Odysseus

Where is Odysseus at the start of Book 5?

He is trapped on the island of Ogygia with the nymph Calypso.

Which god orders Calypso to release Odysseus, and how does she react?

Zeus sends Hermes to tell Calypso to let Odysseus go. She resents the gods' double standards but ultimately obeys.

How does Odysseus leave Ogygia?

He builds a raft with Calypso’s help and sets sail toward Ithaca.

What natural obstacle does Odysseus face on his journey from Ogygia?

Poseidon, still angry at Odysseus, sends a storm to wreck his raft.

Who helps Odysseus survive Poseidon’s storm?

The sea goddess Ino (Leucothea) gives him a magical veil that keeps him afloat.

Who finds Odysseus after he washes ashore in Scheria?

Nausicaa, daughter of King Alcinous.

What advice does Nausicaa give Odysseus?

She tells him to approach Queen Arete first, as she holds influence over the court.

How do the Phaeacians treat Odysseus?

They welcome him and offer hospitality, though they do not yet know his identity.

What entertainment does Odysseus witness in Scheria?

Athletic games, dancing, and a bard’s song about the Trojan War.

How does Odysseus reveal his identity to the Phaeacians?

He weeps when the bard sings about the Trojan War, prompting King Alcinous to ask who he is.

What story does Odysseus begin telling in Book 9?

His journey from Troy, including the encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus.

How does Odysseus outsmart Polyphemus?

He gets Polyphemus drunk, blinds him, and escapes by hiding under sheep.

What mistake does Odysseus make after escaping the Cyclops?

He taunts Polyphemus and reveals his real name, leading the Cyclops to curse him with Poseidon’s wrath.

What happens when Odysseus and his crew land on Aeaea?

Circe turns some of his men into pigs.

How does Odysseus resist Circe’s magic?

Hermes gives him a magical herb called moly.

What crucial information does Circe give Odysseus?

He must visit the Underworld to seek advice from the blind prophet Tiresias.

Who does Odysseus meet in the Underworld?

Tiresias, his mother Anticleia, and fallen Greek heroes like Achilles and Agamemnon.

What warning does Tiresias give Odysseus?

He must not harm Helios' sacred cattle on Thrinacia.

How do Odysseus and his crew avoid the Sirens?

They plug their ears with wax, while Odysseus listens while tied to the mast.

What two dangers do they face after the Sirens?

Scylla (a six-headed monster) and Charybdis (a deadly whirlpool).

What happens on the island of Thrinacia?

Odysseus’ crew disobeys him and kills Helios’ cattle, resulting in their doom.

How does Odysseus return to Ithaca?

The Phaeacians provide him with a ship and treasure.

Who helps Odysseus disguise himself upon arrival?

Athena disguises him as a beggar.

Who is the first person Odysseus reveals himself to?

His loyal swineherd Eumaeus.

How does Athena help Odysseus and Telemachus reunite?

She orchestrates their meeting in Eumaeus' hut.

How does Penelope test Odysseus (disguised as a beggar)?

She asks about Odysseus' appearance and weeps at his descriptions.

What sign confirms Odysseus' identity to Eurycleia, the old nurse?

She recognizes a scar on his leg.

What challenge does Penelope propose for the suitors?

Whoever strings Odysseus' bow and shoots an arrow through 12 axe heads will marry her.

How do the suitors react when the beggar (Odysseus) attempts the challenge?

They mock him, but he succeeds effortlessly.

How does Odysseus reveal his identity in Book 22?

After winning the bow contest, he kills Antinous, the leading suitor.

How does Odysseus defeat the suitors?

With Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Athena’s help, he slaughters them all.

What punishment does Odysseus give to the disloyal maids?

He orders them to clean the hall and then executes them.

How does Penelope test Odysseus after the massacre?

She tells him she moved their bed, knowing only the real Odysseus would understand it’s immovable.

How does the epic end?

Athena intervenes to prevent further bloodshed, ensuring peace in Ithaca.

What does Odysseus' scar symbolize?

His past identity and the trials that shaped him.

What theme is emphasized by Odysseus' journey home?

The struggle between fate and human effort (perseverance).

How does The Odyssey depict hospitality (xenia)?

Good hosts (Phaeacians, Eumaeus) are rewarded, while bad hosts (suitors) are punished.

What is the significance of Odysseus’ disguise?

It highlights intelligence over brute force.

Who is Odysseus?

The King of Ithaca, known for his intelligence, cunning, and resilience. He struggles to return home after the Trojan War.

What qualities make Odysseus a hero?

His intelligence, strategic thinking, endurance, and ability to adapt to different situations.

How does Odysseus' intelligence help him?

He tricks the Cyclops, deceives the suitors, and uses disguises to achieve his goals.

What flaw does Odysseus struggle with?

His hubris (excessive pride), as seen when he taunts Polyphemus, causing Poseidon’s wrath.

How does Athena assist Odysseus?

She helps disguise him, gives him guidance, and convinces Zeus to free him from Calypso.

Why does Athena favor Odysseus?

She admires his intelligence, bravery, and strategic thinking, qualities she values.

What form does Athena take to guide Telemachus?

She often appears as Mentor, an old family friend of Odysseus.

What role does Telemachus play in The Odyssey?

He grows from a passive boy into a confident man ready to help his father reclaim Ithaca.

What is Telemachus' major journey in Books 1-4?

He travels to Pylos and Sparta to seek news of Odysseus.

How does Telemachus prove his maturity?

He takes part in the suitors’ massacre and helps Odysseus plan his revenge.

How does Penelope remain faithful to Odysseus?

She delays remarriage by weaving and unweaving Laertes’ shroud.

How does Penelope test Odysseus?

She asks about their bed, which only the real Odysseus would know cannot be moved.

What qualities does Penelope share with Odysseus?

Intelligence, patience, and the ability to deceive when necessary.

Who is the leader of the suitors?

Antinous, the most arrogant and disrespectful.

How does Eurymachus differ from Antinous?

He is more deceitful and manipulative but equally disrespectful.

Why do the suitors want to marry Penelope?

They seek power over Ithaca, not just her hand in marriage.

How does the suitors’ behavior contrast with Odysseus?

They are greedy and dishonorable, while Odysseus is strategic and just.

Who is Eumaeus?

Odysseus’ faithful swineherd who helps him reclaim the palace.

How does Eumaeus show loyalty?

He offers hospitality to Odysseus (disguised as a beggar) and fights alongside him.

Why is Eumaeus important to the theme of loyalty?

He represents the contrast between faithful servants and disloyal ones like Melanthius.

How does Eurycleia recognize Odysseus?

She sees the scar on his leg while washing his feet.

How does she help Odysseus after recognizing him?

She keeps his identity a secret and helps identify disloyal maids.

Why does Poseidon hate Odysseus?

Odysseus blinded his son, Polyphemus.

How does Poseidon hinder Odysseus?

He sends storms and obstacles to prevent his return.

How long does Odysseus stay with Calypso?

Seven years.

Why does Calypso let Odysseus go?

Zeus orders her to release him, despite her desire to keep him.

How does Nausicaa help Odysseus?

She gives him clothes and guides him to her father, King Alcinous.

What is Nausicaa’s attitude toward Odysseus?

She is kind and possibly romantically interested in him.

What role do the Phaeacians play in Odysseus’ journey?

They provide him with the final ship to return to Ithaca.

How does Odysseus reveal his identity to the Phaeacians?

He cries during the bard’s song about Troy, leading Alcinous to question him.

Who is Tiresias, and what advice does he give Odysseus?

He is a blind prophet who warns Odysseus not to harm Helios’ cattle.

How does Odysseus’ mother, Anticleia, die?

She dies of grief while waiting for his return.

What warning does Agamemnon give Odysseus?

He warns him to be cautious when returning home, citing his own betrayal by his wife Clytemnestra.

What is Scylla?

A six-headed monster that snatches sailors from ships.

What is Charybdis?

A massive whirlpool that swallows entire ships.

How does Odysseus survive Scylla and Charybdis?

He follows Circe’s advice and chooses Scylla, losing a few men but saving the ship.

What mistake does Odysseus’ crew make on Thrinacia?

They kill Helios’ sacred cattle despite being warned.

How does Zeus punish the crew?

He destroys their ship with a thunderbolt, killing everyone except Odysseus.

Who is Melanthius, and what happens to him?

He is a disloyal goatherd who supports the suitors and is brutally executed.

Who are the disloyal maids, and what is their fate?

They are suitors’ lovers and are hanged after cleaning the bloodied palace.