ODYSSEY

Pre-INTRO (entrance all members w/music)

INTRODUCTION

c/o Roann
Author:
"The Odyssey" is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, one of the
most significant figures in Western literature.
Homer's exact identity and the date of composition remain uncertain, but
"The Odyssey" is believed to have been written around the 8th century BCE,
following the events of the Trojan War.

Genre:
Epic Poetry: "The Odyssey" is considered one of the greatest epic poems of
ancient Greece, alongside Homer's other work, "The Iliad."
As an epic poem, it embodies the characteristics of the genre, featuring
larger-than-life heroes, grand adventures, divine intervention, and moral
themes.

Technical Information: c/o Maymay

Language: Originally composed in Ancient Greek, "The Odyssey" has been
translated into numerous languages, allowing it to be appreciated by a global
audience.
Structure: The poem comprises 24 books or chapters, written in dactylic
hexameter, a rhythmic and highly structured form of verse typical in ancient
Greek epic poetry.
Narrative Style: "The Odyssey" is narrated in the third person and follows
the journey of its protagonist, Odysseus, as he attempts to return home to
Ithaca after the Trojan War.
Themes: The poem explores a wide range of themes, including the nature of
heroism, the influence of fate and destiny, the power of cunning and
intellect, the importance of hospitality and loyalty, and the longing for home
and family.
Influence: "The Odyssey" has had a profound impact on literature, art, and
culture throughout history, serving as a source of inspiration for countless
works of fiction, poetry, drama, and film. Its influence extends beyond the
Western world, shaping storytelling traditions across cultures.

Post-INTRO gab (After the trojan war…)

SETTING c/o Niljean

The settings in Homer's epic poem The Odyssey span various locations in the
Mediterranean region during the Bronze Age, roughly the 12th century B.C.
The story's main settings include:
•Troy
-The story begins with the Trojan War, where Odysseus fought for ten years
before beginning his journey home to Ithaca.
•The Sea
Much of the action takes place on the sea, where Odysseus battles storms
sent by the sea god Poseidon as he tries to return home.

Key locations include:

-The island of the Cicones, where Odysseus and his men are attacked after
looting the town.
-The island of the Lotus Eaters, where Odysseus' men eat the forgetful lotus
flowers.
-The island of the Cyclops, where Odysseus blinds Polyphemus, angering
Poseidon.
-The island of Aeolus, god of the winds, who helps Odysseus but his men ruin
it.
-The island of the Laestrygonians, a race of cannibals who destroy most of
Odysseus' ships.
-Circe's island Aeaea, where the sorceress turns Odysseus' men into pigs
before helping him.
-The Underworld, where Odysseus travels to consult the blind prophet
Teiresias.
-Ogygia, the island where the nymph Calypso holds Odysseus captive for
seven years.

•Ithaca
-The final books of the Odyssey take place in Odysseus' homeland of Ithaca,
where he reunites with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus and reclaims
his throne from the suitors.

The settings in the Odyssey range from the lush palaces of kings and
goddesses to the horrors of the Cyclops' cave, with the sea serving as the
main setting for Odysseus' epic journey home. The varied locations shape
the challenges Odysseus faces and reveal aspects of his character as he
struggles to return to Ithaca.
(Question)

MAJOR CHARACTERS 1-9 c/o Jeeann, 10-15 c/o Edrine

1. Odysseus: The protagonist and hero of the epic, Odysseus is known for
his cunning and resourcefulness. His primary role is to journey home to
Ithaca after the Trojan War, facing numerous trials and obstacles along the
way.
2. Penelope: Odysseus's faithful wife, Penelope's role is to wait for her
husband's return while fending off the advances of the suitors who seek to
marry her and claim Odysseus's kingdom.
3. Telemachus: The son of Odysseus and Penelope, Telemachus's role is to
search for news of his father and eventually stand alongside him to reclaim
their kingdom from the suitors.
4. Athena: The goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena assists Odysseus
and Telemachus throughout their journeys, often appearing in disguise to
provide guidance and support.
5. Poseidon: The god of the sea, Poseidon opposes Odysseus due to the
blinding of his son, Polyphemus, creating obstacles and challenges for
Odysseus's journey home.
6. Circe: A sorceress who initially poses a threat to Odysseus and his crew
but later helps him on his journey, providing advice and assistance.
7. Calypso: A nymph who keeps Odysseus captive on her island for several
years, her role is to delay Odysseus's return home and test his
determination.
8. Polyphemus: The Cyclops encountered by Odysseus and his men, his
role is to represent one of the dangers Odysseus faces on his journey and to
provoke the wrath of Poseidon.
9. Hermes: The messenger god who aids Odysseus by delivering messages
from the gods and providing guidance, particularly in dealing with Circe and
Calypso.

10-15 c/o Edrine

10. Eurycleia: The loyal nursemaid of Odysseus's household, Eurycleia's
role is to recognize Odysseus upon his return and assist in the reunion of the
family.
11. Antinous and Eurymachus: Two of Penelope's suitors, their role is to
antagonize Odysseus's household and serve as obstacles to his return,
ultimately meeting their fate at Odysseus's hands.
12. Laertes: Odysseus's father, his role is minor but significant as his
reunion with Odysseus symbolizes the completion of the hero's journey and
the restoration of the family.
13. Nestor and Menelaus: Kings who provide Telemachus with guidance
and hospitality during his search for his father, their role is to offer insight
into Odysseus's past exploits and to aid Telemachus in his quest.
14. Helen: The wife of Menelaus, her abduction by Paris sparked the Trojan
War, and her role in the narrative serves as a reminder of the consequences
of desire and the enduring legacy of past conflicts.
15. Agamemnon: The murdered king of Mycenae, his fate serves as a
cautionary tale of betrayal and vengeance, paralleling Odysseus's own
struggles with loyalty and fidelity.

PLOT/BOOK 24

Books 1-4: The Telemachia c/o Gerryca

 Book 1: Athena visits Ithaca and advises Telemachus, Odysseus's son,
to seek news of his father.
 Book 2: Telemachus calls an assembly to address the suitors
consuming his estate. He then secretly prepares to leave for Pylos and
Sparta.
 Book 3: Telemachus visits King Nestor in Pylos, who recounts the
aftermath of the Trojan War and sends him to Sparta.
 Book 4: In Sparta, Telemachus meets King Menelaus and Helen, who
tell him more about Odysseus. Meanwhile, the suitors plot against him.

Books 5-8: Odysseus Leaves Calypso and the Phaeacians

 Book 5: Odysseus is released from the island of Calypso by the gods

and sails toward Phaeacia but is shipwrecked by Poseidon. He is saved
by the sea nymph Ino and reaches shore.
 Book 6: Nausicaa, a Phaeacian princess, finds Odysseus and leads him
to the palace of her father, King Alcinous.
 Book 7: Odysseus is welcomed by the Phaeacians and tells them of his
journey. King Alcinous promises to help him return to Ithaca.
  Book 8: Odysseus participates in athletic games, listens to the bard
Demodocus, and reveals his identity after being moved by songs by
Troy.

Books 9-12: Odysseus' Adventures c/o Jurris

 Book 9: Odysseus recounts his adventures: the Cicones, the Lotus-
Eaters, and his encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus.
 Book 10: He describes his visit to Aeolus, the land of the
Laestrygonians, and Circe's island, where his men are turned into
swine.
 Book 11: Odysseus travels to the Underworld to seek prophecy from
Tiresias, meeting spirits of the dead, including his mother and fallen
comrades.
 Book 12: He faces the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and the Sun God's
cattle, leading to his shipwreck and his eventual arrival at Calypso’s
island.

Books 13-16: Odysseus Returns to Ithaca

 Book 13: Odysseus is finally returned to Ithaca by the Phaeacians.
Athena disguises him as a beggar to protect him from the suitors.
 Book 14: Odysseus meets Eumaeus, his loyal swineher, who provides
him shelter.
 Book 15: Telemachus, warned by Athena, returns from Sparta and
evades an ambush by the suitors.
 Book 16: Telemachus arrives at Eumaeus's hut and meets the
disguised Odysseus. They plan their strategy against the suitors.

Books 17-20: Odysseus and Telemachus Prepare c/o

Shaina

 Book 17: Telemachus returns to the palace. Odysseus, still disguised,

follows and is mistreated by the suitors.
 Book 18: Odysseus confronts the suitors and wins a fight against the
beggar Irus.
 Book 19: Odysseus and Telemachus hide the palace’s weapons.
Penelope, his wife, converses with the disguised Odysseus and tests
him with their secret signs.
  Book 20: Odysseus endures further abuse from the suitors, but signs
from the gods reassure him of victory.

Books 21-24: The Climax and Resolution

 Book 21: Penelope sets up an archery contest, promising to marry
whoever can string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through twelve
axeheads. Odysseus, still disguised, wins the contest.
 Book 22: Odysseus reveals his identity and, with Telemachus and a
few loyal servants, kills all the suitors.
 Book 23: Penelope tests Odysseus to confirm his identity, and they
are joyfully reunited.
 Book 24: The spirits of the suitors descend to the Underworld.
Odysseus meets his father, Laertes. A final confrontation with the
suitors’ families is averted by Athena, bringing peace to Ithaca.

(Question)

LITERARY DEVICES c/o Hart

Epithets
Emphasize his intelligence and cunning, such as "the wily Odysseus" or "the
resourceful Odysseus". These phrases help characterize Odysseus as a
clever hero.

Similes and Metaphors

It is the vividly description of Odysseus' cunning. For example, when
Odysseus blinds the Cyclops Polyphemus, he compares the sizzling sound of
the Cyclops' burning eye to hot metal being plunged into cold water. These
vivid comparisons paint a picture of Odysseus' clever and violent triumph
over his foe.

Paradox
One of the most famous paradoxes in The Odyssey occurs when Odysseus
outwits the Cyclops. Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is "Nobody",
so when Odysseus blinds him and the other Cyclopes ask who did it, the
blinded Cyclops replies "Nobody" - allowing Odysseus to escape detection.

Dramatic Irony
When Odysseus returns to Ithaca in disguise, a loyal goatherd laments to
him (not knowing it's Odysseus) that "A hunter owned him—but the man is
dead in some far place", referring to Odysseus' own dog Argos. The reader
knows this is ironic since Odysseus is standing right there.

Conclusion/Moral c/o Charmen

In conclusion, Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey" revolves around the

protagonist, Odysseus, finally returning home to Ithaca after a long and
arduous journey following the Trojan War. The story highlights themes of
loyalty, perseverance, and vengeance. Odysseus' unwavering loyalty to his
family, especially his wife Penelope, is a central moral value portrayed
throughout the narrative. Despite facing numerous challenges and
temptations, Odysseus remains devoted to his family and homeland.

The epic emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of

adversity. Odysseus demonstrates remarkable determination and resilience,
never giving up on his quest to return home despite facing formidable
obstacles. It also conveys timeless moral lessons about loyalty,
perseverance, and the pursuit of justice.
(Question)