The Iliad and the Odyssey

The Return (with a gift)

• Return to our everyday life but as a new person.
• The essence of the return is to begin contributing to society.

A Few Words

• If a hero is properly defined as somebody who does something dangerous to help somebody else, then the heroes of Greek mythology do not qualify.

BECAUSE

• They were a pretty selfish bunch, often with additional antisocial tendencies thrown into the bargain--in other words, not exactly role models for the younger generation of today.

How is Odysseus different from other heroes?

• Hero in Trouble
• Clever (not just brute strength)
• Did not want to go to war

Why did Odysseus object to the Trojan War?

• He believes no war should be fought over an unfaithful woman (Helen).
• He wants to stay at home with his wife and newborn son.

• So, he tried to pretend he was crazy.
• Menelaus put him to the test.

Odysseus attempts to “Draft Dodge”

• Tried to appear insane by planting salt instead of seeds.
• Draft recruiters throw his son in front of his plow.
• Odysseus reveals his sanity by avoiding running over Telemachus.

The Epic Begins

• Odysseus been gone 20 years.
• Telemachus is 20 years old.
• Suitors have invaded his house, robbing him of his inheritance, and attempt to marry his mother Penelope (Odysseus’s Wife)

• Penelope and her suitors