Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Ms. Kucinski Eng. I

Transcription

1 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Pre-Reading the Odyssey Directions: Today in class we will be reading an introduction to The Odyssey. As we read pay close attention to the questions that are being asked below. You will be responsible for answering the questions below (1-15). An Introduction to the Odyssey 1. What does Homer s first epic The Iliad tell us the story of? 2. What does Homer s second epic The Odyssey tell us the story of? 3. What is an epic? 4. The theme of journey has been basic in Western Literature what are some modern examples that are listed? 5. According to The Iliad, why did the Greeks attack Troy? 6. Explain what Odysseus s wooden-horse trick was. 7. According to the text, how long has Odysseus been away from Ithaca?

2 8. According to the text, what is the main theme of the Odyssey? 9. What is a myth? 10. What is an alter ego? 11. What are Rhapsodes? 12. How is it believed that stories such as The Iliad and The Odyssey were originally told? 13. Define Homeric similes/epic similes. 14. Define Epic Hero. 15. Define internal and external conflict. Internal conflict- External conflict-

3 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Pre-Reading the Odyssey Introduction to the Odyssey Activity Directions: Pretend that you are a newspaper columnist who gives advice to people who write letters to you. Read each letter, choose one scenario to respond to, and develop a possible solution. Be sure to be sensitive to the person s situation. Also, you must be sure to include several reasons why the person should follow your advice. You may also include the consequences of other courses of action the person could follow if they choose not to accept your advice. Each group needs to select one writer and one speaker who will share the results with the class. You must write on a separate sheet of paper. Scenario I: Dear Anne, Tommy and I have been dating for over a year. We are young, happy, and in love. Things were going so well until this summer. I went off to work as a counselor at a summer camp for the blind, which I do every summer. When I returned home, I was so eager to see Tommy that I drove immediately to his home. As my car approached his house, I saw Tiffany s car in the driveway. Tiffany is not a close friend of mine, but we hang around the same circle of friends. Devastated, I drove over to my friend Sue s house where I discovered that not only Tiffany, but several other girls from the group had been frequent guests at Tommy s house. Sue insisted that she had only seen the flirty visitors around his house, so she did not know if Tommy was involved with them or not. He had always had girls flirt with him. Now, I am so confused. I can t understand why those girls would be at his house, and I don t know if he has been faithful to me. I don t want to just accuse him, for it might ruin our relationship. What do I do? Scenario II: Dear Anne, I worked as a doctor in the army for ten years. Although I never saw combat, I did see the agonizing, horrific wounds of countless soldiers who came to my base for help, and I enjoyed attending to their needs. However, after ten years, I began to bore of the solitary life of the military, so I decided to leave the armed forces and join the army reserve. After getting a job at a clinic, I finally got the pleasure of marrying Jodie who had been my long distance girlfriend for some time. We got a house in a small suburban community surrounded by trees and a warm atmosphere. We immediately had a baby, and I have never been happier, but yesterday, one of my former officers visited me. He informed me that my expertise was needed at a military base in Iraq where soldiers were becoming ill with an unknown disease. He insisted that he was requesting my service not ordering it, but he was afraid that I was the only person qualified to take the position. Ten soldiers had already died from the illness in one month, and more were falling ill. He did not know when I would return and warned me of the unpredictable and hostile environment of the country. I feel obligated to serve my country, but I have grown so accustomed to family life. How old will my baby be when he sees me again? What if I don t make it home at all? What should I do? Scenario III: Dear Anne, I always wanted to get my high school diploma. I had to leave school when I was sixteen to help support my family since my mother was sick. Now, I am twenty nine,

4 and I still have not pursued finishing my education. I have two children, and I work two jobs to support them. Most of my spare time is used to play with my children, cook for them, and care for them. I feel as if I should give up and learn to be happy with my career as a waitress, but I dream of one day becoming a manager, which would require me to complete my education. What should I do? Scenario IV: Dear Anne, John and I were good friends when we were little. Then, when we were in the seventh grade, we got into a fight. I had gotten angry at John because the girl I had a crush on liked him instead. After the incident, our parents came to school for a meeting. I was rather rude and still insistent on calling John ugly names. I refused to apologize and ended up getting suspended for a week. John and I have not talked since. Now, I am a ninth grader in high school, and John s father is the principal. He is constantly following me around and watching me. He never believes anything I tell him. I have already been written up twice for minor violations that he turned into major ones. I feel like he is against me for the way I treated John. What should I do? These scenarios relate to the various themes and/or dilemmas present in Homer s The Odyssey.

5 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Reading Logs You will be responsible for completing reading logs as we read The Odyssey. The purpose of these logs is to record your own interpretations as well as questions you have regarding the text. Your entries should include the following: 1. A brief summary of the reading. 2. Opinions about reading with explanations. These opinions could be about characters you like or don t like as well as story events or the author s style. 3. Questions regarding plot, theme, conflicts, or passages that are not understood. These questions can address the author s choice of events or style. They can also include any passage that confused you or was difficult for you to understand. You should also address any possible conflicts in the story and why they exist. 4. Comments regarding passages that were insightful or enjoyable. If you find certain lines, characters, or scenes that you particularly enjoy, please make note of them and explain the reasoning behind that enjoyment. Note: Your entries should be dated and be headed with the work or portion of the work that that entry addresses. See attached rubric for grading guidelines. These logs will be collected periodically throughout the unit.

6 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Reading Logs Rubric: A Contains entries from each work read in class. Entries contain reader s thoughts and opinions that occurred while reading the text as well as questions concerning passages of the text. Entries include common themes and trends present in myths. Entries contain headings. Entries are thorough B Contains entries from most works read in class. Entries contain reader s thoughts that occurred while reading the text as well as questions concerning passages of the text. Entries include common themes and trends present in the myths. Entries contain headings. Entries are developed but not thorough C Contains entries of most works read in class. Entries contain reader s thoughts but lack details that occurred while reading the text as well as questions concerning passages of the text. Entries lack many common themes and trends present in the myths. Entries contain headings. Entries are developed but not thorough D Contains entries of a few works read in class. Entries contain reader s thoughts but lack details that occurred while reading the text as well as questions concerning passages of the text. Entries rarely include common themes and trends present in the myths. Entries contain headings. Entries are underdeveloped. 64 or Below F Contains entries of a few works read in class. Entries lack reader s thoughts and details that occurred while reading the text as well as questions concerning passages of the text. Entries do not include common trends and themes present in the myths. Entries are unorganized.

7 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Pre-Reading the Odyssey Greek Gods and Goddess Name Identification Symbols Zeus Ruler of all gods and men Thunderbolt, Eagle, Oak Hera Goddess of marriage, wife Peacock of Zeus Apollo Sun god, god of archery, Bow, Lyre prophecy and music Poseidon God of the sea Trident, Horse, and Bull Athena Goddess of wisdom and war Owl, Olive Tree Hermes Messenger of the gods Winged Boots Hades Ruler of the underworld Aphrodite Goddess of love and beauty Myrtle, Dove Dionysus God of wine Grape Vine, Ivy Ares God of war Spear Hephaestus God of fire Axe Demeter Goddess of grain and harvests Torch, Corn Hestia Goddess of the hearth and domestic life Artemis Goddess of the moon Bow, Deer

8 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Homer Although very little is known about the life of Greek poet Homer, credited with being the first to write down the epic stories of The Iliad and The Odyssey, the impact of his tales continue to influence Western culture. The Greek poet Homer was born sometime between the 12th and 8th centuries BC, possibly somewhere on the coast of Asia Minor. He is famous for the epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, which have had an enormous effect on Western culture, but very little is known about their alleged author. The Mystery of Homer-- Homer is a mystery. The Greek epic poet credited with the enduring epic tales of The Iliad and The Odyssey is a mystery as far as actual facts of his life go. Some scholars believe him to be one man; others think these iconic stories were created by a group. A variation on the group idea stems from the fact that storytelling was an oral tradition and Homer compiled the stories, then recited them to memory. Homer s style, whoever he was, falls more in the category of minstrel poet or balladeer, as opposed to a cultivated poet who is the product of a passionate literary moment, such as a Virgil or a Shakespeare. The stories have repetitive elements, almost like a chorus or refrain, which suggests a musical element. However, Homer s works are designated as epic rather than lyric poetry, which was originally recited with lyre in hand, much in the same vein as spoken-word performances. All this speculation about who he was has inevitably led to what is known as the Homeric Question whether he actually existed at all. This is often considered to be the greatest literary mystery. When He Was Born-- Much speculation surrounds when Homer was born, because of the lack of real information about him. Guesses at his birth date range from 750 BC all the way back to 1200 BC, because The Iliad encompasses the story of the Trojan War, so some scholars have thought it fit to put the poet nearer to the time of that actual event. But others believe the poetic style of his work indicates a much later period. Greek historian Herodotus (c BC), often called the father of history, placed Homer several centuries before himself, around 850 BC. Part of the problem is that Homer lived before a chronological dating system was in place. The Olympic Games of classical Greece marked an era, with 776 BC as a starting point by which to

9 measure out four-year periods for the event. In short, it is difficult to give someone a birth date when he was born before there was a calendar. Where He Was Born-- Once again, the exact location of Homer s birth cannot be pinpointed, although that doesn't stop scholars from trying. It has been identified as Ionia, Smyrna or, at any rate, on the coast of Asia Minor or the island of Chios. But seven cities lay claim to Homer as their native son. There is some basis for some of these claims, however. The dialect that The Iliad and The Odyssey are written in is considered Asiatic Greek, specifically Ionic. That fact, paired with frequent mentions of local phenomena such as strong winds blowing from the northwest from the direction of Thrace, suggests, scholars feel, a familiarity with that region that could only mean Homer came from there. The dialect helps narrow down his lifespan by coinciding it with the development and usage of language in general, but The Iliad and The Odyssey were so popular that this particular dialect became the norm for much of Greek literature going forward. What He Was Like-- Virtually every biographical aspect ascribed to Homer is derived entirely from his poems. Homer is thought to have been blind, based solely on a character in The Odyssey, a blind poet/entertainer called Demodokos. A long discussion on how Demodokos was welcomed into a gathering and entertained the audience with music and epic tales of conflict and heroes to much praise has been interpreted as Homer s hint as to what his own life was like. As a result, many busts and statues have been carved of Homer with thick curly hair and beard and sightless eyes. The Iliad and The Odyssey-- Homer's two epic poems have become model road maps in world mythology. The stories provide an important insight into early human society, and illustrate, in some aspects, how little has changed. Even if The Iliad itself seems unfamiliar, the story of the siege of Troy, the Trojan War and Paris kidnapping of Helen, the world s most beautiful woman, are all familiar characters or scenarios. Some scholars insist that Homer was personally familiar with the area of Troy, due to the geographical accuracy in the poem. The Odyssey picks up after the fall of Troy. Further controversy about authorship springs from the differing styles of the two long narrative poems, indicating they were composed a century apart, while other historians claim only decades the more formal structure of The Iliad is

10 attributed to a poet at the height of his powers, whereas the more informal, novelistic approach in The Odyssey is attributed to an elderly Homer. Homer enriched his descriptive story with liberal use of simile and metaphor, which has inspired a long path of writers behind him. His structuring device was to start in the middle in medias res and then fill in the missing information via remembrances. Legacy-- "Plato tells us that in his time many believed that Homer was the educator of all Greece. Since then, Homer s influence has spread far beyond the frontiers of Hellas [Greece]. wrote Werner Jaeger in Paideia: The Ideals of Greek Culture. He was right. The Iliad and The Odyssey have provided not only seeds but fertilizer for almost all the other arts and sciences in Western culture. For the Greeks, Homer was a godfather of their national culture, chronicling its mythology and collective memory in rich rhythmic tales that have permeated the collective imagination. Homer s real life may remain a mystery, but the very real impact of his works continues to illuminate our world today.

11 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Greek Beliefs and Values * Greeks often told stories about the gods to teach their children how to behave. * Stories warned children against hubris (thinking you were better than the gods). * Stories also warned children against greed and cheating. Q: How do we warn our children today? *Think of stories that are told to young children to make them behave* Greek Cultural Beliefs and Values The Greeks valued: Intelligence Hospitality Homeland Youth and Beauty Rhetorical abilities (the ability to speak well) Respect for the gods Q: What do people today value?

12 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Pre-Reading the Odyssey Monsters and Heroes Heroes (7 basic traits) Monsters 1. Superhuman 1. Strange mystical beasts 2. On a quest, journey 2. Unnatural 3. Fight monsters 3. Not human 4. Are of divine and human birth 4. Hostile to people mixed origins 5. Interference from divine world 5. Inspire dread and embody evil 6. Undergo a transformation 6. Represent impossible barriers/challenges 7. Visit the Underworld

13 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Post-Reading the Odyssey Norse Mythology Gods/Goddesses Name Identification Day of the Week Odin Norse supreme god Wednesday god of wisdom and victory Frigga/Frigg Odin s wife, goddess of Friday marriage and motherhood Thor God of thunder and lightning Thursday Tyr/Tiu God of war and bravery Tuesday Loki Frey/Freyr Freya Bragi Balder God of fire, mischief, and evil God of sun, rain, and harvests Goddess of love and fertility God of poetry and music God of goodness and harmony Norse mythology is mythology developed thousands of years ago from the people of Scandinavia and Germany. Norse mythology differs greatly from Greek myths. For instance, Asgard, the home of the gods, is a bleak place in which the gods are constantly aware of impending doom. The gods know that one day they will be destroyed, and Asgard will fall to ruins. The battle of good and evil continues although it is evident that evil will eventually triumph. In the Norse prophecy of the end of the world, there will be a war between the gods and goddess against giants and monsters led by the evil god Loki. In the end, all of the warriors will kill each other, and the world will end in fire. The final struggle is called Ragnarok. Nevertheless, a new world will be created from the ashes, which will be free of misery and evil. Norse myths revolve around the concept of heroism in which one can only become a hero through death.

14 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Post-Reading the Odyssey African Mythology Name Elegua Bumba/Congo Eshu Shango/Nigeria Olorun/Nigeria Obatala Abassi/Nigeria Anansi Orisha Identification Trickster god of crossroads, beginnings, and opportunity. Messenger to higher gods. God of vomit. He literally vomited the earth, moon, humans, animals, etc. Trickster god of opportunity and communication. God of thunder, drums, and dance. God of peace and justice Was assigned to create world but never did due to a night of partying. Creator sky god who created the world with his wife Atai. He created humans and gave them argument and death to keep population under control. Spider trickster god who created the sun and moon as well as night and day. Guardian spirits These are merely a few of the African mythological figures, for there are various African tribes whose deities and beliefs vary. Here are some more interesting aspects of African mythology. Earth: Many African tribes believe that earth is a female deity who is the mother of all of all creatures. Jok (Nilotic: Kenya, Uganda, Sudan): Jok is the concept of the divine. Some tribes feel that Jok is one supreme being or God. It can also represent various gods and spirits. Elephant: The elephant being the largest of the African animals is the center of many African myths and folktales. The elephant is usually depicted as the wise chief who settles disputes

15 among the forest creatures. Koleo: The snake god. Pythons are worshipped throughout Africa. Destiny: The Yoruba (Nigeria) believe that a man s destiny depends on the choices that he made when he was in Heaven. The Yoruba also emphasize patience, for if someone has made the right choice in Heaven, he/she must be patient when times are tough because good fortune will come their way. Afterlife: Most African tribes believe that the soul lives on after the body has died. However, some tribes believe that the soul can leave the body in times of danger and return to it when all is safe again. Many tribes believe that the souls continue their existence in the forest. Liongo: Mythical hero of Kenya. He was exceptionally strong and as tall as a giant. He was king of Ozi, Ungwana, and Shanga on Faza. Most of his tales are told in fragments rather than one entire story. Trees: Many Africans believe that spirits live in trees, and the trees talk, which is the language of the spirits. Trees are also known to trick people with their roots and thorny branches. Some tribes believe in trees that can eat people. Malaika (East Africa): The malaika are good spirits that are sent from Heaven to help people. They are known to try to lead people down the right path by whispering advice in their ears.

16 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Post-Reading the Odyssey Chinese Mythology and Folktales Chinese Gods/Goddesses: CH'ENG-HUANG: God of moats and walls. He was born a mortal and became a god after death by the gods. He protects the community from attack and sees that the King of the Dead does not take anybody without proper authority. CHU JUNG: God of fire. He punishes people who break the laws of Heaven. KUAN TI: God of war. He protects people from injustice and evil spirits. KWAN YIN: Goddess of mercy and compassion. She was murdered by her father, and when she was sent to the underworld, she recited scripture making it hard for the King of the Underworld to make the dead souls suffer. Thus, he sent her back to the living where she was awarded with immortality by the Buddha. LEI KUN: God of thunder. He chases away evil spirits and punishes criminals who have not been caught by the law. PA HSIEN: The eight immortals of the Taoist tradition. They were born as ordinary men who were rewarded due to their good deeds in life. SHI-TIEN YEN-WANG: The rulers of the underworld. They decide the punishments for sinners. TI-TSANG WANG: God of mercy. He attempts to save the souls trapped in the underworld. T'SHAI-SHEN: God of wealth. TSAO WANG: God of hearth. YU-HUANG-SHANG-TI: The supreme emperor of the highest court in Heaven. Similar to the traits of the Chinese deities, Chinese folktales also value kindness, charity, and compassion. Generosity and sharing are rewarded whereas selfishness is punished. Chinese mythology has been influenced by the fear of outsiders (conquerors) as well as philosophy and religion. Chinese Beliefs: Taoism: This belief searches for a balance between natural law and abstract law; however, this balance cannot be forced only experienced. Confucianism: Confucius taught the virtues of order, structure, and correct behavior. Buddhism: This belief used mythology to give meaning to its practices and beliefs.

17 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Unit Post-Reading the Odyssey Native American Mythology Similar to African mythology, Native American mythology is different among the various Native American tribes. Here are some commonly shared Native American beliefs. Religion: Religion tends to be closely associated with the natural world. The land itself takes on a supernatural meaning, and natural objects are considered sacred. There are many ceremonial rituals in order to promote prosperity among the people. They also value the quest for spiritual power and believe in the afterlife. Rituals: Native American culture has been rich in rituals in which they rarely recognize the distinction between myth and ritual. These ceremonies were held in high importance, and they embraced the ceremonies that provided power to deal with the difficulties of life. Medicine Men: These men were the deep thinkers of the more successful tribes. These men set aside time for meditation and deep thought, and they were in a special social class separate from hunting and fishing. Creator or Master Spirit: This deity is the all-knowing and all powerful creator of the world. He is usually represented by the sun and referred to as The Father. Mother Earth: Another supreme deity worshiped by many Native American tribes. Trickster: This deity can be good or bad depending on the tribe. Some tribes view this deity as evil while others see him as helpful. Other gods: Many tribes also believe in lesser deities such as rain gods, thunder gods, and wind gods. Universe: Many tribes believe that the universe has three parts. The underworld is a dangerous place, the middle world is where the humans dwell, and the sky world is where the powerful deities rule. World Tree: This tree links the three parts of the universe. The roots are in the underworld, the trunk is in the middle world, and the top is in the sky world. The Vision Quest: This was a long period of meditation, fasting, and physical challenges to purify the body and soul. This was usually the first ceremony of the Native American boy. Sweat Lodge: This ritual was also used to purify the body. Hot rocks were placed in blankets to form a sauna. Afterlife: Some tribes believe in reincarnation where people could be reborn as a person or an animal. Others believe that the spirit leaves for another world while others remain as ghosts.

18 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Zeus Zeus is the King of the gods, the supreme ruler of the Greek Heavens. Zeus s young life set up his rule and who would be an Olympian. Zeus s story starts with his father Crouns who was warned that his childern would take his thrown. In response he ate all of his children. Rhea saved her son by putting a rock in Zeus s blanket and feeding the stone to Crouns. She hid Zeus and when he became old enough he destroyed his father and freed his siblings. Zeus s First wife was Metis. (Athena s mother) He consumed her because of a warning from Gaia He is most associated with Hera, His Second wife (he didn t eat her) Zeus s main symbol was the powerful lightning bolt Other symbols The Aegis (A Goat skin with medusa s head) The bull The eagle Athena Athena was one of the most powerful of all the gods, she was also she was one of the oldest second generation god. Sometimes she is the oldest daughter and the oldest child of Zeus. The story of her birth defines Athena. Zeus had a trouble headache and sent for someone with an axe (some Hephaestus but others have him as too young). Her most important symbols are Her armor (she is always shown with some sort of armor) The olive Tree A snake Her The owl (a symbol that still today means wisdom) She is sometimes shown with her Fathers thunder bolts Aspects of Athena s personality Her domain was wisdom and wholeness She was one of the few gods without the Aristophanes idea of having another half. She has both masculine and feminine qualities She sometimes acts as a mother and a father

19 Hera She is the very beautiful queen of the Gods and is the goddess of marriage and fertility. Hera is both Zeus' sister and wife. Her legend and stories mostly revolve around the kind of the Gods. She is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea. Hera s Symbol are The Peacock The Cuckoo Some times the Pomegranate The Cow Golden Sandles A Septre (a scepter) A Diadem (a crown) Her children include Hephaestus Hebe Ares Eris Eileithyia Ares Ares is one sided most of the time, he is a lust full god like his father. He lusts after war, battles, bloodshed and a few beautiful goddess. The ironic aspect of Aries is that most of the times he is considered cowardly. He is the Son of Hera and Zeus, disliked by his mother and father. He has a twin sister Eris. His most popular affair happened with the married Aphrodite. This angered Hedpaistos and he embraced the war god. Ares also lusted after the goddess of Dawn. Ares symbols are: The spear The Vulture The Dog Lust is the main feature of Aries Hades Hades was the ruler of the Greek Underworld. Hades is God of the Underworld and ruler of the dead. He is the son of Crouns and Rhea. He was one of the three brothers who divided up the world into three parts the heavens and earth, the sea and the underworld. He had the worst draw and was made lord of the underworld, he was picked to rule over the dead. He is a greedy god, wanted to increase his subjects. He likes those who increased the number of dead. His symbols are the scepter, and cornucopia -- Also God of Gems Fell in love and Married Persephone, he had a peaceful marriage even with its bad beginnings. She was the daughter of spring so when she was in the underworld this created summer and winter. He is the King of the dead.

20 Apollo (god of light, truth, healing, archery, music, poetry) Roman name: Apollo Parents: Zeus and Leto Twin Sister: Artemis Apollo was normally shown as a very strong, extremely handsome young man. He was well liked among the gods and humans alike. The town of Delphi became the center of Apollo s worship. The temple at Delphi contained a prophet who predict the future. Apollo was famous for his musical abilities. He was credited with inventing the lyre (while other stories have Hermes creating it and trading it with Apollo), and would often entertained the gods on Mount Olympus with it. Apollo was sometimes depicted as the sun god racing across the sky. Other myths connected the sun to the god Helios. Apollo was the son of Zeus, but was not always on good terms with his father. Hera once tried to conspire against Zeus. Apollo and the other Olympians went along with the conspiracy. Zeus prevailed and punished both Apollo and Poseidon by forcing them to slave as mortals on Troy s walls for a year. Another time, Apollo was forced to be a herdsman when he killed the Cyclopes in retaliation for Zeus killing his son Asclepius. Artemis (goddess of hunt, moon, and children) Roman Name: Diana Parents: Zeus and Leto Twin Brother: Apollo Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo. The story was told that Leto, while pregnant with her twins, was continually on the run from Hera. She could not find any city that would take her in, because they feared the wrath of Hera. Finally, she was allowed to stay with her sister on one of the Greek islands. There Leto gave birth first to Artemis, who after getting out of the womb, assisted in the delivery of her twin Apollo. From this event Artemis became known as the goddess of childbirth. Artemis is pictured with a bow and arrows and often in the woods. In the Trojan War, recounted by Homer in the Illiad, Artemis was on the side of the Trojans. Artemis was not a goddess to be trifled with. Once the queen of Niobe, bragged she was better than Leto because she had seven sons and seven daughters, where Leto only had two. Both Apollo and Artemis took offense to this, and Apollo killed all the sons while Artemis killed all the daughters. Another time a hunter came upon Artemis while she was bathing in a pond. So angered in having been seen unclothed, she turned the hunter into a deer and allowed his dogs to rip him to pieces. Artemis was not only the goddess of the hunt, but also the protector of wild animals. Though the two do not seem to mesh, in the minds of the Greeks they do. When she hunted, her kills were quick and painless. By regulating the population of wild animals, she kept them from starvation and plagues that would strike large, overpopulated animal herds.

21 Dionysus He was the Son of Zeus and Semele. His mother was a mortal woman. Dionysus is the God of wine, and a God of fertility. He is Considered a god although he was half Mortal, the only one that did this besides Heracles. He was born again out of Zeus s thigh. He traveled all across the world with his followers of Maenads (wild girls), Satyrs (men with goat like features pictured with Dionysus as having tails), and the drunken fat man, (Silenus) He could make people give up their responsibilities and go crazy, as is the power of alcohol. He mostly was known to do this to girls. Those who try to resist Dionysus (wine) were eventually driven mad, and did unspeakable deeds. Notable ones who he did this too are Lycurgus, who in a state of madness prunes his son's legs, and the Minyades, daughters of King Minyades, who rips apart and eats a child. People in his festivals paraded around with large phallic symbols and ripped apart small creatures. He is just the opposite of Apollo, where Apollo has reason and self-control, Dionysus had lust and let himself go. Some of his festivals even took place in Apollo s Temples. Dionysus is associated with Ivy and vines Grapes Dolphins Bulls Snakes Panthers Hestia She is the Goddess of Hearth and Home Her symbols are simply the Hearth, the fire and the Home. Sister of Demeter, Hades, Hera, Poseidon, and Zeus. Hestia is the only Olympic god that is absent from most myths. She is the first born of the Olympians She never took part in wars or disputes, she was a peaceful goddess. Zeus rewarded her and the first sacrifice was always to her, along with Athena and Artemis, were the only goddesses immune to the passions aroused by the enchanting Aphrodite. Hermes Son of Zeus and Maia. (Nymph Maia, daughter of Atlas) Hermes is Zeus s messenger, and he is the fastest of the gods. He is the god of thieves and god of commerce. He also plays an important role as a god of scribes and guide for the dead to go to the underworld. He always has on winged sandals, a winged hat, and he carries a magic wand. He invented the lyre, the pipes, the musical scale, astronomy, weights and measures, boxing, gymnastics, and the care of olive trees. He caught a tortoise, killed it and removed its entrails. Using the intestines from a cow stolen from Apollo and the hollow tortoise shell, he made the first lyre

22 Demeter She is the Goddess of Grain and the harvest. Important to a society of farmers as the patron deity of agriculture Demeter was accordingly worshiped with festivals. She was a goddess of fertility in her role as the Harvest Goddess. Hephaestus He is the god of mettle and smiths. The Armor maker for the gods. He is the only one who makes Zeus s thunderbolt. Axe and fire are his symbols He is the only ugly god-- so ugly some stories say his mother Hera tosses him out, others say that Zeus was his father and that he tossed him out. His lameness was a result of him falling, he fell for a whole day until he landed in the sea and it washed him to the island of Lemnos. Later he was brought back to his rightful place on Olympus. One story is that he is Hera s son alone, created when she got angry at Zeus for giving birth alone to Athena from his head. Some claim that Zeus was Hephaestus' father, others hold that he was Hera's son by Talos, the nephew of the inventor Daedalus. He was the husband of the unfaithful Aphrodite Poseidon Poseidon is the powerful god of the seas. He not only held great power but also significance for the ancient Greeks. He was a very popular god, and is the subject of many myths. Most stories have Poseidon as a brother of Zeus and of Hades but a few have him being a Titan. Just as his brother Zeus wielded thunderbolts, Poseidon controlled both earthquakes and sea demons. Poseidon was often depicted in mythology as an angry, turbulent god who was quick to temper. He also caused the sea s to be stormy and could crush a sailor at a whim. He was also called the "Earth Shaker" because his wrath could cause earthquakes. He also often tried to take over cites, this is what caused floods. He is associated with: Horses His Triton The Sea Fish

23 Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty) Roman name: Venus Parents: Zeus and Dione Goddess of love and beauty There were two versions of Aphrodite s birth. The first version suggested that Aphrodite was created from the foam of the sea when Cronus cut off Uranus s genitals. Homer, in his poems, suggested that Aphrodite came from the union of Zeus and Dione. Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, the deformed god of fire. Some stories told how Zeus arranged this in revenge for refusing him. Other stories told that Hephaestus asked his mother Hera to arrange the marriage. By either account, Aphrodite had little say in the marriage arrangement. Though married, she looked other places for affections and started an affair with Ares, Hephaestus s stepbrother. Hephaestus learned of the affair and set a trap for the lovers. He told Aphrodite that he was going to be gone for several days. Aphrodite and Ares decided to take advantage of his absence and were in bed together. They did not know that Hephaestus had rigged the bed with a metal net that dropped on them and trapped the two lovers. Not only did Hephaestus find the two together, but the rest of the Olympian gods were also there to see the unfaithful pair. Poseidon had pity on Aphrodite and asked Hephaestus to make up with his wife.

24 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Gods and Goddesses Portrait You will work with a partner to compose a portrait of a god or goddess of your choice. No one in the class can choose the same god or goddess. Portrait will include: An original drawn portrait of the god/goddess. Symbols drawn around the god/goddess with identification. A list of 5-6 personality traits of the god/goddess. A written explanation of why you chose the god/goddess you did A detailed explanation of how the god/goddess represents the values of our culture. Note: You should develop your portraits from your opinions and interpretations of the gods and goddesses in The Odyssey as well as using the attached descriptions of each god/goddess. See the rubric for grading.

25 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Greek God/Goddess Portrait Rubric: A A drawn picture of the selected god or goddess that is presented neatly on a poster board. The name of the god or goddess needs to be clearly visible. A minimum of two symbols drawn on the poster board around the god/goddess with identification. A neatly hand-written or typed chart that lists 5-6 personality traits of that god/goddess. An organized oral presentation of this information to the class including reasons for choosing the particular god/goddess as well as a detailed explanation of how that god/goddess represents the values of our culture B A drawn picture of the selected god or goddess that is presented neatly on a poster board. The name of the god or goddess needs to be clearly visible. A minimum of two symbols drawn or printed on the poster board around the deity with identification. A neatly handwritten or typed chart that lists 4-5 personality traits of that god/goddess. An organized oral presentation of this information to the class including reasons for choosing the particular god/goddess as well as an acceptable explanation of how that god/goddess represents the values of our culture C A drawn picture of the selected god or goddess that is presented on a poster board but lacks neatness. The name of the god or goddess needs to be visible. A minimum of two symbols drawn or printed on the poster board around the god/goddess with identification. A neatly hand-written or typed chart that lists 3-4 personality traits of that god/goddess. An organized oral presentation of this information to the class including reasons for choosing the particular god/goddess as well as a weak explanation of how that god/goddess represents the values of our culture D A drawn picture of the selected god or goddess that is presented on a poster board but lacks neatness. The name of the god or goddess is on the board but lacks visibility. A minimum of one symbol drawn or printed on the poster board around the god/goddess with identification. A neatly hand-written or typed chart that lists 2-3 personality traits of that god/goddess. An organized oral presentation of this information to the class includes an unspecific reason for choosing the particular god/goddess as well as a weak explanation of how that god/goddess represents the values of our culture that lacks thorough support. 64 and below F A drawn or printed picture of the selected god or goddess that is not presented on a poster board or is not presented in neat manner. The name of the god or goddess is not visible. No symbols are drawn or printed on the poster board around the god/goddess or one symbol is included but not identified. An unorganized hand-written or typed chart that lists 1-2 personality traits of that god/goddess. An unorganized oral presentation of this information to the class that lacks strong reasons for choosing the particular god/goddess as well as weak explanations of how that god/goddess represents the values of our culture.

26 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore BEFORE YOU READ the Odyssey, Part One Quick Write: What makes a hero? Write down the names of people, real or fictional, whom you consider heroic. Then list the character traits you think a hero should have. Directions: Define the following vocabulary words. Vocabulary: 1. Adversity (noun): 2. Formidable (adjective): 3. Ravage (verb): 4. Profusion (noun): 5. Adversary (noun): 6. Rancor (noun): 7. Abominably (adverb): 8. Ardor (noun): 9. Tumult (noun): 10. Restitution (noun):

27 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore AFTER YOU READ the Odyssey, Part One Reading Check Create a chart on a separate sheet of paper that looks like the one below. Summarize the external conflict and its resolution in each episode. Adventure Calypso Summary Lotus Eaters Cyclops Circe Sirens: Scylla and Charybdis Cattle of the Sun God 2. What does Odysseus learn about his future from the blind Teiresias in the Land of the Dead? 3. Nobody in Greek is outis, which sounds like Odysseus. In his conflict with the Cyclops, how does Odyssey overcome the monster through a clever use of language? What curse at the end of this adventure foreshadows trouble? 4. How many of the monsters or threats to Odysseus in this part of the epic are female? What do you think of the way women are portrayed so far?

28 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore WHILE YOU READ the Odyssey, Part One Part I- The Wanderings SUMMARIES OF THE ADVENTURES Tell the Story Homer opens with an invocation, or prayer, asking the Muse* to help him sing his tale. He also gives hints to his listeners about how the story will end. *Muse: The Greeks believed that there were nine Muses, daughters of Zeus, the chief god. The Muses inspired people to produce music, poetry, dance and all the other arts. Homer invokes the Muse, asking her to tell the story of Odysseus adventures. Homer mentions Odysseus hardships, his valor (bravery), and his struggle to save his life and bring his shipmates home. He reminds us that the shipmates died because of their own recklessness. He says that he will begin his story when all the other warriors had gotten home, but only Odysseus still hungers for home and wife. Odysseus is now held captive by Calypso who wants him for her own. Homer foreshadows the trials and hungers that lie ahead for Odysseus, though all of the gods, except Poseidon, pity him. Notes: The Greeks believed that there were nine Muses, daughters of Zeus, the chief god. The Muses inspired people to produce music, poetry, dance, and all the other arts. Vocabulary: Contending verb used as noun fighting; dealing with difficulties. Valor noun great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. Immortal adjective living forever Question: 1. what does Homer tell you about the hero and about what is going to happen to him? Calypso, the Sweet Nymph Trapped on Calypso s fragrant island, Odysseus has grown weary and tired of her enchantment. Our first glimpse of the hero finds him weeping, scanning the horizon of the sea. At Athena s request, Zeus sends Hermes to order the goddess Calypso to release Odysseus. Calypso reluctantly agrees to let him go. Odysseus builds a raft and sets sail. But Poseidon raises a storm and wrecks the raft. Odysseus lands on the island of Scheria and falls asleep in a pile of leaves. Vocabulary: ambrosial adjective fit for the gods; divine. Nectar and ambrosia are the drink and food that kept the gods immortal.

29 Pieria a place in central Greece not far from Olympus; a favorite spot of Hermes. ply noun twisted strands. fresh brand burning stick. Questions: 1. In lines there is a great deal of nature imagery. Jot down some of the images that help you see Hermes flight. What images describing Calypso s island appeal to your senses of sight, hearing, and smell? How does the natural beauty of Calypso s island compare with the reality of Odysseus s situation? 2. Lines Zeus ordered Calypso to free Odysseus, but the nymph claims that the idea is her own. Why do you think she does this? What is your opinion of her deception? 3. Lines According to Calypso, what would Odysseus gain by staying with her? What does Odysseus s response tell you about his feelings for his wife? How has Odysseus managed to say no to Calypso and still not offend her? I Am Laertes Son. Odysseus is found by Nausicaa, the daughter of Alcinous, king of the Phaecians. That evening he is a guest at the court. To the ancient Greeks, all guests were god sent. The guests had to be treated with great courtesy before they could be asked to identify themselves and state their business. That night at the banquet, the stranger who was washed up on the beach is seated in the guest s place of honor. A minstrel, or singer, is called and the mystery guest (Odysseus) gives the singer a gift of pork, crisp with fat, and requests a song about Troy. In effect, Odysseus is asking for a song about himself. Odysseus weeps as the minstrel s song reminds him of all of his companions, who will never see their homes again. Then Odysseus is asked by King Alcinous to identify himself. It is at this time that Odysseus begins to tell the story of his adventurous journeys. Odysseus begins by telling where he is from. He describes how he was detained by Calypso and Circe. He tells of the many years he has traveled from Troy, trying to find his way home. He tells of the Cicones and of a storm raised by Zeus, which had his men drifting for nine days. Vocabulary: formidable adjective awe-inspiring by reasons of excellence; strikingly impressive. Ilion another name for Troy. yards noun rods supporting the sails. lee noun place of shelter from the wind. Questions: 1. Lines : What do you think of the way Odysseus and his men behave towards the Cicones? Do armies behave like this in modern times?

30 THE LOTUS EATERS After losing many shipmates fighting against the Cicones on Ismaros and being driven off course by a fierce storm, Odysseus and his crew arrive in the country of the Lotus Eaters. There the crew is seduced by the plant eaters, who try to make them eat the lotus and forget their homeland. Odysseus has to tie the men to the benches in the boats to get them away from the lotus land. Vocabulary: mustered verb gathered; assembled Question: 1. Lines : Why does Odysseus tie down the three men? What does this action tell you about him? The Cyclops In his next adventure, Odysseus describes his encounter with the Cyclops names Polyphemus, Poseidon s one-eyed monster son. Polyphemus represents the brute forces that any hero must overcome before he can reach home. In this adventure, Odysseus must rely on clever intelligence or cunning. Odysseus is the cleverest of all Greek heroes because his divine guardian is Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Odysseus famed curiosity leads him to the Cyclops cave and that makes him insist on waiting for the barbaric giant. Odysseus and his followers, who have been trapped in the Cyclops cave, watch in horror as two of their companions are consumed by the monster each morning and night. The heroic Odysseus conceived of a plan of escape. With his companions, he fashions a sharp wooden stake, which he heats in the fire and stabs into the Cyclops eye while the monster is sleeping. Odysseus and his men make their escape from the cave by clinging to the underbellies of the Cyclops sheep. Odysseus prevents Polyphemus from getting help from the other Cyclopes by telling the Polyphemus that his name is Nohman or Nohbody. Later, after Odysseus and his men escape, Odysseus cannot resist taunting the monster, who curses his former captive and implores his father, Poseidon, the sea god, to keep the hero a wanderer on the sea for many years. Vocabulary: withy baskets baskets made from willow twigs ravage verb to destroy violently; ruin brace noun pair quiver noun a case for arrows lugger noun a type of sailboat profusion noun a large supply; abundance smithy noun black-smith s shop, where iron tolls are made adze noun axlike tool with a long, curved blade divers adjective diverse; various sage adjective wise

31 carrion rogue rotten scoundrel. Carrion is decaying flesh adversary noun enemy; opponent lob verb toss weird noun fate Questions: 1. Lines Why doesn t Odysseus kill the Cyclops at this moment? What factors must Odysseus consider in devising a successful plan of escape? 2. Lines Explain Odysseus s trick. What do you visualize happening in this scene? 3. Line 538. Take a few minutes to list what you think are the highlights of Odysseus s journey so far. What questions do you have? What do you think will happen next? 4. Read Welcome: A Religious Duty on page 671. Then, as you continue reading the story, trace the ways Homer repeatedly dramatizes the importance of mutual respect among people. Think about your own ideas about hospitality today what are the customs in your family and neighborhood? What are the customs in American society as a whole? The Enchantress Circe After sailing from the Cyclops island, Odysseus and his men land on the island of Aeolia. There the wind king, Aeolus, does Odysseus a favor. He puts all of the story winds in a bag so that they will not harm the Ithacans (Odysseus and his men are from Ithaca.) The bulls-hide bag containing the winds is wedged under Odysseus afterdeck. But during the voyage, the suspicious and curious sailors open the bag, thinking it contains a treasure, and the evil winds roar up into hurricanes that blow the ships back to Aeolia. Aeolus sends them away again, but without any additional help this time. On the island of the Laestrygonians, gigantic cannibals, (we do not have this section in our books to read) all of the ships except one are destroyed and their crew members devoured. Odysseus ship and the men on his ship escape and land on the island of Aeaea, the home of the witch Circe. Here a party of twentythree men, led by Eurylochus, goes off to explore the island. When Odysseus and his men reach this island, the men are beguiled by the sorceress, who turns them into swine and shuts them in a pigsty. Hermes gives Odysseus a plant to eat called moly which will protect Odysseus from Circe s magic. Odysseus stays with Circe as the price for letting his men be restored to human beings. They all stay together feasting and enjoying Circe s company for about one year. Eventually, however, Odysseus and his men beg Circe to help them get home. Circe responds to their pleas with the command that Odysseus alone descend to the Land of the Dead. There Odysseus must seek the wisdom of the blind prophet, Teiresias. Vocabulary: stealth noun sneaky behavior Pramnian wine strong wine from Mount Pramnos in ancient Greece. mast noun various kinds of nuts used as food for hogs.

32 Question: 1. Lines What have the men done to deserve being turned into pigs? How does Circe violate the laws of hospitality? The Land of the Dead In the Land of the Dead, Odysseus seeks to learn of his destiny. The source of his information is Teiresias, the famous blind poet from the city of Thebes. The prophet s lack of external sight suggests the presence of true insight. Circe has told Odysseus exactly what rites he must perform to bring Teiresias up from the dead. In the underworld (Hades), Odysseus is told by Teiresias not to raid the cattle of the sun god, Helios, when they land on his island. Teiresias tells Odysseus that when he finally arrives home, he will find his household in disarray. Teiresias instructs Odysseus that after slaying his wife s suitors, he must make sacrifices to Poseidon. Vocabulary: flay verb strip the skin from implacable adjective unyielding; merciless kine noun old term for cattle beeves noun another old term for cattle winnowing fan: device used to remove the useless dry outer covering from grain hetacombs noun sacrifices of one hundred cattle at a time to the gods. In Greek, hekaton means one hundred. Question: 1. Lines What prophecy does Odysseus receive? The Sirens; Scylla and Charybdis Odysseus and his men return to Circe s island, where Circe warns him of the perils that await him. Specifically, Circe tells Odysseus how to avoid the dangers of the Sirens and Scylla and Charybdis. Odysseus is lashed or tied to the mast so that he can hear the Sirens song without succumbing to it, after he plugs his men s ears with beeswax to prevent their hearing the bewitching voices. Odysseus and his men escape danger, but, passing through the straits of Scylla (six-headed monster) and Charybdis (the whirlpool monster), they lose six men to Scylla. Through all of this, Odysseus never tells his men of Circe s last prophecy that he will be the ONLY survivor of their long journey. Vocabulary: Harpies monsters; half bird and half woman, who are greedy for victims whelp s noun puppies serried adjective crowded together; densely packed promontory noun high area of land that juts out into a body of water

33 Amphitrite goddess of the sea and wife of Poseidon maelstrom noun large, violent whirlpool plumb adverb vertically founder verb sink combers noun large waves smother noun commotion; violent action or disorder cuirass noun armor for the breast and back travail noun hard, exhausting work or effort; tiring labor gorge noun throat and jaws of a greedy, all-devouring being blanched verb grew pale dire grapple terrible struggle Questions: 1. Lines According to Circe, what dangers lie ahead for Odysseus and his crew? List the dangers in order from least severe to the most severe. Give your reasoning for placing the threats in this order. 2. Lines Think about what kind of leader Odysseus is. What does he tell his men, to reassure them? What does he decide not to tell them? Why? The Cattle of the Sun God Odysseus urges his exhausted crew to bypass, Thrinakia, the island of the sun god, Helios, but the men insisting on landing. Odysseus makes them swear not to touch the sun god s cattle. Storms rage for a month and their food supply is exhausted. One shipmate, Eurylochus, convinces the others that eating the cattle is preferable to starvation. Odysseus wakes up to discover that his men have feasted on the cattle. He curses the gods for letting him sleep during the feast so that he was not able to restrain or stop his men. When Helios discovers what the men have done, he loudly begs Zeus to punish Odysseus and his men. When Odysseus and his men set sail again, they are punished by death a thunderbolt from Zeus destroys their boat and all of the men drown. Only Odysseus survives. Exhausted and nearly drowned, he makes his way to Calypso s island, where we originally met him. Remember that all of the stories or adventures we read, were described by Odysseus to Alcinous, king of the Phaecians, the members of his court and to Nausicaa, his daughter. He landed there after leaving Calypso s island. Vocabulary: supplication noun humble requests; prayers insidious adjective treacherous; more dangerous than is apparent strew verb to scatter about libation noun offering of wine or oil to the gods entrails noun intestines; guts tripes noun stomach parts Lampetia daughter of Helios. Lampetia guarded her father s herd of cattle overweening adjective excessively proud

34 Questions: 1. Lines What is Eurylochus s insidious plea? If you were a member of this crew, would you be swayed by this argument, or would you heed Odysseus s warning? Do you think the murdering of the cattle is justified, or is it an offense against the god Helios? 2. Lines What exactly has happened to cause the god s fury?

35 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore Directions: Choose one story from each category below. After reading your chosen myths, you must complete respond to the bullets below for each. * Identify the god or goddess in the myth. What are their supernatural powers? * What phenomenon does this myth explain? Summarize the natural events which occurred in this myth. * What lesson could be learned from this myth? Norse Mythology The Building of the Wall Thor s Wedding Fenris the Wolf Links for the audio African American Mythology Brer Bear s House Brer Fox Catches Old Man Tarrypin Brer Rabbit Earns a Dollar-A-Minute Links for the audio Chinese Mythology P an Ku The Lay of King Tongmyong Nuwa Makes Men Native American Mythology The Origin of the Medicine Man Buffalo Woman, A Story of Magic Turtle s Race with Bear

36 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore WHILE YOU READ the Odyssey, Tell the Story OBJECTIVES: To explore qualities of an epic hero To discover how epics used to depict the historical values of a civilization Key Term: Muse The Greeks believed that there were nine Muses, daughters of Zeus, the chief god. The Muses inspired people to produce music, poetry, dance and all the other arts. The Odyssey opens with a convention of epic poetry the poet s prayer to the Muse. What does the poet Homer ask of the Muse: What does Homer tell us about the hero Odysseus?

37 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore WHILE YOU READ the Odyssey, Calypso the Sweet Nymph OBJECTIVES: To explore qualities of an epic hero To discover how epics used to depict the historical values of a civilization Vocabulary: 1. Nymph: a beautiful young maiden; a lesser goddess in the form of a maiden 2. Ambrosial: fit for the gods (food that kept the gods immortal) 3. Immortal: not mortal; not subject to death. 4. Racked: to stain with mental effort 5. Mandate: a command, law, or decree by an authority figure 6. Provisions: supplies 7. Pondered: to consider something deeply and thoroughly 8. Forlorn: miserable, wretched, depressed, desolate or lonely 9. Victuals: food supplies, provisions Identify the following: The characters and what we know about them: Remember the WHO, did WHAT? When? Where? Why? How? What is happening? How do we know? What words/lines from the text explain what is happening?

38 What TWO significant moments occur on the Island of Calypso that shows Odysseus qualities of an Epic Hero? In particular, how does Odysseus adventure with Calypso show that he is an epic hero? Use quotes (text evidence to support your answers). Include the line number. How does Homer depict the characteristics of an epic hero through Odysseus? What figurative language typical of epic poetry does Homer use to describe Odysseus? Use text evidence with line numbers to support your answer. We will review these techniques in class.

39 Short Answer Questions: 1. What is Hermes flight compared to in this section? Use the exact quote and line number. 2. What do you see, hear, feel and smell in Homer s famous description of Calypso s home? 3. Zeus ordered Calypso to free Odysseus, but in lines 88-91, the nymph claims that the idea is her own. Why do you think she does this? What point does her deception have? 4. What has Calypso offered Odysseus if he will stay with her? What does his reply tell you about his feeling for his wife? How does Odysseus manage to say not to Calypso and still not offend her?

40 Character Summary List Names Mortal Immortal (gods/goddesses)

41 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore WHILE YOU READ the Odyssey, Calypso the Sweet Nymph Calypso by Suzanne Vega - Song Questions This song is from the album Solitude Standing by the contemporary folk singer, Suzanne Vega. This song has been included to demonstrate the enduring relevance of The Odyssey. DIRECTIONS: Read or listen to the song. Then complete the margin notes on each stanza. My name is Calypso And I have lived alone I live on an Island And I waken to the dawn A long time ago I watched him struggle with the sea I knew that he was drowning And I brought him into me Now today Come morning light He sails away After one last night I let him go. Summarize what Calypso is saying in this stanza: My name is Calypso My garden overflows Thick and wild and hidden Is the sweetness there that grows My hair it blows long As I sing into the wind I tell of nights Where I could taste the salt on his skin Summarize what Calypso is saying in this stanza:

42 Summarize what Calypso is saying in this stanza: Salt of the waves And of tears And though he pulled away I kept him here for years I let him go. My name is Calypso I have let him go In the dawn he sails away To be gone forever more And the waves will take him in again But he ll know their ways now I will stand upon the shore With a clean heart And my song in the wind The sand will sting my feet And the sky will burn It s a lonely time ahead I do not ask him to return I let him go I let him go Summarize what Calypso is saying in this stanza:

43 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore WHILE YOU READ the Odyssey, Calypso the Sweet Nymph Journal Writing inspired by Calypso by Suzanne Vega For 5 minutes, write as quickly as you can about all that this poem brings to mind for you. For 10 minutes, choose any line and write as quickly and as specifically as you can all that comes to mind, let the line lead your thinking. Be sure to re-write the line you chose BEFORE you begin your writing. For 15 minutes, write about a time went you had to part with something or someone you cared a great deal about. o Be specific about the person or the thing/object o Use descriptive words: adjectives and phrases. o Use verbs that show how you felt.

44 Wonders of Mythology and Folklore WHILE YOU READ the Odyssey, The Cyclops The Cyclops in the Ocean Nikki Giovanni Moving slowly against time patiently majestic The Cyclops in the ocean meets no Ulysses Through the night he sighs throbbing against the shore declaring for the adventure A wall of gray gathered by a slow touch slash and slither through the waiting screens separating into nodules making my panes accept the touch Not content to watch my frightened gaze he clamors beneath the sash dancing to my sill Certain to die when the sun returns Tropical Storm Dennis August 15-18, 1981, Florida 1. Writing Activity In The Cyclops in the Ocean, the modern poet Nikki Giovanni personifies a tropical storm that is, she describes the storm as if it were a living creature. Write a paragraph personifying some other violent form of nature. Describe how it looks and sounds and what it does to its victims. 2. Cause and Effect Characters in the Odyssey often use cause-and-effect arguments when they try to persuade. For example, when Odysseus asks the Cyclops for help, he warns the Cyclops of the effect of offending the gods by harming a guest. Calypso tries to persuade Odysseus to remain with her by mentioning the effects he will suffer if he leaves her. Choose one argument from the epic, and describe why it is persuasive or how you think it could be strengthened.