What is a Myth?
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explain phenomenon in the natural world that
couldn’t be explained or understood.
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use fantasy to express ideas about life that
cannot be expressed easily in realistic terms.
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When Myths were written, people did not have
microscopes, telescopes, and a knowledge of
electricity, gravity, and science that we do today.
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Gods and goddesses were given credit for
unexplained phenomenon in nature and in the sky.
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Myths reflected the values and customs of a
society.
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Myths occurred in all societies throughout the
world.
What is an Epic Poem?
A long, narrative poem which traces the
adventure of a hero.
•The setting is huge, covering great nations, the world, or
the universe.
•Supernatural forces (gods, angels, demons)
•Classical Conventions: (necessary elements for an epic)
Invocation of the Muses
Vast setting
Supernatural forces
Epic epithets
Epic hero
Theme in opening
action
Epic similes
In Media Res (starts in the middle)
Objectively reported
What is an Epic Hero?
• A legendary figure who usually embodies the goals and
virtues of an entire nation or culture.
• Hero is physically strong, of national importance, and
of great historical or legendary significance.
• An epic hero is human, therefore he or she has faults.
However, the epic hero is superior to other human
beings; thus, “larger than life”.
• The action consists of deeds of great valor or
requiring superhuman courage.
The 13 Qualities Valued by
the Greeks
1. Courage
2. Physical strength
3. Intelligence
4. Patience
5. Strong will
6. Cleverness
7. Athletic ability
8. Honesty
9. Stamina
10. Ability to resist temptation
11. Ability to make difficult decisions
12. Loyalty
13. Resilience
Unpardonable Greek Sin
There was one character flaw that the Greeks
particularly hated: Hubris
What is hubris?
Excessive Pride and Arrogance
Two important Greek precepts: “Know Thyself” and “Nothing in Excess”
Sometimes Greek heroes became cocky. They failed to realize their own human
limitations. In this case, they were guilty of hubris – too much pride and arrogance.
The Invocation of the Muses
Muses: The nine daughters of Zeus.
they are the goddesses or spirits who inspire the
creation of literature and the arts.
The Greeks believed that the muses provided
creative inspiration and could “speak through”
the poet.
The Illiad and The Odyssey
The Illiad and The Odyssey are epic poems from Ancient
Greece. Based on the Trojan War, which took place around
1200 B.C.
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Written by Homer
Homer was blind.
He was known as a bard,
minstrel.
The stories were originally
told orally; they were
written later.
They were recorded around
the 8th or 9th century B.C.
The actual events took place
around 1200 B.C.
The Illiad
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The 10-year-war between the Greeks and the Trojans.
Literary Reason: Paris, prince of Troy, “kidnapped”
Helen from Greece (Sparta).
Probable reason: Disagreement over trade on the
Aegean Sea.
Heroes from the Trojan War: Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus.
Hector and Achilles both lost their lives.
According to the myth, Odysseus faked illness to try to get out of
going!
The Trojan Horse
Odysseus conceived the idea
of the wooden horse.
He had a wood maker create
a giant hollow horse. He and
his men hid inside.
The Greeks acted like they
had packed up and gone
home.
They left one sole soldier
who claimed he was no
longer a Greek. He told the
Trojans that the Trojan
Horse was an offering to
Athena and if they brought it
into the city, it would bring
them her favor.
While Odysseus and his men hid inside the Trojan
Horse, it was brought into the city by the joyous
Trojans who were celebrating the end to the
war. That night, in the darkness, the soldiers
snuck out and sacked the city. The Greek ships
returned and joined in the fight. Troy was
destroyed.
What is an odyssey?
A journey through life (universal) = man
trying to achieve personal land of peace
and joy; therefore, we must test
ourselves and overcome obstacles.
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is told in media res.
That’s a fancy way to say that the story starts in the middle.
Here’s how it is told:
1. Odysseus washes up on the island of Phaeacia. They ask him to tell his story
because it’s not everyday that a muscley, handsome dude washes in with the tide.
2. Odysseus first listens to a special singer tell the story of the Trojan Horse.
the Phaeacians don’t know he is Odysseus yet because he hasn’t told them his
identity.
3. Odysseus tells the Phaeacians he is Odysseus, King of Ithaca. He tells them
about his adventures during these 10 years after the Trojan War ended.
4. Odysseus is taken home by the Phaeacians and has to win back his kingdom.
Our readings will be concentrated on items 3 & 4.