Homer, HEROES, and The Odyssey

HomerAncient Greek epic poet

No reliable biographical information about him

May have lived around the time of the Trojan War OR 3 centuries later

Believed that he was a court singer and storyteller

Author of The Iliad and The Odyssey

Homer

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Greek rootsPhilia - love for

Phobia - fear of

Necro - death

Homo - same

Biblio - book

Cardia - heart

Podi - feet

Pedi or paedi - child

Types of Heroes

Situation Hero: A person who “saves the day” by completing a heroic act.This person’s hero status may be celebrated, but only for a short period of time.

Epic Hero:A hero has some unusual qualities that separates him from the average person.In Greek mythology, a hero was often of divine origin, being the progeny of a deity. A hero can be defined as a person who acts in a way that benefits the greater good of his society.

OTHER TYPES OF HEROESHeroes fall into one of (or sometimes a combination of) three main archetypes or categories:

• the Warrior,

• the Scholar,

• and the Saint.

The Warrior HeroThe Warrior archetype are those who in some way base their sense of hero-hood on strength.

This could be strength of purpose, physical strength, will power, endurance, perseverance, or some other form of strength

The ScholarThe Scholar archetype bases their sense of hero-hood on being 'smart'.

This could be founded in formal education, street-smarts, skills and abilities.

The SaintThe Saints base their sense of hero-hood in a desire to be (or be seen as) good.

This could be played out through formal religion or through doing things that are generally seen as "good."

The Tragic HeroNoble birth

Well-liked

Tragic flaw (hamartia)

Downfall

The OdysseyAn adventure story

Odysseus

Journey home from Troy

Survival

Divine justice

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Characters in The OdysseyOdysseus - son of Laertes, king of Ithaca, hero of Trojan War, master of strategies

Eurylochus - second in command to Odysseus

Calypso

Athena

Poseidon

Hermes

Characters in The OdysseyLotus-eaters

Polyphemus - son of Poseidon, a Cyclops

Aeolus - keeper of the winds

Circe

Characters in The OdysseyIn the Underworld:

Hades

Teiresias - blind prophet

Agamemnon

Achilles

Ajax

Heracles

Characters in The OdysseyBack in Ithaca:

Penelope - wife of Odysseus

Telemachus - son of Odysseus and Penelope

Antinous - principal suitor

Terms/Techniques to look forEpic - long narrative poem or story about a hero

Reflects customs, habits, aspirations of a people

Hero’s legendary travels, over a long period of time

Muses - goddesses of the artsCalled upon by the author to help tell the story

In medias res - in the middle of thingsStory starts in the middle, at hero’s lowest point

Terms/Techniques to look forDeeds of valor

Superhuman courage

HamartiaA fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a hero

HubrisExcessive pride or self-confidence

Supernatural forces - ie. the gods

RepetitionWhat stock phrases do you see used again and again?

Roles of the godsDetermine human misery

Punish humans

Provide aid to humans

Deus ex machinaGod from the machinery

An unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation

JOSEPH CAMPBELL’S HERO JOURNEY

HOW TO BECOME

AN EPIC HERO

The Hero’s Journey

A hero’s journey can be divided into steps.

The journey is a single process and an individual adventure towards growth and transformation.

The sequence of elements and the duration of the experiences will vary from one person to another.

Remember that the journey is a process of separation, transformation, and return.

Each stage must be completed successfully if the hero-candidate is to become Heroic.

The Hero Journey (overview)Separation or Departure (from the known) -The Call to Adventure-Refusal of the Call-Supernatural Aid-Crossing the First Threshold

Initiation and Transformation -The Road of Trials-Meeting with the Goddess-Atonement with the Father-Apotheosis-Ultimate Boon

The Return (to the known world) -The Refusal of the Return-Rescue from Without-Magic Flight-Crossing of the Return Threshold-Master of Two Worlds-Freedom to Live

The Separation & Departure

The Call to Adventure The hero-candidate is “called” or offered the opportunity to face the unknown and gain something of physical or spiritual value.

He may choose willingly to undertake the quest, or we may be dragged into it unwillingly.

The hero-candidate is summoned by a HERALD or messenger.

The Call continued

The hero-candidate’s call to adventure may be a blunder (unintended mistake) which reveals an unsuspected world, and that individual is drawn into a relationship with forces that are not rightly understood.

Within this range The Call can take many forms: • something taken from the hero-candidate, his family, or society;

the quest is to reclaim it, • Something is lacking in the hero-candidate’s life, and he must find

what is missing, • Wants to save or restore honor to one’s self own, family, or

country. • Something is not permitted to members of his society, and he must

win these rights for his people.

Supernatural Aid

In most stories, the hero will have a guide, someone who is wise in the ways of the world, and someone who will offer the hero guidance and wisdom as he/she progresses through the journey.