Odyssey Flashcards
(27 cards)
What are the traits and characteristics of an epic hero?
Epic heroes have ‘larger than life’ qualities, possibly supernatural powers, natural leadership, appeal to the opposite sex, skilled fighting abilities, possible divine descent, intelligence, and a tendency to make long journeys. They also have weaknesses that can lead to their destruction.
Examples of epic heroes include Odysseus, who is known for his problem-solving skills and adventures.
Define hubris in the context of epic heroes.
Hubris is extreme arrogance or pride, characteristic of many epic heroes, especially in Greek myths.
Hubris often leads to the downfall of the hero.
What is an epic?
An epic is a long narrative poem about the adventures of a hero whose actions reflect the ideals and values of a nation or race.
Epics often address universal themes such as good vs. evil, life vs. death, and sin vs. redemption.
What does ‘in medias res’ mean?
‘In medias res’ is Latin for ‘in the middle of things’, indicating that an epic usually begins in the midst of action, skipping over the exposition.
This technique engages the reader immediately.
List the characteristics of an epic.
- Set in many locations, real or imaginary
- Features a hero of high social position
- Hero faces overwhelming odds
- Involves supernatural events and beings
- Told in formal, grand language that is also simple and clear
These characteristics help to elevate the narrative.
What are epithets in literature?
Epithets are characterizing words or phrases that accompany or replace a name, describing people or things.
An example is ‘wise wanderer Odysseus’.
Who is the author of The Odyssey?
Homer, an ancient blind poet.
Homer also authored The Iliad and recited his epics in short episodes.
How was The Odyssey structured?
The Odyssey is organized into 24 books, with the complete text containing 12,000 lines.
Editors, not Homer himself, organized the work into this structure.
What does The Iliad tell the story of?
The Iliad recounts the events of the Trojan War, a ten-year conflict between the Greeks and Trojans over Helen.
The Iliad precedes The Odyssey in chronological order.
What event sparked the Trojan War?
The war began at the wedding of Peleus, a mortal, and Thetis, a goddess, when Eris, the goddess of strife, threw down a golden apple labeled ‘For the Fairest’.
This act led to conflict among the goddesses and ultimately to the war.
Who decides which goddess receives the apple?
Paris, a Trojan prince
Paris was tasked by Zeus to make this decision.
What did Hera offer Paris?
Power and riches
Hera was one of the goddesses competing for the title.
What did Athena offer Paris?
Glory in war
Athena was another contender in the contest.
What did Aphrodite offer Paris?
The fairest mortal woman
This was a pivotal offer that influenced Paris’s decision.
Who was the fairest mortal woman that Paris chose?
Helen
Helen was already married to King Menelaus of the Greeks.
How long did the Trojan War last?
Ten years
The war was a major conflict in Greek mythology.
What strategy did the Greeks use to end the war?
Built a large wooden horse
This tactic is known as the Trojan Horse.
What did the Trojans mistakenly believe about the wooden horse?
That it was a gift
They thought the Greeks had left and the horse was a peace offering.
What happened after the Trojans brought the horse into the city?
Men inside the horse destroyed Troy
The Greeks attacked at night after being inside the horse.
Who was the tactician on the Greek side during the Trojan War?
Odysseus
He was also the mastermind behind the wooden horse.
What is ‘The Odyssey’ about?
Odysseus’s journey home from the Trojan War
It details his adventures and challenges faced along the way.
Who is Odysseus?
King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus
He is a central character in both ‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey.’
How many ships and men did Odysseus leave Troy with?
12 ships and 720 men
This was the starting point of his long journey.
How long did Odysseus wander before returning home?
Ten years
His journey was prolonged due to various challenges.
