Epic Conventions
A larger than life central character in a work of literature.
What is a hero?
The heroic quality that can apply to mind and body.
What is Strength?
The setting for the Trojan War.
What is Troy?
The Greek value that keeps Odysseus focused on getting back to Ithaca where his father, wife, and son are waiting for him?
What is Greek value of Home and Family?
This archetype helps the hero.
What is a Mentor?
A prayer to the gods for help in telling a story?
What is an invocation?
The quality that inspires others to follow?
What is Leadership?
Another name for The Underworld.
What is Hades or The Land of the Dead?
The Greek value that forces Odysseus to be faithful to his men even when they have disobeyed him.
What is Loyalty?
This archetype attempts to thwart the hero.
What is Villian?
Help from the gods either directly or through the gift of a mythical object.
What is Divine Intervention?
The quality that helps our hero face challenges or temptations?
What is Courage?
The name of the land where a powerful flower puts Odysseus' men to sleep.
What is Land of the Lotus Eaters?
The Greek value that pushes Odysseus and his men to fight against the Cicones even when the odds are against them.
What is success in war and combat?
The squad that is loyal to the hero.
What is loyal companions?
The epic convention used to describe a story that begins "in the middle of things".
What is in medias res?
The quality that refers to cunning, intelligence. or clever planning.
What is Guile?
The name of the island where Odysseus stays for seven (7) years with the Nymph?
What is Calypso's Island or Ogygia?
The Greek value that explains why anyone is welcomed into a Greek home and offered food, drink, and gifts
What is the Greek value of Hospitality?
A character that tries to subdue the hero by using her charms.
What is the Temptress?
A nickname or description of a person,place, or thing that helps us to remember or gives special meaning.
What is an epithet?
The Greek term for "excessive pride" or self-confidence.
What is Hubris?
The name of Odysseus' homeland.
What is Ithaca?
The Greek value that drives Odysseus to return to the island where Elpinor died and give him a proper burial.
What is Respect for the Dead?
These are nightmare creatures that stand in the way of the hero's progress.
What are monsters?