The Odyssey and The Illiad

Question 1

TOaTI: What empire are these foundational texts for?

Answer 1

Ancient Greece

Question 2

TOaTI: How were these texts regarded by the Greeks?

Answer 2

Most Ancient Greeks were very familiar with the stories of Odysseus, Achilles, and of Troy

Question 3

TOaTI: How did the Ancient Greeks receive these texts?

Answer 3

They were performed as oral epics.

Bards would perform these poems to an audience.

Question 4

TOaTI: How do these texts regard heroism?

Answer 4

-Heroism is found in battle with sword and shield

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Question 5

TOaTI: What role do the gods play in these epics?

Answer 5

• The gods are very human, whilst immortals with superhuman abilities, they have moral quarrels.
• On the sidelines but controlling the events of the story.
• Abide by the scrolls of fate.

Question 6

TOaTI: What is Telemachus’ journey?

Answer 6

-To become a man who can take revenge on the suitors that plague his mother and home.

Question 7

TOaTI: What is Odysseus’ journey?

Answer 7

-To return home from Troy, this is particularly difficult as Poseidon curses him for blinding his cyclops son Polyphemus.

Question 8

TOaTI: What is Achilleus’ journey?

Answer 8

To lead his men into battle at Troy, defeat Hektor, and find peace after the death of Patroklos.

Question 9

TOaTI: Whose death sends Achilleus into a frenzy?

Answer 9

The death of Patroklos, his mentee and possible lover, who is killed by Hektor after donning Achilleus’ armour and running into battle.

Question 10

TOaTI: What effect would The Illiad have on the moral landscape of Ancient Greece?

Answer 10

• Interrogate the meaning of heroism.
• Depict Ancient Greece as a great nation of war.
• The Iliad tells of the costs of ‘pride’.

Question 11

TOaTI: What effect would The Odyssey have had on the moral landscape of Ancient Greece?

Answer 11

• Interrogate the meaning of heroism.

- The moral values in the story include loyalty, compassion, self-control and perseverance.