The Odyssey
Essential Question: Are epic heroes brave, smart, or lucky?
Students read portions of Homer's The Odyssey, with special attention to the hero's journey, and learn about the characteristics of an epic hero. They become familiar with classic Greek and Roman mythology and consider the role of the gods in the hero's adventures. Through pairings of these works with informational texts, students learn about the ancient city of Troy and the story of the Trojan War for historical context.
Resources:
Students read portions of Homer's The Odyssey, with special attention to the hero's journey, and learn about the characteristics of an epic hero. They become familiar with classic Greek and Roman mythology and consider the role of the gods in the hero's adventures. Through pairings of these works with informational texts, students learn about the ancient city of Troy and the story of the Trojan War for historical context.
Resources:
- Vocabulary List: Print out and use as a bookmark!
- Study Guide with summaries, key quotations, and discussion questions
- Map of Odysseus' wanderings
- Forum (questions and answers) with translator Robert Fagles and other literature professors about The Odyssey
- Gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece
- More Greek gods and goddesses
- Narrative version of The Odyssey plus a lot of other goodies
- The Odyssey in just 14 seconds!
- Music Video: An Overview to The Odyssey from Penelope, Telemachus and Odysseus' points of view
- Rap Video of The Odyssey--you'll be humming with the chorus!
- Forgot your book? Read the Fagles version online.
- Audiofiles on youtube: Listen to Ian McKellen (Gandalf) read The Odyssey: Book 1, Book 2, Book 5
- Link to all audiofiles (these are wav files; there is a downloadable program for Mac users, too). This is the Fagles edition, read by Ian McKellen.
How to Create an Epic--thank you, Kiley
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