the odyssey

Who is Odysseus in The Odyssey?

Grandson of Arcesius and Autolycus, son of Laertes and Anticleia, husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, king of Ithaca.

What role does Athena play in The Odyssey?

Goddess and daughter of Zeus, defender of the Achaeans, patron of human ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Who is Zeus?

King of the gods, son of Cronus and Rhea, brother and husband of Hera, father of the Olympians.

What is Poseidon's relation to Odysseus?

God of the sea, younger brother of Zeus, and throughout the Odyssey, an inveterate enemy of Odysseus.

Who is Calypso?

Goddess-nymph, daughter of Atlas, who makes her home on the island of Ogygia.

What is Penelope's relation to Odysseus?

Wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus, queen of Ithaca.

Who is Telemachus?

Son of Odysseus and Penelope, heir to the throne of Ithaca.

Who are Alcinous and Arete?

King and Queen of the Phaeacians; Alcinous is the husband of Arete.

What is the role of Eurylochus?

Kin of Odysseus and second in command.

Who is Nausicaa?

Daughter of Alcinous and Arete.

What is Scylla?

Man-eating monster that lives in a cliffside cavern, across from Charybdis.

How did Odysseus blind Polyphemus?

Polyphemus is a Cyclops, son of Poseidon, who was blinded by Odysseus.

What is Charybdis?

Monster in the form of a giant whirlpool, located across from Scylla.

Who is Aeolus?

Master of the winds and father of Cretheus.

Who is Persephone?

Goddess of the underworld, daughter of Demeter, and wife of Hades.

What is Circe known for?

Goddess and enchantress who changes men to swine.

What are the Lotus-Eaters?

Legendary people visited by Odysseus, live on a plant whose fruit induces stupor and forgetfulness of home.

Who is Antinous?

Son of Eupithes and one of the two leading suitors.

What are the Laestrygonians?

Legendary clan of giant cannibals.

Who is Eurymachus?

One of two leading suitors, son of Polybus, killed by Odysseus.

What is the definition of Cyclops in The Odyssey?

A cannibal clan of one-eyed giants; also refers specifically to Polyphemus.

Who is Laertes?

Son of Arcesius, husband of Anticleia, father of Odysseus.

What is Eumaeus' role?

Swineherd of Odysseus.

Who is Eurycleia?

The old nurse of Odysseus and Telemachus, attendant of Penelope.

What is Troy?

Capital city of the Troad, also called Ilium.

Where is Ithaca located?

Home of Odysseus, an Ionian island off the western coast of Greece.

What is Aeaea?

Island home of Circe.

What is Aeolia?

Island ruled by Aeolus.

What is Ogygia?

Island in the center of the sea and home of Calypso.

Where is Olympus?

Mountain in northeast Thessaly, home of the gods.

What is Sparta known for?

Capital city of Lacedaemon, home of Menelaus and Helen.

What is Phaeacia?

A kingdom also known as Scheria.