The Odyssey Pre-reading for Ryan

Background Info

The beginning of the Odyssey takes place about 20 years after Odysseus left home to fight in the Trojan War. 

One way to look at The Odyssey is in contrast with The Iliad. The Iliad takes place near the end of the Trojan War. The story is contained to a few events over a short amount of time. The gods actively intervene and engage in their own political battles. The story largely focuses on Achilles rage, fate, honor, and kleos.

Kleos is an important idea in The Iliad and The Odyssey. For the Greeks, people earned and gained kleos from accomplishing great things, like success in battle. Achilles achieves everlasting kleos. 

At the beginning of The Odyssey, Odysseus' kleos is in question. Odysseus has not returned from war and no one has heard from him. His son, Telemachus, inspired by the gods, leaves home to find news of his dad and take responsibility for his life.

Through Telemachus' interactions and travels in the first chapter, the readers observe xenia. Xenia is one of the most important concepts in The Odyssey. Greeks had a duty and responsibility to travelers and foreigners. There are unwritten rules and customs that hosts and guests follow. 

Penelope, Odysseus' wife and Telemachus' mother, has been fighting off suitors for years. Meanwhile, the suitors take advantage of xenia, wasting Telemachus' inheritance.

Penelope and Telemachus need to act.

3 Main Chunks 

The Telemachy (Books 1–4): Telemachus’ call to action and search for news of his father.

Odysseus’ Journey (Books 5–12): Odysseus' adventures and encounters with lots of fantastical obstacles like Calypso’s island, Cyclops, Circe, Sirens, and the Underworld. Mostly told from Odysseus point of view to his hosts. 

The Homecoming (Books 13–24): Odysseus returns to Ithaca.