Odyssey

How does Odysseus introduce himself to the Phaeacians?

He introduces himself as Odysseus, son of Laertes, king of Ithaca.

Why does Odysseus emphasize his heritage and reputation?

To show his status, accomplishments, and abilities as a leader in peace and war.

What is pride?

Confidence in or satisfaction with your accomplishments.

What is hubris?

Excessive pride that leads to arrogance, defiance of the gods, and downfall.

What happens at Ismarus?

Odysseus and his men raid the Cicones, who fight back and kill many of his men.

Why do Odysseus and his men lose at Ismarus?

They stay too long and allow the Cicones to gather reinforcements.

What happens to people who eat the lotus?

They forget about returning home and want to stay forever.

How does Odysseus rescue his men from the Lotus Eaters?

He forces them back to the ships and restrains them.

What does the Lotus Eaters episode show about Odysseus?

He is determined, responsible, and willing to protect his men.

What are the Cyclopes like?

They are giant, one-eyed beings who are lawless and independent.

What is an epithet?

A descriptive phrase that highlights a characteristic of someone or something.

A descriptive phrase that highlights a characteristic of someone or something.

“Young Dawn with fingertips of rose.”

Why does Odysseus stay in Polyphemus's cave?

He is curious about the cave's owner and expects hospitality and gifts.

What is xenia?

The ancient Greek custom of hospitality, generosity, and courtesy toward guests.

How does Odysseus appeal to xenia?

He reminds Polyphemus that guests should be respected and that Zeus protects them.

How does Polyphemus violate xenia?

How does Polyphemus violate xenia?

What does Polyphemus say about the gods?

He says the Cyclopes do not care about Zeus or the other gods.

What is the Cyclops's name?

Polyphemus.

Who is Polyphemus's father?

Poseidon, god of the sea and earthquakes.

What false name does Odysseus give Polyphemus?

Nobody, or Nohbdy in some translations.

What is the pun involving Nobody?

Polyphemus says Nobody is hurting him, so the other Cyclopes think no one is attacking him

How does Odysseus blind Polyphemus?

He gets Polyphemus drunk and drives a sharpened olive-wood stake into his eye.

How do Odysseus and his men escape the cave?

They hide beneath the bellies of sheep and rams as the animals leave the cave.

Why does Odysseus's ram leave last?

Odysseus hides beneath the largest ram, which leaves last.

What mistake does Odysseus make after escaping?

He boasts about his victory and reveals his real name and home.

Why does Odysseus reveal his identity?

His pride and desire for glory make him want recognition for defeating Polyphemus.

What is kleos?

Honor, fame, and lasting glory earned through great deeds.

How does Polyphemus curse Odysseus?

He asks Poseidon to delay Odysseus's return home and make him lose all his companions.

Why is Poseidon's curse important?

It makes Odysseus's journey home more difficult and causes further suffering.

What does Odysseus represent as an epic hero?

Courage, intelligence, leadership, perseverance, and loyalty.

What is Odysseus's biggest flaw in Book 9?

His hubris and desire for glory.

What is the main lesson of Book 9?

Intelligence can overcome danger, but excessive pride can lead to serious consequences.

How does Odysseus show good leadership?

He uses intelligence and determination to protect and rescue his men.

How does Odysseus show poor leadership?

He boasts about his victory, putting himself and his journey home at risk.

What is the relationship between Polyphemus and Poseidon?

Polyphemus is Poseidon's son.

Why does Odysseus want Polyphemus to know his name?

He wants credit and glory for defeating the Cyclops.

What Greek value does Polyphemus violate?

Xenia, the sacred custom of hospitality.

What does Book 9 teach about the gods?

Humans should respect the gods and not act as if they are more powerful than them.

What is nemesis?

The downfall or punishment that follows hubris or wrongdoing.

What is the difference between Odysseus and Polyphemus?

Odysseus uses intelligence and strategy, while Polyphemus relies on brute strength and rejects xenia.

How long does Odysseus stay on Aeolus's island?

One month.

Who is Aeolus?

Aeolus is the keeper of the winds who helps Odysseus on his journey home.

What gift does Aeolus give Odysseus?

A favorable west wind and a bag containing the dangerous winds.

Why does Aeolus put the dangerous winds in a bag?

To prevent them from interfering with Odysseus's journey home to Ithaca.

Why do Odysseus's men open the bag of winds?

They become greedy and suspicious, believing the bag contains treasure.

What happens when the bag of winds is opened?

The stormy winds escape and blow the ships back to Aeolus's island.

How close are Odysseus and his men to Ithaca when the winds are released?

They are close enough to see their homeland.

They are close enough to see their homeland.

He believes the gods are against Odysseus and refuses to interfere.

What does the episode with Aeolus teach us?

Greed, distrust, and foolish decisions can destroy opportunities.

Who is Circe?

Circe is a powerful goddess and enchantress who uses magic to transform Odysseus's men into pigs.

What does Circe do to Odysseus's men?

She gives them food and drink, then transforms them into pigs with her magic.

What is special about Odysseus's men after they become pigs?

They retain their human minds even though their bodies become pigs.

Who helps Odysseus resist Circe's magic?

Hermes, the messenger god.

What does Hermes give Odysseus?

A magical herb called moly that protects him from Circe's enchantment.

What does Hermes tell Odysseus to do?

Resist Circe's magic, confront her, and make her swear not to harm him with enchantments.

How does Odysseus get Circe to restore his men?

He resists her magic, demands that she free his men, and makes her swear not to harm him.

What does Odysseus demand from Circe before eating and drinking?

He demands that she restore his companions so he can see them again.

How long do Odysseus and his men stay with Circe?

One year.

What is life like for Odysseus and his men on Circe's island?

They live comfortably, feasting, drinking wine, and enjoying a relaxed life.

Why do Odysseus's men remind him to leave Circe's island?

They want to continue their journey home to Ithaca.

How do Odysseus's men help him in Book 10?

They remind him of his goal of returning home when he becomes distracted by his comfortable life with Circe.

Where must Odysseus go before returning home?

The Underworld, the land of the dead.

Who must Odysseus speak to in the Underworld?

Tiresias, a blind prophet who can reveal the future.

Why must Odysseus speak to Tiresias?

To learn what he must do to complete his journey home.

How does Odysseus react when Circe tells him he must visit the Underworld?

He becomes overwhelmed with despair and wishes he did not have to face the journey.

What is ironic about Odysseus having to visit the Underworld?

He has spent his journey trying to survive and avoid death, but now he must travel to the land of the dead.

What is ironic about the bag of winds?

Odysseus is almost home, but his men's greed sends them far away again.

What is ironic about Odysseus's stay with Circe?

Although he wants to return home, he spends a year enjoying a comfortable life instead.

What does the episode with Circe teach us about temptation?

Pleasure and comfort can distract people from their responsibilities and goals.

What qualities help Odysseus survive Circe's magic?

Intelligence, courage, self-control, and help from the gods.

What is the main theme of Book 10?

Greed, temptation, and distraction can delay a person's goals, while intelligence and perseverance help overcome obstacles.

How is Book 10 different from Book 9 in terms of Odysseus's men?

In Book 9, Odysseus rescues his men from danger. In Book 10, his men remind him of his responsibility to return home.

Where does Book XI take place, and who advises Odysseus?

The Underworld. Tiresias, the blind prophet, advises Odysseus.

Who does Odysseus see from his past, and how did she die?

His mother, Anticlea. She died of grief while Odysseus was away.

Where do Odysseus and his men go after leaving the Underworld?

They return to Circe’s island.

Why should Odysseus be wary of the Sirens?

Their beautiful song lures sailors away from their journey home, eventually leading to their deaths.

Provide a direct quote describing the danger of the Sirens.

“The Sirens will sing his mind away” (Homer, The Odyssey, Book XII).

How do Odysseus and his men protect themselves from the Sirens?

The men plug their ears with beeswax, while Odysseus is tied to the mast so he can hear the song without escaping.

Why does Circe know Odysseus will want to hear the Sirens?

She knows his curiosity and desire for knowledge will tempt him to listen.

Describe Scylla and provide a direct quote.

Scylla is a monstrous sea creature with six heads and twelve tentacle-like legs.

What happens when Odysseus’s ship encounters Scylla?

Scylla takes six of his men, one with each head.

What is Charybdis, and what happens if the ship gets too close?

Charybdis is a giant whirlpool that can swallow and destroy the entire ship.

Why does Circe advise Odysseus to sail closer to Scylla than Charybdis?

Losing six men to Scylla is better than risking the entire crew and ship to Charybdis.

What advice does Circe give Odysseus about Helios’s cattle?

She warns him not to harm or eat the cattle because doing so will lead to the destruction of his ship and crew.

How would you characterize Odysseus based on his speech to his men in lines 151–159?

He is a strong, encouraging leader who tries to keep his men courageous and prevent them from panicking.

Why do Odysseus’s men eat Helios’s cattle?

They are starving and give in to temptation despite Odysseus’s warnings.

How do Odysseus’s shipmates die? Who survives?

Zeus destroys their ship with a thunderbolt to punish the crew for eating Helios’s cattle. Odysseus is the only survivor.

Are the deaths of Odysseus’s shipmates his fault?

Mostly no. He warned his men not to eat the cattle, but they disobeyed. However, he could have explained the danger more clearly before they reached the island.

What is a temptress?

A woman who tempts someone, often through attraction or seduction.

What is a femme fatale?

An attractive, seductive woman who ultimately brings disaster to a man involved with her.

What is a damsel in distress?

A young woman in trouble who needs to be rescued.

How do the Sirens represent a temptress?

They use their beautiful voices to lure sailors away from safety and toward death.