Homer’s
Odyssey
An Epic of Journey and
Homecoming
Lesson Targets
Analyze the major themes, Examine how The Identify The Odyssey's
such as loyalty, Odyssey reflects structure and its lasting
cleverness, and roles of Greek values like influence on Western
central characters in The hospitality and literature.
Odyssey. loyalty.
Homer
Homer is the ancient Greek poet
traditionally credited with composing
The Iliad and The Odyssey, two of the
greatest epic poems in Western
literature.
Believed to have lived around the 8th
century BCE, Homer’s exact identity
and life details remain a mystery.
Some scholars even debate whether
"Homer" was a single individual or a
collective name for a group of poets.
Greek Epic
Greek epics are long narrative poems that
Poem
recount the heroic deeds, adventures, and
struggles of characters, often in a mythological
or historical setting. These stories blend fiction
with elements of ancient Greek beliefs, history,
and culture, typically passed down orally by
bards before being recorded in writing.
The two most famous Greek epics are The Iliad
and The Odyssey, both traditionally attributed to
the poet Homer.
Iliad
The Iliad is an ancient Greek
epic poem, set during the
Trojan War. It focuses on the
conflict between Achilles and
Agamemnon and explores
themes of honor, pride, and
the costs of war.
Odysse
The Odyssey follows the hero
y
Odysseus on his ten-year
journey home after the Trojan
War. It explores themes of
adventure and resilience as
Odysseus overcomes
numerous challenges.
Quick Facts
Epic Poetry
The Odyssey is an epic—a narrative poem that follows
the hero Odysseus’ adventurous journey home after the
Trojan War.
Oral Tradition
Epics were part of Greece’s oral tradition, recited by
bards and passed down over generations before being
written down.
Cultural Values
The Odyssey reflects Greek ideals such as loyalty,
cleverness in overcoming obstacles, and the powerful
draw of home.
Odyssey’s Context
Setting Themes of
Odysseus' Journey
Homecoming
The Odyssey takes Central to the story is
Spanning ten years,
place after the Trojan the Greek ideal of
Odysseus’ journey is
War. This setting nostos, or
filled with challenges,
highlights the transition homecoming.
including encounters
from the battlefield to Odysseus’ desire to
with mythical
the struggles of return to his family and
creatures, gods, and
returning home and kingdom represents a
dangerous natural
resuming life after war. universal longing for
forces.
home.
Odyssey’s Plot
Overview
The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus’ epic, ten-year
journey to return to his homeland, Ithaca, after the
Trojan War. It follows his quest to reunite with his family
and regain his kingdom.
Adventures
Odysseus faces numerous trials on his journey,
including escaping the Cyclops Polyphemus, resisting
the Sirens' song, and surviving the wrath of gods like
Poseidon. With Athena’s guidance, he also navigates
deadly threats, like Charybdis and Scylla, all of which
test his resilience and wit.
Odyssey’s...
Penelope's
Loyalty
While Odysseus struggles to return, his wife Penelope
remains faithful and cunningly delays choosing a new
husband, despite constant pressure from suitors from
different lands trying to claim Ithaca’s throne.
The Ending
After enduring years of hardship, Odysseus finally
reaches Ithaca. With the help of his son Telemachus
and Athena, he defeats the suitors and reunites with
Penelope, reclaiming his throne and restoring peace to
his home.
The Role of the
Gods
Poseidon's Wrath Athena’s Help Symbolism
Poseidon, god of the sea, Athena, the goddess of The gods embody human
holds a grudge against wisdom, favors Odysseus for traits—like Athena’s loyalty
Odysseus for blinding his his cleverness and bravery. and Poseidon’s anger—
son, the Cyclops showing both virtues and
Polyphemus. flaws.
Significance
Influence on Literature
The Odyssey has shaped countless works in
literature, theater, and film.
Cultural Symbol
Odysseus’ journey represents resilience and the
human desire for home and belonging.
Connection
Themes of loyalty, courage, and ingenuity are
timeless and still resonate today.
Discussion Questions
Discussion Question 01 Discussion Question 03
How does Odysseus’ cleverness How do the gods influence the
help him survive his journey? journey of Odysseus throughout
the epic?
Discussion Question 02 Discussion Question 04
What is the significance of What role does Penelope play in
homecoming (nostos) in Greek keeping Ithaca’s kingdom stable?
culture?
Thank You!
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