Over the next few days we are going to create a packet of information that will help you and your classmates read Homer’s Odyssey.  There is so much information surrounding the Odyssey and Greek mythology, we could spend a         semester studying it alone!  To simplify our task, you’ll find listed below nine different areas of study.  You and your group        will be assigned to research one of these areas and then report your findings back to the class.  Each group is                 responsible for a very important part of information, so please take your job seriously!

v     1.  The Trojan War        (2-4 people)

According to myth, how did the Trojan War begin?  Who fought in the war?  Who were the major heroes of both sides and what were the major fights?  Explain the story of the Trojan Horse.  Who won the war?  How did Odysseus get involved in the war?  Was he willing?  What role did he play in the Trojan War?  Provide a map showing the location of Troy.

v     2.  Heinrich Schliemann, Archeology, and the Myth of Troy    (2-4 people)

Who is Heinrich Schliemann and what did he discover?  What other discoveries have there been about the legendary city of Troy?  Focus on the facts as well as the commonly accepted theories of today.  Provide a map with the location of Troy.

v     3.  Odysseus’ Journeys           (2-4 people)

Find or create a map of Odysseus’ journeys in the Odyssey.  Chart his travels.  Summarize each stop on his journey home.

v     4.  Olympian Gods      (2-4 people)

Who were the Olympian gods?  Explain the myths that surround each of these beings.  Pay special attention to Athena, as she is a major character in the Odyssey.  Where did they live and where is it located?  Provide a map showing the location of their home?

v     5.  Origins of the Universe According to Greek Myth   (2-4 people)

According to Greek myth, how did the universe, man, woman, and fire originate?  What about the plagues of the world?  What about hope?  What is the origin of evil in the world?

v     6.  The Titans                 (2-4 people)

Who were the Titans?  Explain the myths that surround each of these beings. 

v     7.  Greek Culture and Hospitality               (2-4 person)

How did the Greeks treat strangers?  Research the rules of hospitality for the ancient Greek culture.  Provide information, pictures, etc. on Greek culture.  Include information on the role of women, the clothing they wore, family structure, and food they ate. 

v     8.  Other Supernatural Beings in the Odyssey    (2-4 people)

Research and explain the myths surrounding these supernatural beings:  Scylla, Charybdis, Circe, Calypso, Hermes, Polyphemos, the Sirens.

v     9.  Heroic Age/Late Bronze Age     (2-4 people)

What were the years of this time period?  Describe the culture, including information about language, weaponry, food and agriculture, clothing, beliefs, etc.

v     10.  The Influence of Greek Mythology    (2-4 people)

      Greek mythology has had a large effect on our culture today.  Find 10 products, services, etc. that use Greek mythology influences (for example: Ajax cleaner).  Explain why the name fits the product, service, etc.  Also provide a picture of the product, service, etc.