Key Vocabulary from Odysseus's Journey

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary terms and their definitions related to Odysseus's epic journey as detailed in the lecture notes.

Ithaca

The home island of Odysseus, known for being the final destination of his long journey.

Calypso

Nymph who held Odysseus captive for seven years on the island of Ogygia.

Hermes

Messenger god who assists Odysseus by providing magical herbs and guidance.

Polyphemus

A Cyclops, son of Poseidon, who captures Odysseus and his men and is eventually blinded by Odysseus.

Scylla

A monster that lives on one side of a narrow strait, having six heads and devouring sailors.

Charybdis

A monstrous whirlpool opposite Scylla that threatens to swallow Odysseus's ship.

Sirens

Mythical creatures whose singing lures sailors to their deaths, which Odysseus encounters.

Trojan Horse

A cunning strategy devised by Odysseus that led to the fall of Troy.

The Odyssey

An epic poem detailing Odysseus's ten-year journey home after the Trojan War.

What is Ithaca?

Ithaca is the home island of Odysseus, where his journey begins and to which he yearns to return after the Trojan War.

What is Troy?

Troy is the city that Odysseus and the Greeks besiege in the Trojan War, marking the beginning of his long journey home.

What are the Cicones?

The Cicones are the first people Odysseus encounters after leaving Troy, where he and his men raid their city but face strong resistance.

What is the Land of the Lotus-Eaters?

The Land of the Lotus-Eaters is where Odysseus's men are tempted to abandon their journey after consuming the addictive lotus flower.

What are the Cyclopes?

The Cyclopes are one-eyed giants, and Odysseus encounters Polyphemus, the Cyclops, who captures and eats his men.

What is Aeolia?

Aeolia is the island of the wind god Aeolus, who gifts Odysseus a bag of winds to help him return home.

What is the Land of the Laestrygonians?

The Land of the Laestrygonians is inhabited by giant cannibals who destroy Odysseus's fleet, leaving him with only one ship.

What is Circe's Island?

Circe's Island, also known as Aiaia, is where the witch Circe transforms Odysseus's men into animals, but later helps him on his journey.

What is the Underworld?

The Underworld is where Odysseus travels to seek guidance from the prophet Tiresias, learning about the challenges ahead in his journey.

What are the Sirens?

The Sirens are mythical creatures whose enchanting song lures sailors to their doom, which Odysseus must resist with the help of his crew.

What is Scylla?

Scylla is a six-headed monster that Odysseus must navigate past, threatening his ship and crew during their journey.

What is Charybdis?

Charybdis is a whirlpool that threatens to swallow Odysseus's ship whole, and he must avoid it while sailing near Scylla.

What is the Island of the Sun God?

The Island of the Sun God, Thrinacia, is where Odysseus's crew, despite warnings, eats the sacred cattle, leading to their punishment.

What is Ogygia?

Ogygia is the island where the nymph Calypso holds Odysseus captive for several years, offering him immortality if he stays.

What is Phaeacia?

Phaeacia is the land where Odysseus is finally welcomed and helped home after sharing his story, leading to his return to Ithaca.

Odysseus

The hero of the Odyssey, a Greek king of Ithaca who journeyed home after the Trojan War.

Penelope

Odysseus's faithful wife who waits for his return while being pursued by suitors.

Telemachus

Son of Odysseus and Penelope, who embarks on his own journey to find his father.

Athena

The goddess of wisdom who helps Odysseus on his journey home.

Poseidon

The god of the sea who creates obstacles for Odysseus due to a grudge.

Circe

A goddess and witch who transforms Odysseus's men into animals; later helps Odysseus.

Calypso

A nymph who keeps Odysseus on her island for several years, offering him immortality.

Polyphemus

The Cyclops who traps Odysseus and his men; Odysseus blinds him to escape.

Scylla

A six-headed monster that poses a deadly challenge to Odysseus during his journey.

Charybdis

A sea monster that creates a whirlpool, threatening to swallow Odysseus and his crew.