The Odyssey Part 1

Who wrote the Odyssey?

Blind poet, Homer.

In what year was the Odyssey composed?

700 B.C.E.

Who is the goddess who assists Odysseus?

It was Athena.

How long did it take Odysseus to complete his journey back to Ithaca?

It took him 20 years; 10 years fighting in the Trojan War and 10 years finding his way back home due to his mishaps with the Gods.

In order, what are the 3 places Odysseus has visited (so far) since leaving Troy.

Island of the Cicones, Island of the Lotus Eaters, Island of the Cyclopes.

What prophecy was made about Polyphemus?

Polyphemus would be blinded by Odysseus.

What happened when Odysseus and his crew arrived in the island of Cicones?

His men raided the island and the Cicones' army attacked his crew, and Odysseus had lost six benches of his men during the battle.

After the island of Cicones, Odysseus lands on the island of the lotus eaters. What happens?

He sends out three of his men to scout. When they were found eating the lotus, and he tied the three men up and forced them into the ship against their will and sails away.

Which plant makes his shipmen forget their home? And what is the effect of eating lotus?

The lotus. The after effect of eating a lotus is it makes them lose grip of reality.

Why does Odysseus lead his men into Polyphemus' cave?

He was curious about the cyclops.

How does Odysseus take advantage of the cyclops?

He gets the cyclops drunk with his wine.

Why does Odysseus only blind Polyphemus rather than killing him?

Polyphemus was the only one who can move the boulder from the entrance.

When Polyphemus asks Odysseus what his name was, what did he say?

He said his name was Nohbody.

What happened when the cyclops screamed for help?

He screamed, "Nohbody is hurting me!" But, the other cyclopes thought he was foolish that "no man" was hurting him and ignored his calls for help.

Even though the Cyclops had been warned about Odysseus, he did not expect him to be ____________?

A mortal man. He expected a monster.

How do Odysseus and his remaining men escape from the cave?

They tie themselves on the bellies of the cyclops' flock.

Why does Poseidon despise Odysseus?

Odysseus blinded Poseidon's son, Polyphemus.

Who was the nymph that offers Odysseus immortality?

Calypso

How does Odysseus respond when Calypso asks if Penelope is better than her?

He says that Penelope, a mere mortal, is no match for a goddess, but that he really misses his home.

Hermes tells Calypso to let Odysseus leave his island because ______?

Zeus has ordered it.

What very crucial mistake does Odysseus make as he and his men are escaping from Polyphemus?

He taunted Polyphemus by yelling back to him and identifying himself.

As Odysseus and his men escape, what does Polyphemus ask for in his prayer to his father?

He asks that Odysseus never return home, or that it take him a long time to get there, arriving alone, without his men.

How do we know that Polyphemus' prayer was answered?

When we meet Odysseus on Calypso's, he has been held captive there for 7 years, and he is there without his men.

How do Odysseus and his men blind Polyphemus?

They strike him in the eye with a charred spike.

In the beginning of the Odyssey, why does Homer start with a prayer to the muse?

He wants to ask for blessings in telling the story of the great hero, Odysseus.