The Odyssey handout study guide

Ithaca

The home of Odysseus, king who fought 10 years in the Trojan War and delayed 10 years in his journey home.

Odysseus

King of Ithaca who fought 10 years in the Trojan War and delayed 10 years in his journey home.

Penelope

Odysseus's wife who remained faithful during his 20-year absence.

Telemachus

Son of Odysseus who has grown to manhood not knowing his father.

Laertes

Aged father of Odysseus.

Eurycleia

Telemachus's nurse and house slave.

Suitors

Men vying for Penelope's hand, including Antinous, Eurymachus, and Leocritus.

Icarius

Penelope's father.

Halitherses

Old warrior who interprets the omen of the two eagles.

Pisenor

Ithaca's herald.

Eumaeus

Loyal swineherd who gives shelter to Odysseus, showing faithfulness to his master in speech.

Nestor

King in Pylos.

Pisistratus

Nestor's son.

Menelaus

King of Sparta, husband to Helen, brother of Agamemnon.

Helen

Queen and wife to Menelaus.

Megapenthes

Son of Menelaus whose mother was a slave.

Hermione

Helen's only child.

Eteoneus

Advisor to Menelaus.

Eurylochus

Sailor on Odysseus's ship.

Alcinous

King of Phaeacia.

Arete

Queen and wife to Alcinous.

Nausicaa

Princess, daughter of Alcinous and Arete.

Echeneus

Eldest lord of Phaeacia.

Tiresias

Dead seer and blind prophet.

Agamemnon

Brother to Menelaus, killed by Aegisthus.

Clytemnestra

Wife of Agamemnon.

Orestes

Son of Agamemnon who killed his father's murderer Aegisthus and his mother for infidelity.

Aegisthus

Stole Clytemnestra and killed Agamemnon.

Ajax

Dead hero from the Trojan War.

Achilles

Dead hero from the Trojan War.

Patroclus

Dead hero from the Trojan War.

Antilochus

Dead hero from the Trojan War.

King Priam

King of Troy.

Cassandra

Priam's daughter.

Zeus

King of the gods, represented by eagle, convinced by Athena to assist in overriding Poseidon's curse on Odysseus.

Athena

Goddess of technical expertise and strategic thinking, military goddess.

Hermes

Trickster messenger who is son of Zeus.

Poseidon

Lord of the ocean.

Who is Circe?

A sorceress, daughter of Helios and Perse, who uses drugs and incantations to transform humans into animals.

What transformation did Circe perform on Odysseus's companions?

She changed them into swine.

How long did Odysseus and his men stay on Circe's island?

They stayed for a year.

Who is Calypso?

A nymph-goddess who kept Odysseus and his men on her island for seven years.

Who is Polyphemus?

The strongest Cyclops and son of Poseidon, who was blinded by Odysseus while held captive.

What was the consequence of Odysseus blinding Polyphemus?

Poseidon cursed Odysseus, preventing him from returning home.

Who is the author of The Odyssey?

Homer, a blind and possibly illiterate poet who composed the epic poem around the 8th century BC.

What is the primary theme of The Odyssey?

The wandering journey of a war hero who desires to return home.

How does Greek kingship differ from hereditary succession?

Kingship was determined by acclaim, superior wealth, and achievement, not by birth.

What role does hospitality (xenia) play in ancient Greek culture?

Hospitality was crucial, as travelers depended on strangers for hosting, feeding, and gifts.

What are the consequences of breaking oaths in Greek tales?

Breaking oaths is absolutely binding and would be punished by the gods.

What event caused Athena's fury with the Achaeans?

Ajax the Lesser raped Trojan King Priam's daughter Cassandra in Athena's temple, and the Achaeans failed to punish him.

How long did Odysseus wander after the Trojan War?

Odysseus wandered for 10 years.

What sparked the Trojan War according to the notes?

Menelaus called upon his Greek allies to retrieve his wife Helen and the treasures stolen by Paris.

What ambiguity surrounds Helen's departure with Paris?

It is unclear whether Helen went willingly with Paris or was abducted; different sources provide conflicting accounts.

What role did Aphrodite play in Helen's relationship with Paris?

Aphrodite promised Paris Helen as a reward for choosing her as the most beautiful goddess, possibly using her powers to influence Helen.

What is a common narrative device used in Greek tales?

Prophecies that lend irony, as characters often do not realize they are fulfilling them until it has happened.

What is the significance of curses in Greek mythology?

Curses require clearly identifying the offender so that the gods can find and punish them.

What was the outcome of Athena's anger towards the Achaeans?

Athena sent storm winds that prevented them from returning home, leading to prolonged suffering for Menelaus and Odysseus.

What is the nature of the backdrop in The Odyssey?

The Odyssey has a domestic base rather than a battle backdrop, focusing on the hero's journey home.

What does the marriage to Penelope signify in terms of kingship in Ithaca?

Marriage to Penelope could help a suitor become king, but it does not guarantee kingship.

What duality exists in the behavior of Odysseus regarding hospitality?

Odysseus both receives hospitality and engages in raiding, killing, stealing, and kidnapping.

What is the significance of the gods in Greek narratives?

The gods play a crucial role in enforcing moral codes, such as punishing broken oaths and curses.

What does the term 'xenia' refer to?

Xenia refers to the ancient Greek concept of hospitality and courtesy towards guests.

How did the Achaeans' failure to punish Ajax impact their journey?

Their failure led to divine retribution, causing delays and hardships in their return home.