Homeric Epithet and Irony in the Odyssey

Odysseus talking to the prophet Tiresias

The story of how Odysseus came to Calypso's island has now come full circle. Through flashback, Odysseus has now explained to the reader how he came to lose his ship and his men. In this topic, you will read about how Odysseus gets home, and what awaits him in Ithaca (remember the prophecy of Tiresias). You will learn about Homeric epithets and how Homer used irony in the Odyssey.

Essential Questions

• What is a Homeric epithet?
• How did Homer use irony in the Odyssey?