National Endowment for the Humanities
Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle
Here's a handy worksheet applicable to any study of epic heroes, including those in epic poetry. Readers record examples from their text that identify the quest, the tests, helpers and companions, as well as the low point, the...
KIPP 3D Academy
Epic Poetry Unit
The Odyssey is the core text in this unit study of the hero's journey motif. Along the way, kids research Greek and Roman history, mythology, art, and epic poetry. The 104-page packet is perfect for homeschool or classroom situations and...
Curated OER
An Introduction to the Odyssey
Epics, like the Odyssey, were told over the span of several days and drew quite a crowd. Before starting the famous work with your class, review this presentation to gain some insight into the structure and history of epic poems.
Curated OER
The Epic Poem in History
Teachers can help students understand the connection between epic poetry and modern stories and songs.
Curated OER
Homer’s Odyssey Reading Guide
Looking for a list of reading questions to use with The Odyssey? Provided here are dozens of questions (although certain sections are left out). Use these questions to create your own reading guide for the famous epic poem.
Gottlieb
Kennings vs. Stock Epithets – A Quick Review
Bone-crusher. Troll-wife. Battle-sweat. Blood-worm. What study of Beowulf would be complete without offering readers of this Old English epic poem an opportunity to craft their own kennings and epithets? Provide individuals with a copy...
Curated OER
Those Wacky Greek and Roman Gods: A Quick Cheat-Sheet
Here's a handy two-page reference that briefly identifies major Greek and Roman mythological figures.
Newspaper in Education
The Iliad: A Young Reader Adventure
Is The Iliad part of your curriculum? Check out a resource that offers something for those new to teaching the classic and those with lots of experience using Homer's epic. Plot summaries, discussion questions, activities abound in this...
Curated OER
What is a Hero? Heroism in Greek Mythology
Students explore the tales of Greek mythology and discuss what it means to be a hero. They associate acts of epic heroism with philanthropy noting that these characters acted in a larger than life manner to secure the common good.
Curated OER
Homeric Questions
Review all things Homeric with this quiz! It covers the plot of The Odyssey, along with technical questions about poetic meter and stressed syllables. The Greek language is on display with Homer's writings and with this quiz.
Curated OER
Anticipatory Sets for The Odyssey
Start your unit on The Odyssey in a fun and accessible way! Three options help your young readers grasp the concept of brave Odysseus's tale, including making masks of Greek gods and goddesses, and responding to different discussion...
Curated OER
Oedipus The King: An Introduction To Greek Drama
Students gain insight into Greek tragedy and such concepts such as fate, hubris, and (dramatic) irony. They recognize the Greeks concern with fate, self-determination and the role of gods and oracles in everyday life and compare and...
Curated OER
Odyssey List 2 Vocab Worksheet
One of two epic poems attributed to Homer, The Odyssey is full of unfamiliar language. With this two-page worksheet, your class will study new words like victuals, forlorn, and pine. Unfortunately, the specific section these words come...
Curated OER
What is Poetry?
Tenth graders are introduced to the poetic process. They onnect poetry to life in a meaningful way become more careful readers of poetry. They listen to a variety of poems, then write responses at the end of each adventure.
Art Institute of Chicago
Lesson Plan: A Writer’s Odyssey
Looking for a fresh approach to an end-of-unit project for The Odyssey? Check out a resource that has class members write their own hero's journey short story and then craft an illustration that depicts their tale. Apollonio di...
Curated OER
Odyssey Vocabulary English 9
So your class is just about to start the Odyssey. Although you'll undoubtedly help them define vocabulary words in context, present them with this list of nine words to get them started. Each is defined, but consider also providing a...
Curated OER
The Odyssey - By Homer
Students read and interpret the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer. They interlock this poem to other spectacular people or events such as Amelia Earhart and the Bermuda Triangle. A vast array of excellent assignments are given within this...
Curated OER
Ancient Greece
In this Ancient Greece learning exercise, students read a 3 page article on Ancient Greece, answer 3 facts about Ancient Greek with multiple choice answers, answer 4 statements as true or false and answer 4 fill in the blank facts about...
Curated OER
The World of Myth and Legend
After studying various myths, quiz your learners! British epics such as Beowulf are included, as well as Greek myths such as Icarus and Achilles. Fifteen multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions challenge your class.
Curated OER
The Odyssey Lesson 1
Students explore Greek mythology. In this ancient culture and introduction to The Odyssey literacy lesson, students complete a worksheet accessing their prior knowledge about Greek mythology. Students listen to a passage about the Trojan...
Curated OER
Chronicling the Journey
Students chart the order of events in literature. In this literature lesson, students read The Odyssey and summarize the epic journey in their own words. Students then write about journeys they have taken in their own lives.
Curated OER
Comparing The Odyssey and "The Lotus Eaters"
Ninth graders compare the development of text in Book 5 of "The Odyssey" to Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "The Lotus Eaters." After discussing the comparison's of the two text within a group, they create an original piece of work or...
Curated OER
The Iliad
Explore ancient warfare through a dramatic reading of select portions of The Iliad with your class. They will identify the major characters in The Iliad and explain the strategies, external forces, and alliances of the Trojan War
Curated OER
Mythology - What Is It?
Students explore Greek mythology. In this mythology instructional activity, students discuss and define mythology. Students view pictures and associate them with the correct Greek myth. Students answer trivia questions about their...