The Iliad and The Odyssey
#1 of 33 in Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (292)
What’s inside...
Homer's epics become tales of adventure and marvel for the youngest readers in these remarkable retellings. Illustrated in Williams' well-loved comic-strip style, these renditions feature snappy texts and riotously detailed panel artwork that is both faithful to the originals and delightfully modern in humor and appeal. Thrilling comic-strip action, with monsters, mighty heroes and even mightier gods and goddesses.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters like Achilles or Odysseus in their adventures?
How do the heroes in these stories show both strengths and weaknesses?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and wisdom from these ancient stories?
How do the gods influence the events in these tales? What do you think that tells us about how the ancient Greeks viewed fate?
If you could meet any character from 'The Iliad' or 'The Odyssey', who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the challenges faced by characters like Achilles or Odysseus with challenges they face in their own life. This can help personalize the story and enhance understanding.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions that arise in the stories, prompting your child to consider what they would have done differently in each character's place.
Use the fantastical elements of the stories, such as mythical creatures and gods, to ignite your child’s imagination, asking them to invent their own mythological character and story.
Highlight the historical and cultural significance of the stories, explaining how these narratives have influenced various forms of art and literature throughout history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'The Iliad and The Odyssey,' the characters face numerous challenges and adversities, particularly Odysseus' long journey home after the Trojan War. His persistent efforts to return to his family exemplify perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persisting through difficulties, whether in completing a tough homework assignment or resolving a conflict with a friend, is crucial in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles in everyday life.
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty
Explanation: Loyalty is a central theme in these epics. For example, Penelope remains faithful to Odysseus during his long absence, despite facing many suitors and pressures to remarry.
Real-World Application: This story teaches children the importance of being faithful and dedicated to family and friends, stressing the role loyalty plays in building trustworthy and enduring relationships.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: In 'The Iliad and The Odyssey,' deceptive actions often lead to negative outcomes. The Trojan horse, a strategy involving deceit, ultimately leads to the downfall of Troy.
Real-World Application: Children learn that dishonesty can lead to undesirable consequences and that honesty is a fundamental aspect of trust and respect in relationships.
Example Lesson: The benefits of wisdom and intelligence
Explanation: Odysseus is often portrayed as a clever and wise hero. His intellectual approach to solving problems, like the idea of the Trojan horse, highlights the benefits of using intelligence in tricky situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and value intelligence as a tool for problem-solving and navigating complex situations in their lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of hospitality
Explanation: Greek culture, as depicted in these epics, values the treatment of guests with honor. The Phaeacians, for instance, help Odysseus without knowing his full identity due to their respect for hospitality.
Real-World Application: Children learn the cultural significance and personal value of treating others with kindness and generosity, emphasizing the impact of good hospitality on interpersonal relationships.