Odyssey Historical Background
The Odyssey ~ Background Information * The novel covers a 10 year period. * The novel was written approximately in 720 B.C. * The novel takes place in 1230 B.C. ~ during the Bronze age. * The Iliad (written first) and The Odyssey are based on historical events that took place about 1230 B.C. * Both novels are considered epic poems * The Odyssey is defined as a journey. This is the story of Odysseus’ journey back home after the Trojan War.
From The Odyssey, Homer chose the story of Odysseus’ return from Troy ~ a fascinating series of ordeals and triumphs from which Odysseus emerges as the ideal blend of brain and brawn (brawn ~ definition?) probably required for survival in a heroic age. Here, Homer emphasizes not youthful abandonment to war and glory, but mature concern with war’s aftermath, with family and civic responsibility. Within 3 centuries after Homer’s death, every schoolboy studied, memorized, recited Homer; not only for his religious and historical content, but also as models for proper writing and speaking.
Historical Background
The Odyssey is considered “the greatest adventure story of all time.”
1. The Trojan War: The Wooden Horse ~ (a historical myth) The Greeks were desperately trying to take down the city of Troy. One night, they burned their camp and pretended to be sailing home, leaving on the beach a gigantic wooden horse: probably an armored tower on wheels such as was often used for storming high fortifications. Inside its hollow belly were soldiers hidden: Odysseus and his fellow men. On the outside of the horse was inscribed a thank-offering to Athena (mentor goddess, counselor) from the Greeks. Some Trojans suspected a trick, but most were unwilling to offend the goddess Athena by inspecting her property, or even by neglecting it, and so they dragged the horse intact inside the city gates. That night, while the Trojans celebrated their supposed delivery from siege, the heroes slipped out of the horse and
From The Odyssey, Homer chose the story of Odysseus’ return from Troy ~ a fascinating series of ordeals and triumphs from which Odysseus emerges as the ideal blend of brain and brawn (brawn ~ definition?) probably required for survival in a heroic age. Here, Homer emphasizes not youthful abandonment to war and glory, but mature concern with war’s aftermath, with family and civic responsibility. Within 3 centuries after Homer’s death, every schoolboy studied, memorized, recited Homer; not only for his religious and historical content, but also as models for proper writing and speaking.
Historical Background
The Odyssey is considered “the greatest adventure story of all time.”
1. The Trojan War: The Wooden Horse ~ (a historical myth) The Greeks were desperately trying to take down the city of Troy. One night, they burned their camp and pretended to be sailing home, leaving on the beach a gigantic wooden horse: probably an armored tower on wheels such as was often used for storming high fortifications. Inside its hollow belly were soldiers hidden: Odysseus and his fellow men. On the outside of the horse was inscribed a thank-offering to Athena (mentor goddess, counselor) from the Greeks. Some Trojans suspected a trick, but most were unwilling to offend the goddess Athena by inspecting her property, or even by neglecting it, and so they dragged the horse intact inside the city gates. That night, while the Trojans celebrated their supposed delivery from siege, the heroes slipped out of the horse and