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 ( epic ~Am. Lit. Vocabulary word. Definition?)
* The Odyssey is defined as a journey. This is the story of Odysseus’ journey back home after the
Trojan War.
* The author, Homer, was born 8th century B.C. In Greece. He was considered a popular blind
poet. He had to practice the art of improvisation, putting together on demand a poem suitable for a
special occasion, accompanying himself on the lyre as he recited the long lines of Greek heroic
poetry. He performed at religious festivals, at poetry contests, at banquets given by rich noblemen;
he sang for dinner on land and for passage at sea.
Homer lived in a day when the ruling class justified its position by its blood ties, with great
names of the past. During an extended engagement, Homer could work on an epic ~ a long
narrative poem, about a great national hero ~ which he might recite in nightly installments, taking
maybe 2-3 weeks to complete the tale.
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not only for his religious and historical content, but also as models for proper writing and speaking.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 ~ What critical theory does this fall under?) 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 Athene (mentor goddess, counselor) from the Greeks. Some Trojans suspected a
trick, but most were unwilling to offend the goddess Athene by inspecting her property, or even by
