Odyssey by Homer

General Characteristicsof an Epic

Originally intended to be sung or recited to music

Written down after centuries of oral transmission

Deities and other supernatural agencies are often involved in

human affairs

An epic reflects the values of the society from which they originate

Generated by periods of upheaval, of struggle and

adventure

Often, the principal characters are larger-than-life demigods (descendants

of deities )or heroes of immense stature and strength

Single combat is a common

plot devise

The subject of the poem is announced in the opening lines,

in an invocation (prayer) to the

Muse in which the poet calls for divine assistance to tell his

tales.

The true epic is long (the Iliad and Odyssey each

contain 24 books) and dignified.

(courtly address and epithet are common)

Geographical settings are wide: the action of the Odyssey occurs across all of the known world of the Greeks overa 20 year period.

What is an epic?• An Epic is a long narrative poem• Tells about the adventures of a hero• Epics usually embody the values of the cultures for which they are

written• The Iliad and the Odyssey were used in schools to teach Greek

virtues.• Values: honor, bravery, hospitality, intelligence, respect for the

gods, loyalty to home and family• Major faults: disrespect for the gods, lack of hospitality, excessive

pride—”HURBIS”• Iliad is the primary model for epic of war• Odyssey is the primary model for epic of the long journey

Characteristics of the EpicLong, narrative poems that relate the deeds of an epic hero also:1. Incorporates myth, legend, folk tale,

and history2. Reflects the values of the society from

which they originate3. Tone is usually grand4. Heroes and adventures appear larger

than life

More Characteristics of an Epic5. Begins in medias res (Latin for “it begins in

the middle of things”), then flashes back to explain action leading up to that point

6. Begins with an invocation or prayer to a god or gods

7. Always begins with a statement of subject and theme

8. Contains many epithets9. Contains long, formal speeches by many

characters

Elements of Epic Style

Repetition: directions and reports are repeated, later incidents seem to echo earlier incidents; stock epithet –is a formulaic phrase (often a compound adjective) used habitually to characterize a person or thing (for example, "blood-red sky" and "wine-dark sea” & “horse-taming Hector.” Why use them? t is convenient to have a stockpile of metrically fitting phrases to add to a name) and because of the oral transmission of the poems; they are mnemonic aids to the poet and the audience alike.Names are symbolic: Odysseus = “Man of Woe,” for he both gives and receives suffering.

Characters are commonly revealed in dialogue. Speeches are often followed by such phrases as “thus he spoke” to emphasize that the words are those of a character and not of the narrator.

Elevated, literary

language is the norm- even

servants speak in dignified

verse.

Long, formal speechessuch as challenges, inset narratives, flashbacks, and points of debate occur within the midst of the action

Patronymics

Calling the son by the father’s name.

“I am Laertes’ son.” Odysseus.

Catalogues

Lengthy lists, particularly of leaders and their military troops

Epics include:

•A chief god’s balancing the scales of fate.•A long and arduous journey for the hero•Weapons of supernatural origin•A descent into the Underworld

•The poet opens in the midst of theaction (“in medias res”) rather thanat the beginning.

Characteristics of the Epic Hero

1. The hero possessesdistinctive weapons of great size and power, often heirlooms or presents from the gods.

2. The hero is introduced in the midst of turmoil, at a point well into the story, action will be recounted in flashbacks.3. The hero is not only a warrior and a leader, but also a polished speaker.

4. The hero must undertake a long, perilous journey, often involving a descent into theUnderworld, which tests his endurance, courage, and cunning.

5. Whatever values his race most prizes, the epic hero as a cultural exemplar possesses in abundance. “Resourceful Odysseus”

6. The hero has a group of noble followers. Although his fellows may be great warriors the hero undertakes a task that no one else dare attempt.

7. The hero establishes his nobility through single combat . He gains great honor by challenging heroes like himself or adversaries of superhuman power.

8. The two epic adversaries, the hero and his antagonist, meet at the climax which must be delayed as long as possible tosustain maximum interest.

9. The hero’s epic adversary is often a “god-despiser,,” one who has more respect for his own mental and physical abilities than for the power of the gods.

10. The hero mayencounter a divine or supernaturalforce that he must use strength, cunning, and divineassistance to overcome.

The end