BOOK 5 From the Goddess to the Storm

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Book 5 of the Odyssey, focusing on characters, divine interventions, and themes of suffering and homecoming.

Sceptered King

A king who holds a scepter as a symbol of authority and power.

Nymph Calypso

A goddess who holds Odysseus captive on her island.

Telemachus

Odysseus's son, who searches for news of his father.

Zeus

The king of the gods who decrees Odysseus must return home.

Hermes

The messenger god who delivers Zeus's message to Calypso.

Cavern

A large cave, typically one that is dark and mysterious, where Calypso lives.

Ambrosia

Food or drink of the gods, often associated with immortality.

Raft

A flat buoyant structure used for floating on water, which Odysseus builds to escape.

Poseidon

The god of the sea, who causes Odysseus suffering during his journey home.

Aegae

Poseidon's home or palace where he resides.

Athena

Goddess of wisdom who devises a plan to help Odysseus.

Ino

The White Goddess who offers Odysseus her veil for protection in the water.

Odyssey

A long and arduous journey, particularly one undertaken by Odysseus.

Suffering

The experience of physical or mental pain, which Odysseus endures throughout his journey.

Deathless

Immortal or not subject to death, often referring to the gods.

Golden Wand

An attribute of Hermes, used to enchant men’s eyes.