文档介绍：Why read The Odyssey? ? Experience the oldest literary form ? Study and analyze the genre of epic ? Study and analyze other elements of literature (character, theme, etc.) ? Look for archetypes ? Enjoy a fascinating adventure tale ? Today we will discuss three things: Greek/Roman mythology, Background of The Iliad and Odyssey, Hero Cycle What is a myth? ? Definition: A traditional story rooted in primitive folk beliefs of cultures ? Uses the supernatural to interpret natural events ? Explains the culture ’ s view of the universe and the nature of humanity Gods in The Odyssey or Iliad FYI: The two major, influential deities that you need to be familiar with are Poseidon and Athena. Zeus ? Roman Name: Jupiter (also Jove) ? Supreme god of the Olympians. ? Fathered many characters in mythology Poseidon ? Roman Name: Neptune ? God of the Seas and Waters- tempestuous, violent and cruel ?“ The Earthshaker ”? The god who opposes Odysseus ? Odysseus is also quick to anger, violent and cruel at times to this god Athena ? Roman Name: Minerva ? Goddess of Wisdom and War ? a war goddess who fights to protect the homeland. ? Sprang from Zeus ’ s head ? goddess who favors Odysseus Hermes ? Roman Name: Mercury ? Messenger of the Gods ? Appears in more myths than any other character The Muses ? Nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne ? Inspired artists of all kinds ? Goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences ?“ He is happy whom the muses love. ” Clio, Urania, Thalia, Melpomene, Erato, Calliope, Euterpe, Terpsichore, Polyhymnia The Fates ? Roman Name: Parcae , Moirae ? Three sisters ? Clotho (“ The Spinner ”) ? Lachesis (“ The disposer of lots ”) ? Atropos (“ The cutter ”) ? They weave, measure, and cut the thread of life for humans.