The OdysseyThe Odyssey

Typed by Mrs. Scruggs’s Peer Helpers

EpicEpic: a long, narrative poem about the : a long, narrative poem about the adventures of gods and heroes.adventures of gods and heroes.

Epic HeroEpic Hero: a character whose actions : a character whose actions are noble or inspiring. They often are noble or inspiring. They often overcome foes or escape from overcome foes or escape from difficulties.difficulties.

Epic/Heroic/Homeric SimileEpic/Heroic/Homeric Simile: a long, : a long, elaborate comparison of unlike elaborate comparison of unlike subjects. They go on for several subjects. They go on for several lines and usually compare the lines and usually compare the ordinaryordinary to the to the unknownunknown..

EpithetEpithet: a word or phrase used to : a word or phrase used to describedescribe or characterize a person or or characterize a person or thing. Example: "Zeus, lord of the thing. Example: "Zeus, lord of the clouds."clouds."

In medias resIn medias res: when a story begins in the : when a story begins in the middle of the action. All exposition is skipped.middle of the action. All exposition is skipped.EpisodeEpisode: the division of an epic.: the division of an epic.Oral TraditionOral Tradition: the passing of songs, stories : the passing of songs, stories and poems from generation to generation by and poems from generation to generation by word of mouth.word of mouth.ArchetypeArchetype: a theme, plot, setting, character : a theme, plot, setting, character type, or hero that recurs in many different type, or hero that recurs in many different cultures. Example: the battle of good vs. evil; cultures. Example: the battle of good vs. evil; innocence lost; misbegotten lovers, etc.innocence lost; misbegotten lovers, etc.RhapsodesRhapsodes: they are "singers of tales." They : they are "singers of tales." They were the ones who told the epics in the oral were the ones who told the epics in the oral tradition, before these poems (stories) were tradition, before these poems (stories) were written down.written down.

Elements of an Elements of an EpicEpic

•A A physically impressive herophysically impressive hero of national or of national or historical importance.historical importance.

•A A vast settingvast setting involving much of the known involving much of the known physical world, and sometimes the land of the physical world, and sometimes the land of the dead and mythological realms as well.dead and mythological realms as well.

•Action such as a Action such as a quest or journeyquest or journey taken in search taken in search of something of value.of something of value.

•Evidence of Evidence of supernatural forcessupernatural forces at work (i.e., help at work (i.e., help of gods, goddesses, etc.)of gods, goddesses, etc.)

•Glorification of the heroGlorification of the hero at the end. at the end.

•A rootedness in a A rootedness in a specific culturespecific culture or society. or society.

Background InformationBackground Information• Homer (Greek) is credited with first composing

The Illiad (about the Trojan War.).• The Trojan War lasted for 10 years in

Troy (Troy = modern day Turkey).• the cause of the Trojan War = the

Greek King Menelaus had his wife, Helen, stolen by the Trojan Prince Paris.

• The Odyssey is about what Greek King Odysseus (of Ithaca) experiences trying to return home to Ithaca after 10 years at the Trojan War. The Odyssey is the 2nd epic attributed to Homer.

• The Illiad and The Odyssey were used in Greek schools to teach their culture's values.

The Illiad is the model for the epic of war.The Odyssey is the model for the epic of long journeys.

The War Story BackgroundThe War Story BackgroundThe IlliadThe Illiad is set in the 10 is set in the 10thth and final year of and final year of

the Trojan War. The the Trojan War. The Greeks attack TroyGreeks attack Troy to to avenge the insult done to King Menelaus of avenge the insult done to King Menelaus of Sparta (Greek). Menelaus's brother, Sparta (Greek). Menelaus's brother, Agamemnon, leads the unified Greek kings Agamemnon, leads the unified Greek kings in battle against Troy. When the Greeks in battle against Troy. When the Greeks finally win, they trash the city of Troy and finally win, they trash the city of Troy and kill all the inhabitants except those they kill all the inhabitants except those they were taking back to Greece as slaves. The were taking back to Greece as slaves. The readers of readers of The OdysseyThe Odyssey would have would have already known the story of Achilles and the already known the story of Achilles and the names of deeds of other Greek war heroes.names of deeds of other Greek war heroes.

The Wooden HorseThe Wooden Horse• For 10 years the Greeks tried to enter Troy, with no success. King Odysseus

hatches a plan: The Greeks build a huge wooden horse that is hollow inside. They fill the horse with Greek soldiers, roll it to the gates of Troy, and then move their camps as if they have left and as if the wooden horse is a peace offering. The Trojans see this, think they've won the war, roll the horse inside the city gates, and start to get drunk. Once the Trojans pass out drunk, the Greeks jump out of the horse and kill the Trojans, except for the captives to be used as slaves.

• ** SO The Odyssey picks up the story after this point.- Myths: stories that use fantasy to express ideas about life that cannot be

easily explained in realistic terms. They are religious in that they focus on the relationship between humans and gods.

- Alter Ego: a character who serves as a reflection of a hero's best or worst qualities. Poseidon is the alter ego of Odysseus.

• ** ** The OdysseyThe Odyssey is is 11,30011,300 lines long** lines long**

The Plot Structure of the The Plot Structure of the OdysseyOdyssey• Books 1-4Books 1-4: the adventures of : the adventures of Telemachus as he searchesTelemachus as he searches for his for his

father, King Odysseus. He (Telemachus) leaves Ithaca and seeks father, King Odysseus. He (Telemachus) leaves Ithaca and seeks the help of other Greek kings in searching for Odysseus.the help of other Greek kings in searching for Odysseus.

• Books 5-8Books 5-8: Adventures of : Adventures of OdysseusOdysseus as he leaves as he leaves Calypso's islandCalypso's island (Ogygia) and arrives in Phaeacia.(Ogygia) and arrives in Phaeacia.

• FlashbackFlashback = = Books 9-12:Books 9-12: Odysseus recounts his travels and Odysseus recounts his travels and experiences to the Phaeacians and their king, Alcinous.experiences to the Phaeacians and their king, Alcinous.

• Books 13-24Books 13-24: about Odysseus landing on Ithaca, the battle with the : about Odysseus landing on Ithaca, the battle with the suitors, and the suitors, and the final recognitionfinal recognition and reunion of Odysseus with and reunion of Odysseus with Telemachus, Penelope, and Odysseus's father, Laertes.Telemachus, Penelope, and Odysseus's father, Laertes.

** Property of an epic = ** Property of an epic = Invocation of the MuseInvocation of the Muse: the : the poet prays for inspiration to relay his tale/ song/ poem poet prays for inspiration to relay his tale/ song/ poem from one of the from one of the 99 muses. The Muses were muses. The Muses were mythological daughters of Zeus and were credited mythological daughters of Zeus and were credited with inspiring music, arts, theater, story telling with inspiring music, arts, theater, story telling (anything artistic).(anything artistic).

The poem starts with Homer invoking The poem starts with Homer invoking the Muse. (the Muse. (Book IBook I))

Homer is asking the Muse (Calliope) to help him retell Homer is asking the Muse (Calliope) to help him retell the story of Odysseus.the story of Odysseus.

BOOK 5: When We Meet BOOK 5: When We Meet Odysseus in the TextbookOdysseus in the Textbook

Calypso's island of Ogygia (not #1 chronologically)Calypso's island of Ogygia (not #1 chronologically)::• Odysseus has spent Odysseus has spent 77 years on the island as her boy years on the island as her boy

toy. (some of the time he enjoyed).toy. (some of the time he enjoyed).• Line 41-47: epic simile: "A gull patrolling…up to the cave." This Line 41-47: epic simile: "A gull patrolling…up to the cave." This

compares how a seagull skims the water (known) to how compares how a seagull skims the water (known) to how Hermes, a god, skims the water (unknown).Hermes, a god, skims the water (unknown).

- Calypso's cave/island is described like a paradise. Calypso's cave/island is described like a paradise. Meanwhile, Odysseus is miserable.Meanwhile, Odysseus is miserable.

- Calypso tells Odysseus that it's Calypso tells Odysseus that it's herher idea to let him go. idea to let him go. She's saving her pride; also, she truly feels for She's saving her pride; also, she truly feels for Odysseus.Odysseus.

- Epithet: line 101: "Son of Laertes, versatile Odysseus…"Epithet: line 101: "Son of Laertes, versatile Odysseus…"

BOOKS 6-8 BOOKS 6-8 - line 120: line 120: epithetepithet = Odysseus refers to himself as = Odysseus refers to himself as

Laertes's son. This shows Laertes's son. This shows his humilityhis humility and how his and how his family has taken on more importance to him than family has taken on more importance to him than the glories of a king.the glories of a king.

- Line 145: Line 145: he values his home and family mosthe values his home and family most. (this . (this themetheme is the driving force of the poem.). is the driving force of the poem.).

• **Odysseus and his men spent **Odysseus and his men spent 3 3 days with the Ciconesdays with the Cicones. . 72 72 men men diedie there (Book 9) there (Book 9)

- line 179: line 179: epithetepithet: "Zeus, the lord of cloud": "Zeus, the lord of cloud"- 3 days they're stuck in the storm3 days they're stuck in the storm (p.898) (p.898)

• 9 days drifting9 days drifting on the open sea (p.898) on the open sea (p.898)

BOOK 9 (This starts the flashback BOOK 9 (This starts the flashback books)books)

• The Lotus EatersThe Lotus Eaters – on the 10on the 10thth day they day they

land in the Land of land in the Land of the Lotus Eaters (#3 the Lotus Eaters (#3 on your kill map).on your kill map).

Odysseus sends Odysseus sends 33 men to check things out. The men to check things out. The Lotus Eaters are friendly and start feeding the 3 Lotus Eaters are friendly and start feeding the 3 men the lotus plant. ( narcotic).men the lotus plant. ( narcotic).None dieNone die; this is an example of Odysseus acting ; this is an example of Odysseus acting like a good leader because he won't leave them like a good leader because he won't leave them and drags them back to the ship before they lose and drags them back to the ship before they lose all memory of home.all memory of home.

The Land of the Cyclopes The Land of the Cyclopes (Past)(Past)

Odysseus’s impression of the Cyclopes before they get to the island:Odysseus’s impression of the Cyclopes before they get to the island:• Giants, loutsGiants, louts• Lawless = no organized system of government.Lawless = no organized system of government.• Uncivilized = distasteful way of life to the ancient GreeksUncivilized = distasteful way of life to the ancient Greeks• Cruel and barbaric, like cave menCruel and barbaric, like cave men• They do not have an agrarian (agricultural) way of life = very They do not have an agrarian (agricultural) way of life = very

distasteful to the ancient Greeksdistasteful to the ancient Greeks

•Polyphemus's mother is Thoosa, a sea nymph and daughter of Phorkys, also a sea god, who lives in a cave in Ithaca.•Odysseus and crew spend a few days on lush island nearby watching the Cyclopes. They had to stop on island due to heavy fog. They spend their time feasting and relaxing. On the 3rd day, they leave the lush island and go to the Land of the Cyclopes.

Day 1Day 1Setting:Setting: cold, harsh environment. Very stony and uninviting. cold, harsh environment. Very stony and uninviting.They see the Cyclops They see the Cyclops PolyphemusPolyphemus, son of Poseidon. , son of Poseidon.

Polyphemus is huge (prodigious). He lives alone taking Polyphemus is huge (prodigious). He lives alone taking care of his livestock. He's very savage- looking.care of his livestock. He's very savage- looking.

Odysseus and his crew dock. He picksOdysseus and his crew dock. He picks 12 12 of his best fighting of his best fighting menmen to go with him. He tells the rest to stay with the ships to go with him. He tells the rest to stay with the ships and guard everything. [an example of Odysseus acting like and guard everything. [an example of Odysseus acting like a good leader]. a good leader].

Odysseus thinks ahead and brings along good wine as a Odysseus thinks ahead and brings along good wine as a peace offering.peace offering.

• **Odysseus is the cleverest of the ancient heroes of Greece **Odysseus is the cleverest of the ancient heroes of Greece because his protector is Athena, goddess of wisdom.because his protector is Athena, goddess of wisdom.

• ** Polyphemus is an ** Polyphemus is an archetypalarchetypal character representing the brute character representing the brute forces any hero must overcome.forces any hero must overcome.

- they go into Polyphemus's cave while he's out. They check out the food in the they go into Polyphemus's cave while he's out. They check out the food in the cave. The men suggest that they take the food and milk products and leave. cave. The men suggest that they take the food and milk products and leave. *Odysseus refuses to leave. He's *Odysseus refuses to leave. He's curious curious and wants to see Polyphemus up and wants to see Polyphemus up closeclose. [an example of Odysseus acting human, rather than heroic].. [an example of Odysseus acting human, rather than heroic].

- Odysseus and his men make a fire and burn an offering to the gods. They eat Odysseus and his men make a fire and burn an offering to the gods. They eat some of Polyphemus's food.some of Polyphemus's food.

- Polyphemus puts down his load of food. Odysseus and his men hide. Polyphemus puts down his load of food. Odysseus and his men hide. Polyphemus brings in his animals, then moves a huge stone slab in front of the Polyphemus brings in his animals, then moves a huge stone slab in front of the door. door. No wayNo way for Odysseus and his men for Odysseus and his men to get out.to get out.

• Polyphemus starts his evening chores and discovers Odysseus and his men. He asks O. if he's a friend Polyphemus starts his evening chores and discovers Odysseus and his men. He asks O. if he's a friend or foe, beggar or merchant.or foe, beggar or merchant.

• **Immediately, he has broken the ancient tradition of courtesy to strangers. Foreshadows events **Immediately, he has broken the ancient tradition of courtesy to strangers. Foreshadows events to come, which are bad. Odysseus is afraid but acts bravely. He talks to the Cyclops about being to come, which are bad. Odysseus is afraid but acts bravely. He talks to the Cyclops about being at Troy and traveling, at Troy and traveling, but doesn't give his namebut doesn't give his name. He reminds Polyphemus about the customary . He reminds Polyphemus about the customary treatment for guests, and plugs in a little threat to try to make Polyphemus do the right thing.treatment for guests, and plugs in a little threat to try to make Polyphemus do the right thing.

Polyphemus insults Odysseus and says Cyclops don't fear the gods (a sacrilege). Then he tries to find out where the ships are.

Odysseus lies to protect his men; he says they're shipwrecked and there were no other survivors.

**Polyphemus **Polyphemus eats 2 meneats 2 men..Odysseus doesn't try to kill Polyphemus because they Odysseus doesn't try to kill Polyphemus because they

would be unable to escape the cave because of the would be unable to escape the cave because of the stone slab.stone slab.

• Odysseus and the remaining 10 men freak out and CRY.Odysseus and the remaining 10 men freak out and CRY. Polyphemus goes to sleep and Odysseus draws his sword and wants to stab at Polyphemus, but stops. He stops because he realizes they will be trapped in the cave since they are unable to move the stone slab. This is an example of Odysseus using his intellect and thinking before he acts.

Day 2Day 2- Polyphemus starts the next morning doing his chores as if nothing's wrong. Polyphemus starts the next morning doing his chores as if nothing's wrong.

Then he eats 2 more men for breakfast.Then he eats 2 more men for breakfast.- Line 304-305 : Line 304-305 : similesimile - Polyphemus leaves the cave with his animals, then replaces the stone slab Polyphemus leaves the cave with his animals, then replaces the stone slab

behind him. Odysseus and his men are trapped, but he hatches a plan to get behind him. Odysseus and his men are trapped, but he hatches a plan to get out of the cave and injure Polyphemus.out of the cave and injure Polyphemus.

- They see a green olive tree and they cut out a 6-foot portion. They sharpen They see a green olive tree and they cut out a 6-foot portion. They sharpen that section. Then put it in the fire to harden the big spike. They then hide the that section. Then put it in the fire to harden the big spike. They then hide the weapon in a pile of poop in the cave and wait for Polyphemus to return. weapon in a pile of poop in the cave and wait for Polyphemus to return. Odysseus and the men toss to see who will help stab Polyphemus. Odysseus Odysseus and the men toss to see who will help stab Polyphemus. Odysseus is the captain and the best men were chosen to help him in the toss.is the captain and the best men were chosen to help him in the toss.

- 5 including Odysseus will blind Polyphemus in his sleep.5 including Odysseus will blind Polyphemus in his sleep.- Line 332-333: Line 332-333: example of foreshadowingexample of foreshadowing..- Polyphemus returns and closes the slab over door, and begins his evening Polyphemus returns and closes the slab over door, and begins his evening

chores.chores.

- He eats He eats 2 more2 more men for dinner. men for dinner.- Odysseus uses the Odysseus uses the Pramnian winePramnian wine he had brought to he had brought to

get Polyphemus drunk. He says he'll cut a deal with get Polyphemus drunk. He says he'll cut a deal with Odysseus if he gives him more wine. He agrees and Odysseus if he gives him more wine. He agrees and gives him more. Polyphemus asks him his name. gives him more. Polyphemus asks him his name. Odysseus tricks him and tells him his name is Odysseus tricks him and tells him his name is NohbdyNohbdy last. * last. * irony: Nohbdy = Nobodyirony: Nohbdy = Nobody..

- The escape: Odysseus and his men stab Polyphemus The escape: Odysseus and his men stab Polyphemus in the eyeball and pop it while he's passed out drunk. in the eyeball and pop it while he's passed out drunk. They can't kill him or they'll be trapped in the cave They can't kill him or they'll be trapped in the cave and starve to death. and starve to death. They tie ramsThey tie rams together in three's together in three's and using willow from Polyphemus's bed. Then, he and using willow from Polyphemus's bed. Then, he ties each of his men under the ties each of his men under the middlemiddle ram (Odysseus ram (Odysseus being clever). Odysseus waits until all other men are being clever). Odysseus waits until all other men are secure; he then puts himself under a single, large secure; he then puts himself under a single, large ram. They wait until the morning. ram. They wait until the morning. Heroic act = Heroic act = Odysseus is putting himself at the greatest risk to Odysseus is putting himself at the greatest risk to protect his men.protect his men.

Day 2 Day 2 Cont...Cont...

- moment of tension: the men get out of the cave safely, moment of tension: the men get out of the cave safely, but Polyphemus (blind) stops the one under which is but Polyphemus (blind) stops the one under which is Odysseus. He stops it and talks to it : Odysseus. He stops it and talks to it : IronyIrony = Polyphemus = Polyphemus asks the ram where "Nohbdy" is. He doesn't realize that asks the ram where "Nohbdy" is. He doesn't realize that Nohbdy/Odysseus is under his hand. (line 450-456)Nohbdy/Odysseus is under his hand. (line 450-456)

- PersonificationPersonification: Polyphemus talks to the ram like it is : Polyphemus talks to the ram like it is concerned for him.concerned for him.

- Odysseus and his men make it safely back to the ship Odysseus and his men make it safely back to the ship and take Polyphemus's sheep with them. They load up and take Polyphemus's sheep with them. They load up and pull out to sea; distraught over lost (eaten) men.and pull out to sea; distraught over lost (eaten) men.

- Line 476: Odysseus lets his emotions take over (acting Line 476: Odysseus lets his emotions take over (acting human, not heroic). When they're out to sea, in anger human, not heroic). When they're out to sea, in anger Odysseus shouts back at Polyphemus and baits him.Odysseus shouts back at Polyphemus and baits him.

- Polyphemus Polyphemus breaks off a hilltopbreaks off a hilltop and hurls it at their ship. and hurls it at their ship. They are washed back closer to the shore. They row twice They are washed back closer to the shore. They row twice as far away and Odysseus's men beg him as far away and Odysseus's men beg him notnot to shout at to shout at Polyphemus anymore.Polyphemus anymore.

Day 3Day 3

Day 3 Cont...Day 3 Cont...- Odysseus refuses. He shouts at Polyphemus anyway and tells Odysseus refuses. He shouts at Polyphemus anyway and tells

him his real name. Polyphemus says he knew about Odysseus him his real name. Polyphemus says he knew about Odysseus from a prophecy.from a prophecy.

- Polyphemus calls out to his father, Poseidon, and asks him to Polyphemus calls out to his father, Poseidon, and asks him to kill/curse Odysseus. His father hears him.kill/curse Odysseus. His father hears him.

- Line 526: Odysseus blasphemes the power of Poseidon.Line 526: Odysseus blasphemes the power of Poseidon.- Line 529-538: *Polyphemus's curse will cause the death of all of Line 529-538: *Polyphemus's curse will cause the death of all of

Odysseus’s men.Odysseus’s men.- Polyphemus picks up another giant stone and throws it at Polyphemus picks up another giant stone and throws it at

Odysseus’s ship. It misses. He and his crew head back to the Odysseus’s ship. It misses. He and his crew head back to the nearby lush island. They unload the animals and divide them up. nearby lush island. They unload the animals and divide them up. Odysseus kills the best ram, his, and makes a sacrifice to Zeus. Odysseus kills the best ram, his, and makes a sacrifice to Zeus. Zeus does not accept the offering because Odysseus blasphemed Zeus does not accept the offering because Odysseus blasphemed Poseidon.Poseidon.

• They sail off again.They sail off again.

The Wind King (Past)The Wind King (Past)- after they leave Cyclops's island, they land on Aeolia, after they leave Cyclops's island, they land on Aeolia,

the island of the wind King, Aeolus. For 1 month they the island of the wind King, Aeolus. For 1 month they stay here.stay here.

- When they leave, Aeolus puts all the stormy winds in a When they leave, Aeolus puts all the stormy winds in a bag so Odysseus and his men will have smooth sailing. bag so Odysseus and his men will have smooth sailing. Aeolus leaves only the good winds free.Aeolus leaves only the good winds free.

• ** When they are near home, Odysseus's men open the bag ** When they are near home, Odysseus's men open the bag while he sleeps. They are blown back to Aeolia. King Aeolus while he sleeps. They are blown back to Aeolia. King Aeolus refuses to help them a 2refuses to help them a 2ndnd time, thinking they and their time, thinking they and their voyage and cursed. It will take them much longer to get home voyage and cursed. It will take them much longer to get home now.now.

Land of the Laestrygonians (Past)Land of the Laestrygonians (Past)**Example of Vast Setting**Example of Vast Setting

• 11 ships of the 12 enter the harbor here. The 1211 ships of the 12 enter the harbor here. The 12thth ship (carrying Odysseus) remains furthest out in ship (carrying Odysseus) remains furthest out in the sea. The Laestrygonians are giant cannibals the sea. The Laestrygonians are giant cannibals so, when the 11 ships enter the harbor, thousands so, when the 11 ships enter the harbor, thousands of these giants surround and attack the ships, of these giants surround and attack the ships, they eat they eat 588588 men. They were here for only 1 day. men. They were here for only 1 day. Only the 12Only the 12thth ship, with Odysseus and his 45 crew ship, with Odysseus and his 45 crew members members down to 45 crew members.down to 45 crew members.

Circe’s Island of Aeaea (Past)Circe’s Island of Aeaea (Past)

- Odysseus divides his crew into 2 groups. Odysseus divides his crew into 2 groups. Eurylochus with 22 men goes out in a search party Eurylochus with 22 men goes out in a search party to find good, freshwater, and a safe place to rest. to find good, freshwater, and a safe place to rest. Odysseus leads the 2Odysseus leads the 2ndnd group. group.

- Line 539: alliterationLine 539: alliteration- Line 543-546: epic/ homeric/ heroic simileLine 543-546: epic/ homeric/ heroic simile- Eurylochus's group goes out to explore island.Eurylochus's group goes out to explore island.- Eurylochus's group finds Circe's palaceEurylochus's group finds Circe's palace

-Circe's singing when they come up. They also -Circe's singing when they come up. They also see her weaving on her loom, so they think see her weaving on her loom, so they think she's friendly.she's friendly.-Polites tells the group they should not fear the -Polites tells the group they should not fear the goddess; also, he says they have no reason to goddess; also, he says they have no reason to want to trick her or use want to trick her or use stealthstealth-Circe calls them all in-Circe calls them all in-All the men -All the men exceptexcept Eurylochus go into her Eurylochus go into her palace.palace.-Circe makes them comfortable-Circe makes them comfortable

..She seats them on lounging chairs.She seats them on lounging chairs.

..She feeds them cheese and barley.She feeds them cheese and barley.She gives them a wine concoction.She gives them a wine concoction.

Cont...Cont...Line 568: the spiked drink makes the men forget; then she turns Line 568: the spiked drink makes the men forget; then she turns them all into pigs/swine. However, they still have the minds of them all into pigs/swine. However, they still have the minds of humans.humans.

Eurylochus returns to the ship and reports what happened to Eurylochus returns to the ship and reports what happened to Odysseus. The other 22 remain at Circe's hall.Odysseus. The other 22 remain at Circe's hall.

He begs Odysseus to leave the island; but, Odysseus wants to save He begs Odysseus to leave the island; but, Odysseus wants to save his men (heroic)his men (heroic)

* Odysseus goes to save his men, but on the way he meets the god * Odysseus goes to save his men, but on the way he meets the god Hermes.Hermes.

Hermes gives Odysseus a special flower- a Hermes gives Odysseus a special flower- a molymoly- to protect - to protect Odysseus from Circe's magic.Odysseus from Circe's magic.

Hermes tell Odysseus he must make the goddess swear she'll play Hermes tell Odysseus he must make the goddess swear she'll play no "witch's" tricks on him.no "witch's" tricks on him.

Odysseus heads to Circe's palace and she welcomes him.Odysseus heads to Circe's palace and she welcomes him.

Odysseus and CirceOdysseus and CirceCirce seats him in a silver-studded chairCirce seats him in a silver-studded chair

She gives him a drink laced with her "unholy She gives him a drink laced with her "unholy drug"drug"

She tries to change him into swine, but her trick She tries to change him into swine, but her trick doesn't work = Odysseus is protected by moly doesn't work = Odysseus is protected by moly he received from Hermes.he received from Hermes.

Circe then tells him she was previously told of Circe then tells him she was previously told of Odysseus and that she wants him to "play and Odysseus and that she wants him to "play and love"love"

OdysseusOdysseus refuses until she swears an oath that refuses until she swears an oath that she will try no more tricks.she will try no more tricks.

Circe makes the oath and they begin a romantic Circe makes the oath and they begin a romantic relationshiprelationship

Odysseus continues to worry about his men who Odysseus continues to worry about his men who were transformed into swinewere transformed into swine:: an example of an example of him acting like a good leader.him acting like a good leader.

He refuses to eat and acts He refuses to eat and acts disconsolatedisconsolate, much to Circe's , much to Circe's dismay.dismay.Circe tires to cheer up Odysseus, but he refuses until Circe Circe tires to cheer up Odysseus, but he refuses until Circe changes his men back - this is an example of his cunning.changes his men back - this is an example of his cunning.Circe, in sympathy, frees the men and changes them back Circe, in sympathy, frees the men and changes them back into humans.into humans.They appear younger and more handsome.They appear younger and more handsome.The men and Odysseus weep for joy when reunited. Even The men and Odysseus weep for joy when reunited. Even Circe is touched by their emotion.Circe is touched by their emotion.This act by Circe alters Odysseus's opinion of her. Now he This act by Circe alters Odysseus's opinion of her. Now he calls her "exquisite."calls her "exquisite."Circe tells Odysseus to stow away all their gear and return Circe tells Odysseus to stow away all their gear and return with all his "dear companions" from the ship. Odysseus with all his "dear companions" from the ship. Odysseus obeys because obeys because he says he can'the says he can't resist her. resist her.

Odysseus Versus Eurylochus- As Odysseus and his men return to the ship, they find their As Odysseus and his men return to the ship, they find their

crewmates weeping.crewmates weeping.– They cried because they thought the transformed men had They cried because they thought the transformed men had

been lost.been lost.– They cried in relief at seeing their crewmates return safely.They cried in relief at seeing their crewmates return safely.

- Odysseus gives his men the orders to store their equipment, Odysseus gives his men the orders to store their equipment, but Eurylochus opposes this idea.but Eurylochus opposes this idea.

- Eurylochus challenges Odysseus's judgment and authority. He Eurylochus challenges Odysseus's judgment and authority. He tells the men they should doubt Odysseus because of all their tells the men they should doubt Odysseus because of all their past troubles.past troubles.

•Eurylochus reminds them of the Eurylochus reminds them of the 6 men eaten by 6 men eaten by Polyphemus.Polyphemus.•He reminds them about the men changed into pigs.He reminds them about the men changed into pigs.

Odysseus responds angrily: he wants to kill Odysseus responds angrily: he wants to kill EurylochuEurylochuss: : an example of him acting humanly and an example of him acting humanly and reactingreacting with his with his emotions. But, Odysseus is also acting like a strongemotions. But, Odysseus is also acting like a strong leader in that he will not tolerate dissension.leader in that he will not tolerate dissension.

•The other men tell Odysseus not to worry.The other men tell Odysseus not to worry.•They'll follow him to They'll follow him to Circe's hallCirce's hall..•They tell Odysseus to leave They tell Odysseus to leave EurylochusEurylochus behind. They behind. They demonstrate their loyalty and respect for Odysseus demonstrate their loyalty and respect for Odysseus and Ithaca.and Ithaca.•This shows how Odysseus can still be hot-headed This shows how Odysseus can still be hot-headed and violent = flawsand violent = flaws

-Eurylochus and the men go with Odysseus back to Circe's hall.She wines and dines them.The rest helps restore them mentally and physically. This shows Circe's compassion contrasted to her cruelty since other humans remain as animals (but not Odysseus's men).**Odysseus and his men are lulled into staying for a year, not thinking of home.

Aeaea Cont...While the men are drunk While the men are drunk one night, one night, ElpenorElpenor gets gets

too drunk, falls off the too drunk, falls off the roof, and roof, and diesdies. (. (1 dead1 dead).).

His men begin His men begin to long to long for homefor home.They remind .They remind Odysseus that he is a Odysseus that he is a

king and has king and has responsibilitiesresponsibilities in Ithaca in Ithaca

as a king/leader.as a king/leader.

**Odysseus is torn between **Odysseus is torn between his his duty and his enjoyment duty and his enjoyment with Circewith Circe (he succumbs to (he succumbs to the same type of danger as the same type of danger as the 3 men faced in the land the 3 men faced in the land of the Lotus Eaters). This of the Lotus Eaters). This time time Odysseus must be Odysseus must be savedsaved..Odysseus tells Circe he Odysseus tells Circe he must leave. She responds must leave. She responds by telling him what he must by telling him what he must do.do.

Again, Again, CirceCirce shows her shows her concernconcern for Odysseus, which for Odysseus, which is contrasted with her is contrasted with her callousness toward other callousness toward other humans.She tells them they humans.She tells them they must travel to the must travel to the underworldunderworld (aka. (aka. The Land of the DeadThe Land of the Dead). ). She tells him he must seek She tells him he must seek the advice of the advice of TeiresiasTeiresias, the , the blind prophet of Thebes blind prophet of Thebes (who's dead) before he can (who's dead) before he can find his way home.find his way home.

Land of the Dead- Underworld/Hades (past) Book 11

This is an example of a This is an example of a vast settingvast setting..

The setting is darkness, endless, The setting is darkness, endless, bottomless.bottomless.–This This foreshadowsforeshadows the grim news that the grim news that Odysseus will learn from Teiresias.Odysseus will learn from Teiresias.–This foreshadows his This foreshadows his men's deathsmen's deaths to to come later.come later.

PerimedesPerimedes and and EurylochuEurylochus help s help Odysseus make the sacrifices Circe told Odysseus make the sacrifices Circe told him to so that he can bring Teiresias him to so that he can bring Teiresias back from the dead.back from the dead.

Helping with the sacrifices Helping with the sacrifices shows shows Eurylochus'sEurylochus's wishy- wishy-washy character. This washy character. This shows Odysseus's shows Odysseus's ability to ability to forgiveforgive. Now, he again . Now, he again treats Eurylochus with treats Eurylochus with great trust. They make an great trust. They make an altar to Teiresias.altar to Teiresias.

This is to convince him to help them. They see many different This is to convince him to help them. They see many different kinds of dead people - including soldiers. kinds of dead people - including soldiers. This foreshadows This foreshadows the death of his own menthe death of his own men. The blood is . The blood is symbolicsymbolic of life; he of life; he regains enough "life" to prophesy for Odysseus. Odysseus regains enough "life" to prophesy for Odysseus. Odysseus encounters the following characters from the Trojan War: encounters the following characters from the Trojan War: Ajax, Ajax, Achilles, and HeraclesAchilles, and Heracles (aka. Hercules). (aka. Hercules).

More UnderworldMore Underworld•**Epithet = "**Epithet = "the prince of Thebesthe prince of Thebes" is Teiresias." is Teiresias.

-Odysseus sees the Odysseus sees the ghost/ spirit of Elpenorghost/ spirit of Elpenor, , his man who fell off the roof and died on his man who fell off the roof and died on Circe's island. Elpenor tells him he died Circe's island. Elpenor tells him he died falling off the roof (Odysseus didn't realize it falling off the roof (Odysseus didn't realize it was partially his fault). This was partially his fault). This foreshadows foreshadows how all the other men will die as a result of how all the other men will die as a result of giving into their giving into their humanhuman desires desires laterlater when when they come to Helios's island.they come to Helios's island.

•Elpenor serves as a warningElpenor serves as a warning..

Teiresias tells him that Teiresias tells him that Poseidon will cause him Poseidon will cause him more troubles and losses on more troubles and losses on their way home.their way home.** ** The prophecy: go to the The prophecy: go to the single straight, keep your single straight, keep your men in line, and when you men in line, and when you get to Thrinakia, get to Thrinakia, don'tdon't mess mess with Helios's cattlewith Helios's cattle. If you do . If you do this, you'll get home safely.this, you'll get home safely.Line 636: If Odysseus doesn't Line 636: If Odysseus doesn't do this:do this:Destruction of ship and crew.Destruction of ship and crew.He'll be the only survivor.He'll be the only survivor.It'll take more years to get It'll take more years to get home.home.

Odysseus's home will be Odysseus's home will be overrun by men eating his food overrun by men eating his food andand courting his wifecourting his wife..He'll return underHe'll return under strange sailstrange sail..Then he'll have to travel to a Then he'll have to travel to a strange land, make a sacrifice strange land, make a sacrifice to every god and goddess in to every god and goddess in order of rank: then, it'll bringorder of rank: then, it'll bring peace peace betweenbetween OdysseusOdysseus and and PoseidonPoseidon and Odysseus will and Odysseus will live long and die peacefully.live long and die peacefully.** Odysseus will see** Odysseus will see his motherhis mother in the underworld => she in the underworld => she committed suicide while he's committed suicide while he's gone.gone.

More prophecy from the deadMore prophecy from the dead

Odysseus and his men leave the Odysseus and his men leave the Underworld and goUnderworld and go back to back to Aeaea.Aeaea. Circe warnsCirce warns him about the him about the dangers to come. She tells dangers to come. She tells Odysseus how he canOdysseus how he can pass by pass by the Sirensthe Sirens without endangering without endangering his crew, but still satisfy his his crew, but still satisfy his curiosity to hear the famed curiosity to hear the famed creatures.creatures.TheThe Sirens hypnotizeSirens hypnotize men with men with theirtheir songssongs and then eat them.and then eat them.Circe tells Odysseus to stuff hisCirce tells Odysseus to stuff his men's ears withmen's ears with wax;wax; have them have them tie Odysseus to the ship's mast so tie Odysseus to the ship's mast so he can't be harmed; then they row he can't be harmed; then they row past the Sirens.past the Sirens.

CharybdisCharybdis - (past) Book 12 - (past) Book 12This is a female monster who This is a female monster who sucks in a sucks in a storm of waterstorm of water and and spews it out 3 times a day.spews it out 3 times a day.Circe advised Odysseus to Circe advised Odysseus to avoid avoid Charybdis entirely because they Charybdis entirely because they all could dieall could die. She tells him to go . She tells him to go near Scylla and accept the loss of near Scylla and accept the loss of 6 men as opposed to all.6 men as opposed to all.**Circe, like Teiresias, warns **Circe, like Teiresias, warns Odysseus to Odysseus to not eat Helios's not eat Helios's cattlecattle. . Odysseus does not tell his men Odysseus does not tell his men that some of them will die because that some of them will die because they would not have wanted to they would not have wanted to leave Circe's island-- then, leave Circe's island-- then, Odysseus would never get home.Odysseus would never get home.Line 805-808: Epic/ Homeric simileLine 805-808: Epic/ Homeric simileLine 818: Line 818: Scylla eats Scylla eats 6 men6 menLine 822-828: Epic/ Homeric simileLine 822-828: Epic/ Homeric simile

A very ugly A very ugly monster, she hasmonster, she has 12 legs12 legs andand 6 6 headsheads. . Scylla Scylla eatseats 1 1 man for eachman for each head head as they sail past.as they sail past.Odysseus was told Odysseus was told about this by Circe. about this by Circe. He knows before He knows before they get here thatthey get here that 6 6 men will die.men will die.

Odysseus tries to convince his crew to Odysseus tries to convince his crew to bypass Thrinakia altogether.bypass Thrinakia altogether. They disobeyThey disobey him and land anyway. He makes them him and land anyway. He makes them promise not to eat Helios's cattle.promise not to eat Helios's cattle.**A storm comes up and they're forced to **A storm comes up and they're forced to land on Thrinakia.land on Thrinakia.They are there forThey are there for 1 month1 month without eating without eating the cattle.They run out of food.the cattle.They run out of food.

Odysseus wanders off alone to pray for help; he falls asleep.Odysseus wanders off alone to pray for help; he falls asleep.While he's gone,While he's gone, Eurylochus Eurylochus rallies the crew against Odysseus. rallies the crew against Odysseus. Eurylochus convinces them it's better to dies having made the gods Eurylochus convinces them it's better to dies having made the gods angry than to starve to death.angry than to starve to death.**Odysseus wakes up and realizes what happened. Meanwhile, **Odysseus wakes up and realizes what happened. Meanwhile, Lampetia (Helios's daughter) runs to tell her father what happened.Lampetia (Helios's daughter) runs to tell her father what happened.Helios’s threat to ZeusHelios’s threat to Zeus: either Zeus punish Odysseus's men, or Helios : either Zeus punish Odysseus's men, or Helios (sun) will never shine on Earth again.(sun) will never shine on Earth again.****Zeus's responseZeus's response: he hits the ship with a thunder bolt.: he hits the ship with a thunder bolt. All die but All die but Odysseus.Odysseus.

The past and present meet The past and present meet here in the story as here in the story as King King Alcinous of the Phaeacians Alcinous of the Phaeacians provides Odysseus with a provides Odysseus with a shipship to return home to to return home to Ithaca. [It's a Ithaca. [It's a magically fastmagically fast ship]. ship]. Odysseus lands on Ithaca but Odysseus lands on Ithaca but is met by Athena, who is met by Athena, who transforms him into a transforms him into a beggarbeggar to protect his Identity from to protect his Identity from the suitors. Most of his loyal the suitors. Most of his loyal army was lost or killed either army was lost or killed either at the Trojan War or on the at the Trojan War or on the journey home.journey home.****Book 13 is when Odysseus Book 13 is when Odysseus leaves Phaeacia in the leaves Phaeacia in the Phaeacian ship and arrives in Phaeacian ship and arrives in IthacaIthaca..

**Book 14 - in his beggar's **Book 14 - in his beggar's disguise, Odysseus makes his disguise, Odysseus makes his way to way to Eumaeus'sEumaeus's hut (his hut (his trusty swineherdtrusty swineherd))it's important to know that it's important to know that Eumaeus is representative of Eumaeus is representative of true faithfulnesstrue faithfulness and is the and is the first first knownknown introduction of a introduction of a servant as important character. servant as important character. This shows Homer's originality. This shows Homer's originality. Odysseus, still in disguise, Odysseus, still in disguise, doesn't revealdoesn't reveal himself to himself to Eumaeus. Eumaeus. EumaeusEumaeus follows the follows the Greek custom and welcomes Greek custom and welcomes the "stranger". the "stranger".

Book 15Book 15Athena appears to Telemachus, who Athena appears to Telemachus, who has gone to Pylos and Sparta to look has gone to Pylos and Sparta to look for news of Odysseus. Telemachus for news of Odysseus. Telemachus stays gone 1 year. Odysseus returns stays gone 1 year. Odysseus returns to Ithaca before his son. Athena to Ithaca before his son. Athena appear to Telemachus and tells him to appear to Telemachus and tells him to go home. When Telemachus does, the go home. When Telemachus does, the palace is overrun by the suitors. The palace is overrun by the suitors. The suitors are spending Telemachus's suitors are spending Telemachus's inheritance and demanding that inheritance and demanding that Penelope pick a new husband. Athena Penelope pick a new husband. Athena warns Telemachus that the warns Telemachus that the suitors suitors plan to ambush him when he arrives. plan to ambush him when he arrives. TelemachusTelemachus returns to Ithaca, but first returns to Ithaca, but first goes to Eumaeus's hut.goes to Eumaeus's hut.

**We are now reaching one **We are now reaching one of the most climactic of the most climactic moments of this epic. At moments of this epic. At this point, Odysseus has this point, Odysseus has not seen Telemachus for not seen Telemachus for 20 years. The dogs aren't 20 years. The dogs aren't mean to Telemachus mean to Telemachus because he's spent most of because he's spent most of his life around Eumaeus. At his life around Eumaeus. At this point, Odysseus this point, Odysseus doesn't realize it's doesn't realize it's Telemachus approaching.Telemachus approaching.

-Line 945-955 = Eumaeus's reaction; Odysseus does nothing because he's waiting for the sign from Athena (epic/Homeric/heroic simile)-Line 956: epithet-Line 966: "Uncle" is Telemachus's term for Eumaeus. Telemachus also upholds the Greek custom of xenos (xenia). Telemachus sends Eumaeus to the palace to tell Penelope he's home and alive. Athena is now ready to reunite Odysseus and Telemachus.-Athena turns to Odysseus back into a younger vibrant man. **symbolism = white is purity/ cleansing-Line 100: epithet-Line 1008-1009: Odysseus cries and acts like a father.-Line 1021: Odysseus still expects Telemachus to act like a prince and fear no one.-Line 1031-33: epic simile: cries of men to cries of taloned hawk (from Book 16)

Book 17 - The Beggar and Argos the Dog

-Telemachus goes back to the palace to his mom, Penelope, and Eurycleia, his nurse. A fortuneteller has told Penelope that Odysseus is alive and in Ithaca.-Odysseus goes back into disguise as the beggar. He and Eumaeus return to the palace. He is only recognized by his dog, Argos. Eumaeus doesn't realize he's talking to Odysseus.-As soon as Argos recognizes Odysseus, Argos finally dies = symbolizes loyalty.-Odysseus is now in his own hall in disguise as the beggar. Penelope welcomes "the beggar", who says he has news of Odysseus.

Book 18- Penelope appears among Book 18- Penelope appears among the suitors and gets onto the suitors and gets onto Telemachus for allowing the evil Telemachus for allowing the evil suitors to suitors to mistreat the beggarmistreat the beggar. . Book 19- the suitors leave for the Book 19- the suitors leave for the night and Odysseus and night and Odysseus and Telemachus hatch their plan.Telemachus hatch their plan.

-Odysseus is Odysseus is revealedrevealed to to EurycleiaEurycleia when she when she washes his feet and sees a washes his feet and sees a scar. scar. Athena casts a spell Athena casts a spell over Penelopeover Penelope so she so she doesn't know what's going doesn't know what's going on. Penelope decides a on. Penelope decides a test for the suitors for the test for the suitors for the next day.next day.

Book 20- Odysseus wants to destroy the suitors. Athena tells Odysseus they will die.Book 21- The Test of the Great Bow

-Penelope makes the test so that the suitors must successfully string Odysseus's bow- which only he can do. Penelope cries when she holds the bow because she feels like she's giving up on Odysseus's return-Odysseus reveals himself to Philoteus and Eumaeus, who swear to bear arms with him.-Plan = Line 1163-73: gives Philoetus and Eumaeus orders.-Line 1184 = example of irony because the taunting suitors don't realize they're joking about what will really happen.

-Line 1185 - epithet-Line 1185-1191: epic/Homeric/heroic simile.-Line 1193: metaphor = sting can't sound like a bird-Line 1203 = simile-Odysseus wins the bow contest-Line 1217: epithet applies to Telemachus**The climax is here in Book 22. He must kill or get rid of more than 100 young men.-Antinous = the most sleazy suitor. Line 1219 = epithet-Line 1222 = metaphor = rain of arrows-He kills Antinous first.-Line 1237-38= simile-Line 1238 = "river of blood" -- Hyperbole/ metaphor -The suitors think Odysseus got a lucky shot to kill Antinous-Line 1252- personification "grip of death"-Line 1253 - color yellow symbolizes cowardice.-Eurymachus pleads with Odysseus to spare their lives since the ringleader, Antinous, is dead. In exchange, he offers tithes and gifts as restitution. (repayment).-Now Odysseus, Telemachus, Eumaeus and Philoeteous begin killing the remainder of the suitors.-Another intervention of the gods: Athena's shield takes form in the hall.-Line 1290-1303: epic simile

Book 23- Odysseus and Penelope-Odysseus orders the maids who betrayed them (slept w/ suitors) to clean up the blood, the hall, and remove the dead bodies. Then Telemachus hangs them in the courtyard.-Eumaeus tells Penelope that Odysseus is back. Penelope suspects a trick, so she decides to test the "suitor."

-Line 1329: epithet-Line 1335: epithet-GLORIFICATION OF THE HERO-Odysseus is bathed, and then Athena comes and makes him appear handsome and kingly again. She actually makes Odysseus look bigger and better than ever.-Line 1342-1346: Homeric/heroic/epic simile.-Penelope tests Odysseus by telling Eurycleia to make up a separate bed for him, as if the great tree bed had been moved.-Odysseus responds in anger because he built that room and palace around an unmovable olive tree. This proves to Penelope that Odysseus really is her husband.

Line 1410-1413: epic simile **Book 24: The families of the suitors try to challenge Odysseus, but he defeats them.