the
challenges Odysseus faces in his journey.

1. What is an odyssey?
2. How does Homer’s epic story portray the
human condition and timeless human
challenges?
3. What does The Odyssey reveal about ancient
Greek culture?
Homer’s The Odyssey: Vocab
• Copy down these new terms; Choose two words and USE THEM IN A
SENTENCE (2 sentences). This will be the SECOND written entry in your
“Odyssey Journal.”
1. Epic Simile (n): a simile of great length and detail, going on
for several lines.
2. Plundered (v): took goods by force; looted
3. Dispatched (v): finished quickly; sent out (an order)
4. Mammoth (adj): enormous; huge
5. Assuage (v): calm; pacify
6. Bereft (adj): deprived (refused) of something
7. Ardor (n): passion; enthusiasm
8. Insidious (adj): characterized by craftiness or betrayal