Untitled Flashcards Set

What is the first major challenge Odysseus and his men face in Book 9?

The Cyclops Polyphemus. Odysseus and his men are trapped in his cave, and Polyphemus begins eating them one by one.

What happens when Odysseus and his men encounter the island of Aeolus, the god of the winds?

Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of winds to help him sail home, but his men open it, releasing the winds and blowing them back.

What danger do Odysseus and his men face on the island of the Laestrygonians?

The Laestrygonians, giant cannibals, attack and destroy Odysseus’ ships, except for the one he is on.

What does Odysseus encounter on the island of Circe?

Circe turns some of Odysseus' men into pigs.

What does Circe warn Odysseus about during his stay?

Circe warns Odysseus to go to the Underworld to speak with the prophet Tiresias.

What challenge does Odysseus face in the Underworld (Book 11)?

Odysseus consults Tiresias, who tells him how to return home and warns him not to harm the cattle of Helios.

What are the Sirens, and how do Odysseus and his men avoid them?

The Sirens are creatures whose singing lures sailors. Odysseus blocks his men's ears with beeswax and ties himself to the mast.

What is the danger of Scylla and Charybdis?

Scylla is a six-headed monster that eats sailors; Charybdis is a whirlpool that can swallow ships.

How do Odysseus' men disobey him on the island of Thrinacia?

They slaughter and eat the sacred cattle of Helios, leading to their punishment.

How does Odysseus end up on the island of Ogygia?

Odysseus washes ashore after a storm, where Calypso keeps him for many years.

What happens to Odysseus when he returns to Ithaca (Book 13)?

He is disguised as a beggar and finds his home overrun by suitors.

How does Odysseus deal with the suitors in his palace?

He convinces them to participate in a contest involving his bow and reveals his identity to kill them.