Section I (Pre-reading)
The Odyssey
Understanding the Epic Hero
A true epic hero uses only two things: the tools at his immediate disposal, and his mind. In The
Odyssey, Odysseus embodies the Greek ideas of a "strong mind in a strong body." He is someone who
nobly represents a balance of physical and intellectual possibilities, or what a man can and should be.
As you read, complete the following chart about the characteristics of Odysseus.
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Characteristics of Qdysseus, the Epic Hero
Adventure
Evidence of Physical
Ability
Evidence of Intellectual
Prowess
Working together to put out the eye
of the Cyclops with a long staff
Singing to the Cyclops and
offering him wine to lull him asleep
Offering the name of "Nom an"
shows foresight
The Lotus Eaters
The Cyclops
The Sirens
Scylla
Charybdis