Storytellers have been creating epic tales for thousands of years. You are now going to compare one of the most ancient, The Odyssey, with a recent movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? As you have noticed, the creators of O Brother, Where Art Thou? used The Odyssey as inspiration; they included certain elements from the ancient text, yet made it a completely modern cultural experience. As you write a comparison of the two, keep in mind that all folk epics share certain characteristics:

• A Hero who struggles with temptation
• A specific setting in which known landmarks are integrated into the action
• Deeds of great valor that are necessary due to continual conflicts
• Supernatural forces that interest themselves in the action and intervene from time to time
• An ultimate goal

Storytellers have been creating epic tales for thousands of years. You are now going to compare one of the most ancient, The Odyssey, with a recent movie, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? As you have noticed, the creators of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? used The Odyssey as inspiration; they included certain elements from the ancient text, yet made it a completely modern cultural experience. As you write a comparison of the two, keep in mind that all folk epics share certain characteristics:

• A Hero who struggles with temptation
• A specific setting in which known landmarks are integrated into the action
• Deeds of great valor that are necessary due to continual conflicts
• Supernatural forces that interest themselves in the action and intervene from time to time
• An ultimate goal