Odyssey Quest Character and Place Overview

Zeus

King of the gods in Greek mythology.

Telemachus

Son of Odysseus and Penelope.

Antinous

The worst most evil suitor

Athena

Goddess of wisdom and war, assists Odysseus.

Penelope

Wife of Odysseus, known for her loyalty.

Eurymachus

Second worst suitor

Poseidon

God of the sea, antagonist to Odysseus.

Odysseus

Protagonist of the Odyssey, king of Ithaca.

Amphinomusa

A suitor of Penelope who is more noble than others.

Calypso

Nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island.

Iphthime

Sister of Penelope.

Agamemnon

King of Mycenae, leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War.

Eurycleia

Nurse of Odysseus and Telemachus.

Athena as Mentes

Disguised form of Athena when she first visits Telemachus.

Clytemnestra

Wife of Agamemnon, known for her betrayal.

Phemius

The bard in Odysseus's household.

Athena as Mentor

Another disguise of Athena, guiding Telemachus.

Aegisthus

Lover of Clytemnestra, responsible for Agamemnon's death.

Medon

The herald of Odysseus.

Orestes

Son of Agamemnon, avenger of his father's death.

Eumaeus

Swineherd and loyal servant of Odysseus.

Philoetius

Cowherd and loyal servant of Odysseus.

Melanthius

Goatherd and disloyal servant of Odysseus.

Nestor

King of Pylos, known for his wisdom.

Menelaus

King of Sparta, husband of Helen.

Pisistratus

Son of Nestor.

Helen

Wife of Menelaus, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War.

Mount Olympus

Home of the gods in Greek mythology.

Ogygia

Island where Calypso lives.

Ithaca

Home of Odysseus.

Pylos

Kingdom of Nestor.

Sparta

Kingdom of Menelaus.

Xenia

The ancient Greek concept of hospitality.

Epic formulae

Standardized phrases used in epic poetry.

Omen

A sign or warning of future events.

In medias res

A narrative technique where the story begins in the middle.

Algia

A term referring to pain or discomfort.

Epithet

A descriptive phrase expressing a quality of the person or thing.

Nostos

The theme of homecoming in Greek literature.

Nonlinear narration

A storytelling technique that does not follow a straight chronological order.

Homer

The ancient Greek poet traditionally said to be the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Time

similar to kleos, Tangible honor

Archetype

A typical example of a character or theme.

Oral tradition

The practice of passing stories and history through spoken word.

Bard

A poet and storyteller in ancient times.

Kleos

The Greek word for glory or fame, often achieved through heroic deeds.

Invocation

A call to a muse or deity for inspiration.

Epic simile

An extended comparison often used in epic poetry.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall.

Metis

Wisdom or cunning intelligence.

Muse

Goddesses of inspiration in the arts and sciences.

Kalliope

The Muse of epic poetry.