The+Odyssey

I. Homer (ca. 800 B.C.) A. Legendary poet who is credit with writing //__The Illiad__// and //__The Odyssey__//. B. People think that //__The Illiad__// and //__The Odyssey__// were passed down stories that many different people contributed to over generations (oral tradition). C. There is some question over whether or not Homer really existed. II. Epic Hero A. A larger-than-life central character in an epic who demonstrates traits valued by their society. 1. Epic-a long narrative poem about important events in the history of a nat ion/culture. B. Traits of an epic hero a. Bravery i. not afraid of a challenge ii. not afraid of an enemy b. Loyalty i. stands by people/ideasc. Nobility ii. lives by a higher standardii. does things w/o being asked iii. does things because it’s the right thing to do d. Accomplishments/Deeds i. achieves stated goals ii. achieves with out goals e. Larger than life i. superhero ii. achieves mythical/legendary status iii. does things an ordinary person can’t doII I. Historical and cultural context (details of the time and place in which the work was set and composed) A. Details include 1. The Trojan Wara. started when Paris ran off with Helen b. A Greek force attacked Troy to try and get her back c. Victorious after ten years of fightingntmap.ipr]]