Today’s class is a double lesson.
Aim: How does the episode of “The Land of the Dead” further our understanding of Odysseus as the epic hero?
Do Now: We start the class off with brainstorming about cultural traditions and ways that people use to honor the dead, as this will tie in with what we are going to learn about today.
Zihan started the conversation off with saying graves and burning paper money. The paper money is called “spirit money” or “ghost money” in China, and in the culture, the burning of the money allows for it to be used in the afterlife. Kelly followed up with saying burning incense sticks, which are also a big part in the religious ceremonies. Randy added on to Kelly, by saying on April 5th, people in China clean the graves of their loved ones to show respect. In Spanish culture, there’s the Day of the Dead, which also honors the dead. It’s more of like a festival, where people get to remember their relatives, and there’s stands with food and pictures of the dead person. Cody said that there are many variations of the “Land of the Dead” across the world, for example, the “Underworld” in some cases. To add on to the list of customs and traditions, Daniel said that in Japan, people gather around to celebrate the spirits of the dead. Zihan then mentioned mummies, and how the dead were wrapped up and put in coffins. Mrs. Peterson then concludes the discussion with a tradition of her own, sit shiva, which is a Jewish custom. They’re required to cover all the mirrors in the house, and you’re also not allowed to sit on any regular chairs. On the day of the funeral, everyone scoops a handful of dirt and help sprinkle it on the coffin. After, they celebrate the life of the dead one, ending off with a positive experience. On the Catholic side, the body of the dead one is laid in a funeral home, so relatives and people can see them one more time before it gets lowered into the ground. After this, we move on to the spirit reading.
Enrichment: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier
*Spirit Reading*
Summary: The Greeks believed that after death, people go to what’s called the “Underworld”. This dark place is ruled by Hades and his wife Persephone, and people are brought here to be judged upon by 3 people. This would decide whether or not they go into Elysium, a paradise, or Tartarus, which is basically hell. There’s been many adaptations of this place in modern literature, or cartoons.
We then watched a video on the Underworld (The Underworld: The kingdom of Hades - Greek Mythology Curiosities - See U in History [3:50]). The video goes over how the Underworld came to be, after the world was divided between the 3 major Gods. Also like the world, the Underworld was also split into 3, Tartarus, the Fields of Spondylus, and Elysium. Tartarus was for the Titans, and the criminals. The Fields of Spondylus were for the people who didn’t accomplish anything in their life, destined to walk around aimlessly for the rest of their time in the Underworld. Elysium was the utopia for the souls, described as bright and sunny. The main takeaway from this video was how many of these customs and honoring the dead is still very much relevant in today’s society.
Honoring the dead is just as important as any other ceremony. If the body isn’t given a proper burial, it won’t move on to the next life, and will instead remain trapped between the 2 worlds. Forgetting to honor the dead is also a severe misconduct, and was considered immoral.
*Spirit Reading*
After the discussion, we spirit-read “Land of the Dead” pdf [4.5 pgs]. 2 notable vocabulary here are:
- ignoble (adj) - dishonorable, shameful
- assuage (ver) - to calm, to mollify, to lesson
Summary of the pdf: Circe advises Odysseus to consult the blind prophet Tiresias, in order to reach home. With his crew, he goes to the Underworld, where he meets Elpenor, one of his crewmates. He accidentally killed himself, and didn’t receive a proper burial, so he was left to wander between the alive and the dead. After Elpenor, he meets the spirit of his dead mother, which surprised him, as she was alive when he left. Soon after, Tiresias came forward and told him about the various suitors wanting to court his wife in his homeland. He also needed to make an offering to Poseidon, referring back to when Odysseus blinded the Cyclops.
Questions:
1) As Odysseus prepares to meet the dead he says, “Then I addressed the blurred and breathless dead, / vowing to slaughter my best heifer (cow) for them…” (line 555-556). What can be inferred about ancient Greek beliefs concerning death and the afterlife from these lines?
From these lines, it can be inferred that ancient Greek beliefs about death and the afterlife were very important. First, there was the “breathless dead”, which are the ones that didn’t get a proper burial, and Odysseus also wanted to sacrifice his best cow for them, showing its importance.
2) Discuss Elpenor's request to Odysseus (lines 598-608).
What details does he want Odysseus to remember about his burial?
How does this reflect the Greek ritual of death?
Elpenor requests for Odysseus to give him a proper burial, to cremate his body, and to erect a monument in his name. This reflects the Greek ritual of death because the ritual was very emphasized in their society. To not give Elpenor the deserved ritual would be considered immoral.
3) How does Odysseus react to seeing Elpenor (Lines 580-585)?
How does he react to Anticlea (his mother) (Lines 614-619)?
What characteristics of Odysseus do we see displayed in this scene?
Odysseus felt guilty when he saw Elpenor, as he was one of his crewmates, and Odysseus didn’t know about his death. On the other hand, Odysseus was struck with grief at the sight of Anticlea, his mother. In this scene, we see Odysseus display signs of leadership and perseverance, as he wanted to do his mission first, and not give in to his emotions. Even though he wanted to let all the other people drink first, he waited for the blind prophet.
4) Although not a god, Tiresias has been endowed with the power of prophecy. Consider the following advice Tiresias gives to Odysseus regarding the remainder of his journey home: “One narrow strait may take you through his blows: denial of yourself, restraint of your shipmates.”
How does Tiresias advise (counsel) Odysseus with his leadership, as well as his handling of his men for the upcoming challenge?
In addition, what instructions does Tiresias give Odysseus in order to quell Poseidon’s rage?
Tiresias advises Odysseus to believe in himself, and at the same time have faith in his crewmates too.
Afterwards, we learn about FOIL, which is a character whose purpose is to highlight or emphasize the traits of the main character. An example of this would be Eurochylus to Odysseus. Eurochylus is shown as cowardly and scared of the unknown on Circe’s island, while Odysseus was brave and willing to venture into the woods.
(Draco Malfoy was Harry Potter’s FOIL)
Enrichment: The Odyssey by Homer | Book 11 Summary and Analysis [2:02]
Aim: How does Odysseus' strategic leadership further characterize him as an epic hero in "The Sirens" episode of Homer's Odyssey?
Do Now: We were asked to define the term “flattery” and to review the 3 morals of Aesop’s fables. Randy starts off the conversation with saying how flattery is complimenting someone or something with ulterior motives. Mrs. Peterson then adds on to say how flattery is not a good thing, and it’s always for the purpose of getting something back.
*Spirit Reading*
We spirit read an excerpt on the Sirens, who’re seductive creatures that lure sailors to their death with their beautiful songs. Sirens have been portrayed as half bird/half woman, or also mermaid like creatures. Circe warns Odysseus about the Sirens, and to put beeswax in his mens’ ears. Odysseus wanted to listen to the songs, as they sing of desire, wisdom and knowledge.
We then watched a video (Sirens: The Seductive Creatures of Greek Mythology - Mythology Dictionary #15 - See U in History [2:00]) to further our understanding of Sirens. The main point is that sirens used to be beautiful creatures born by the river god Akheloios and the muse Melpomene. After the kidnapping of Persephone, they were punished by Demeters for being bystanders and not helping. They were transformed into harpies.
Questions:
1) Why does Odysseus address his men “sore at heart”?
Odysseus addressed his men as “sore at heart” because they’re all scared of what’s lying ahead for them.
2) Why does Odysseus decide to tell his men about Circe’s forecast?
What does Odysseus reveal about his character by sharing this information with his men?
Circe insists that Odysseus “alone should listen to their song.” He directs his crew to “tie me up…lashed to the mast, and if I shout and beg to be untied, take more turns of the rope to muffle me.” What leadership qualities does Odysseus demonstrate here?
What character traits are revealed in Odysseus’ desire to hear the Sirens’ song? “I carved a massive cake of beeswax into bits / and rolled them in my hands until they softened … Going forward / I carried the wax down the line, and laid it / thick on their ears..”
Consider this action along with their successful escape and assess the leadership qualities revealed by Odysseus.
I think Odysseus decided to tell his men about Circe’s forecast because he wants them to mentally prepare themselves for what’s going to happen next. Odysseus displays signs of leadership, showing his trust in his men, and his ability to make decisions. He’s also willing to put himself in harm’s way for a chance to get some knowledge that might help them on their journey. Wanting to hear the song shows that he’s curious for new knowledge. I think Odysseus is very fit for a leader, and them escaping successfully proves my point.
3) Read the “Siren’s Song ” on the next slide. Analyze the strategy sirens use to lure the men. What are they appealing to; in an effort to lure the men in?
How do the sirens use flattery to lure the soldiers?
What examples would appeal to the crew and to the epic hero?
The Sirens are appealing to the great feats the men accomplished in the war, and they’re all just compliments. It shows the men what they desire, fame, and that breaks all of their rationality. I think examples would be praise about the war, or just anything that’s a compliment.
4) What does an analysis of the Siren Song suggest about the idea of human flattery?
Why are we, as humans, susceptible to a figurative “Siren’s Call?”
How can the sirens represent both desire and distraction?
Humans are very vain, and will almost do anything for compliments and fame. We, as humans, are susceptible to a figurative “Siren’s Call” because it’s what we desire, and it’s something that some people will do anything to reach. Sirens sing about desire, and what you truly want. They’re also a distraction because they distract you from your goal, ultimately killing yourself in the process.
Enrichments:
- The Odyssey by Homer | Book 12 Summary & Analysis [2:25]
- Pirates of the Caribbean Mermaid Scene [3:29]
Reflection:
Overall, I think this lesson was very good in further our understanding of the Odysseus. In the first lesson, there was a lot of information about the traditions regarding death in Greek culture. This ties in with the part about visiting the Land of the Dead, and it also provides explanations for the things that they do. The trip to the Underworld emphasizes Odysseus’ qualities as a leader, by showing his dedication to his goal, not even wavering at the sight of his dead mother. I was also introduced to the term FOIL, which was completely new to me. FOIL is a character to highlight or contrast the main character, to make them stand out. I chose the example of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter, as the former is like a direct opposite to the latter. The second part of the lesson were mostly figurative, as we learned about Sirens. Most of the Siren’s songs can apply in modern society, and they can be applied to many things. Money, fame, popularity, love, can all be “Siren’s Songs”, and this really opened my eyes. I didn’t think of these desires as “Siren’s Songs”, and how they can also serve as distractions to you. Overall, I think this lesson was very important in our understanding of The Odyssey.
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