Odyssey Historical Background - 6500 Words

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†¦show more content†¦For other uses, see Odyssey (disambiguation). The Odyssey (Greek: á ½Ë†ÃŽ ´Ã ÃÆ'ÏÆ'ÃŽ µÃŽ ¹ÃŽ ±, Odysseia) is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad, the other work ascribed to Homer. The poem is fundamental to the modern Western canon, and is the second oldest extant work of Western literature, the Iliad being the first. It is believed to have been composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia.[1] The poem mainly centers on the Greek hero Odysseus (or Ulysses, as he was known in Roman myths) and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War.[2]In his absence, it is assumed he has died, and his wife Penelope and sonTelemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors, the Mnesteres(Greek: ÃŽÅ"ÃŽ ½ÃŽ ·ÃÆ'Ï„á ¿â€ Ã ÃŽ µÃâ€š) or Proci, who compete for Penelope s hand in marriage. It continues to be read in the Hom eric Greek and translated into modern languages around the world. Many scholars believe that the original poem was composed in an oral tradition by an aoidos (epic poet/singer), perhaps a rhapsode (professional performer), and was more likely intended to be heard than read.[1] The details of the ancient oral performance, and the story s conversion to a written work inspireShow MoreRelated Comparison of Odyssey, Divine Comedy, and Paradise Lost Essay1089 Words   |  5 PagesA Comparison of Odyssey, Divine Comedy, and Paradise Lost      Ã‚   Epics by definition are long narrative poems, that are grand in both theme and style (Webster 417).   They usually involve actions of great glory and are typically centered around historical or legendary events of universal significance.   Most epics deal with the deeds of a single individual, however, it is not uncommon to have more than one main character.   Epics embody several main features including: supernaturalRead MoreThe Aeneid and The Odyssey1324 Words   |  6 PagesThe Odyssey and Virgils The Aeneid? 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