The Odyssey

The Odyssey

Today's Agenda

• The World of Homer

• What is an epic?

• Epic Practice

Ancient Greek Culture

• Made important contributions to philosophy, mathematics, & medicine

• Literature & theatre were very important

• Known for sophisticated sculpture & architecture

• Continues to influence cultures today

Open Ended

What is an example of Greek culture's continued influence on today's culture?

Homer

• Credited with writing the Iliad and the Odyssey

• "The Homeric Question"

• Believed to have lived between 900 & 700 B.C.

• Lots of ancient "claims" about him

What is an epic?

An epic is a long, often book-length, narrative in verse form that retells the heroic journey of a single person or a group of persons.

Elements of an Epic

• Plot centers around a HERO of unbelievable stature

• Involves deeds of superhuman strength & valor

• Multiple settings

• Epic style of writing

• Poet remains objective & omniscient

Writing your own EPIC

• Working with a partner on a shared Google doc

• Write a 2 paragraph "synopsis" of your epic

• MUST include all elements of an epic

• ^{EX: hero, superhuman feats, supernatural elements, massive scope, omniscient narrator, cultural values, lesson learned}

Example: the Iliad

9 years after the start of the Trojan War, an ancient conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans that divided even the gods on Olympus, the leader of the Achaeans (the Greeks), King Agamemnon, has a disagreement with his greatest warrior, Achilles, when Agamemnon takes one of Achilles's conquered slaves. Achilles is so angered and his pride so wounded that he refuses to fight for the Greeks anymore and swears he will not fight until his slave is returned. As a result, the Achaean army begins to lose the war as the Trojan army, with the aid of Zeus, wins battle after battle.

After much bloodshed, Achilles finally decides to help the Achaeans without breaking his oath. He agrees to allow his beloved friend Patroclus to wear his armor into battle in order to scare the Trojans and boost morale for the Achaean army. The plan ultimately works until Patroclus is killed by the Trojan prince, Hector. Achilles, overcome with grief and swearing revenge, fights Hector and kills him with the aid of Athena because she hated the Trojans.

GO!

• Choose a partner

• ONE partner open the link and then SHARE it with the other partner

• Review the directions

• Get started