Overview

In The Odyssey, Homer references and gives voice to numerous deities that the ancient Greeks worshipped and revered. While the deities’ stories and relationships would have been familiar to Homer’s audience at the time, today’s readers will likely need some support. This handout gives students relevant background information about the gods and goddesses who come to life in The Odyssey. Use this handout to ensure that students understand the deities’ roles, both within the text and within the larger Hellenic culture. Also consider having students research additional deities and share their findings with the class.

Downloads