Introduction to
The Odyssey
An Epic of Journey and Homecoming
Lesson Targets
Identify the key elements of a graphic novel (panels, gutters, captions, speech balloons, visual storytelling).
Make predictions about the story, characters, and themes based on the cover and first pages.
Analyze how text and visuals work together to convey meaning.
Do Now:
- What do you notice about the cover?
- What do you think this story might be about?
- What kind of journey or adventure do you predict?
What is a graphic novel?
A graphic novel is a book that tells a story through a combination of illustrations and text, like a long-form comic.
Panels
individual frames that show action
Gutters
spaces between panels that indicate time passing
Speech balloons & thought bubbles
show dialogue and inner thoughts
Captions / narration boxes
provide context or description
What is a graphic novel?
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer that tells the story of Odysseus’s long journey home after the Trojan War. It explores themes of heroism, cunning, and the challenges of fate and the gods.
Everything you need to know to read Homer's "Odyssey"
Odyssey’s Plot
Overview
The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus’ epic, ten-year journey to return to his homeland, Ithaca, after the Trojan War. It follows his quest to reunite with his family and regain his kingdom.
Adventures
Odysseus faces numerous trials on his journey, including escaping the Cyclops Polyphemus, resisting the Sirens' song, and surviving the wrath of gods like Poseidon. With Athena’s guidance, he also navigates deadly threats, like Charybdis and Scylla, all of which test his resilience and wit.
The Judgement of Paris
Before we start, we are are going to do a deeper dive into the background.
We are going to read "The Judgment of Paris & The Trojan War" and then you will complete a storyboard and answer some discussion questions.
The Judgment of Paris & The Trojan War
On Mount Olympus a decadent wedding feast was held and all the gods were invited. Unfortunately, the goddess of discord, Eris, was mistakenly left off the guest list. Angered by the oversight, Eris sought revenge. She appeared at the party and rolled a golden apple amongst the party guests. Upon the golden apple was written, “To the Fairest.” Three Olympian goddesses, Hera (queen of the gods), Athena (goddess of wisdom and war), and Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty), all claimed the prize. To settle the matter, Zeus asked Hermes, the messenger god, to appoint an impartial judge. Hermes chose the beautiful young mortal Paris, who was the son of Priam, the king of Troy. Each goddess tried to influence Paris with a special gift. Athena offered him victory in war. Hera offered to make him ruler of the world, while Aphrodite proposed to give him the most beautiful woman in the world as his wife. Paris chose Aphrodite who rewarded her judge by promising him the most beautiful woman on earth, whom everyone knew to be Helen, the wife of the Greek king Menelaus. Lured by Aphrodite’s promise, Paris visited the palace of Menelaus at Sparta. Contrary to all the sacred rules of hospitality, Paris seduced the queen and abducted her back to Troy. The theft of Helen was an act of outrage which invoked the oath of Tyndareus, requiring the united powers of the Greeks to avenge the
the wounded honor of Menelaus and retrieve Helen. The Greeks traveled to Troy and for nearly ten years, the Greeks unsuccessfully besieged Troy in the Trojan War. Finally, the Greek warrior, Odysseus, had the idea to build a large wooden horse, known as the Trojan Horse. The Greeks hid warriors inside the horse and left it at the gate of Troy. Meanwhile, they pretended to sail away. That night the Trojans took the Horse into their city and the warriors crept out and threw open the city’s gates. The Greeks entered, sacked the city and claimed a victorious end to the great Trojan War.
The Judgement of Paris Storyboard
You may complete this using any software you choose. Canva StoryboardThat Google
Opening Pages Analysis: Book I Ithaca and Olympus
- What is happening here?
- What clues do the images give about the characters or setting?
- How do words and visuals work together to tell the story?
Opening Pages Analysis: Book I Ithaca and Olympus
- What is happening here?
- What clues do the images give about the characters or setting?
- How do words and visuals work together to tell the story?
Opening Pages Analysis: Book I Ithaca and Olympus
- What is happening here?
- What clues do the images give about the characters or setting?
- How do words and visuals work together to tell the story?
Breakout Room Activity: “Meet the Epic & Its Hero”
- Task 1: First Impressions (3–4 minutes)
- Look at 2–3 pages from The Odyssey graphic novel from the Introduction
- Discuss:
- What do you notice about the artwork?
- How is this different from a traditional novel?
- What mood or tone do the images create?
- 👉 Be ready to share one observation.
- Task 2: Who is Odysseus? (4–5 minutes)
- Based on the images and any prior knowledge:
- What kind of character does Odysseus seem to be?
- List 2–3 traits (e.g., brave, clever, reckless)
- What evidence (images or text) supports your ideas?
- 👉 Write your group’s top 2 traits + evidence.
Breakout Room Activity: “Meet the Epic & Its Hero”
- Task 3: Predict the Journey (4–5 minutes)
- Using what you saw:
- What challenges do you think Odysseus will face?
- What themes might the story explore? (Examples: loyalty, revenge, survival, identity)
👉 Make 2 predictions about the story.
- Whole-Class Share Out (5 minutes)
- Each group shares:
- One trait of Odysseus
- One prediction
Activity: Prediction & Reflection
- Read the text on your own for the next 5 minutes.
- At the end of the time, you will respond verbally or in writing:
- What do you think will happen next?
- Which character or event stood out and why?
- How do visuals and text together help you understand the story?
Homework: Reading Guide: Books 1-6
- Part I: Characters and imprtant terms
- Part II: You will answer the questions from each of the following books:
- Ithaca and Olympus
- Counsel
- Pylos
- Sparta
- Ogygia
Exit Ticket
Answer the following in 2–3 sentences:
- One new thing you learned about graphic novels today.
- One prediction about Odysseus’ journey.
- One question you have about the story or visuals.
Read the Rest of Books 1-6
Group - Introduction to The Odyssey Graphic Novel
Ashley Campion
Created on March 31, 2026
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Transcript
Introduction to
The Odyssey
An Epic of Journey and Homecoming
Lesson Targets
Identify the key elements of a graphic novel (panels, gutters, captions, speech balloons, visual storytelling).
Make predictions about the story, characters, and themes based on the cover and first pages.
Analyze how text and visuals work together to convey meaning.
Do Now:
What is a graphic novel?
A graphic novel is a book that tells a story through a combination of illustrations and text, like a long-form comic.
Panels
individual frames that show action
Gutters
spaces between panels that indicate time passing
Speech balloons & thought bubbles
show dialogue and inner thoughts
Captions / narration boxes
provide context or description
What is a graphic novel?
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer that tells the story of Odysseus’s long journey home after the Trojan War. It explores themes of heroism, cunning, and the challenges of fate and the gods.
Everything you need to know to read Homer's "Odyssey"
Odyssey’s Plot
Overview
The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus’ epic, ten-year journey to return to his homeland, Ithaca, after the Trojan War. It follows his quest to reunite with his family and regain his kingdom.
Adventures
Odysseus faces numerous trials on his journey, including escaping the Cyclops Polyphemus, resisting the Sirens' song, and surviving the wrath of gods like Poseidon. With Athena’s guidance, he also navigates deadly threats, like Charybdis and Scylla, all of which test his resilience and wit.
The Judgement of Paris
Before we start, we are are going to do a deeper dive into the background.
We are going to read "The Judgment of Paris & The Trojan War" and then you will complete a storyboard and answer some discussion questions.
The Judgment of Paris & The Trojan War
On Mount Olympus a decadent wedding feast was held and all the gods were invited. Unfortunately, the goddess of discord, Eris, was mistakenly left off the guest list. Angered by the oversight, Eris sought revenge. She appeared at the party and rolled a golden apple amongst the party guests. Upon the golden apple was written, “To the Fairest.” Three Olympian goddesses, Hera (queen of the gods), Athena (goddess of wisdom and war), and Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty), all claimed the prize. To settle the matter, Zeus asked Hermes, the messenger god, to appoint an impartial judge. Hermes chose the beautiful young mortal Paris, who was the son of Priam, the king of Troy. Each goddess tried to influence Paris with a special gift. Athena offered him victory in war. Hera offered to make him ruler of the world, while Aphrodite proposed to give him the most beautiful woman in the world as his wife. Paris chose Aphrodite who rewarded her judge by promising him the most beautiful woman on earth, whom everyone knew to be Helen, the wife of the Greek king Menelaus. Lured by Aphrodite’s promise, Paris visited the palace of Menelaus at Sparta. Contrary to all the sacred rules of hospitality, Paris seduced the queen and abducted her back to Troy. The theft of Helen was an act of outrage which invoked the oath of Tyndareus, requiring the united powers of the Greeks to avenge the
the wounded honor of Menelaus and retrieve Helen. The Greeks traveled to Troy and for nearly ten years, the Greeks unsuccessfully besieged Troy in the Trojan War. Finally, the Greek warrior, Odysseus, had the idea to build a large wooden horse, known as the Trojan Horse. The Greeks hid warriors inside the horse and left it at the gate of Troy. Meanwhile, they pretended to sail away. That night the Trojans took the Horse into their city and the warriors crept out and threw open the city’s gates. The Greeks entered, sacked the city and claimed a victorious end to the great Trojan War.
The Judgement of Paris Storyboard
You may complete this using any software you choose. Canva StoryboardThat Google
Opening Pages Analysis: Book I Ithaca and Olympus
Opening Pages Analysis: Book I Ithaca and Olympus
Opening Pages Analysis: Book I Ithaca and Olympus
Breakout Room Activity: “Meet the Epic & Its Hero”
Breakout Room Activity: “Meet the Epic & Its Hero”
- Task 3: Predict the Journey (4–5 minutes)
- Using what you saw:
- What challenges do you think Odysseus will face?
- What themes might the story explore? (Examples: loyalty, revenge, survival, identity)
👉 Make 2 predictions about the story.Activity: Prediction & Reflection
Homework: Reading Guide: Books 1-6
Exit Ticket
Answer the following in 2–3 sentences:
Read the Rest of Books 1-6