Summary of the Odyssey: Books 1-24

These practice flashcards cover the key events, characters, and plot points from the lecture transcript on Books 1-24 of the Odyssey.

According to Zeus's daughter Athena, who is really responsible for the troubles of mortals?

The mortals themselves; their problems are their own issues rather than the gods' doing.

Why is Poseidon specifically upset with Odysseus?

Because Odysseus blinded his son, the cyclops Polyphemus.

Who does Athena disguise herself as when she first goes to Ithaca to see Telemachus?

Mentes, the captain of the Taphians and an old friend of Odysseus.

How many years have passed since Odysseus left for the Trojan War when Book $1$ begins?

$17$ years.

When Mentes advises Telemachus to seek news of his father, where does he tell him to go?

Pylos, the home of the wise King Nestor, and then to Menelaus at Sparta.

In Book $2$, why do the suitors blame Penelope for their continued residence in Odysseus's house?

They claim she has been leading them on and won't pick a husband, specifically citing her trick with the shroud.

According to the bird omen in Book $2$, what does Eumaeus predict will happen?

Odysseus is coming back and will bring a blood slaughter.

During the Trojan War return, why did Agamemnon want to stay behind while others left?

He wanted to stay and offer Hecatombs to honor Athena.

Who is Proteus, and what must Menelaus do to get information from him?

He is the "old man of the sea" and Poseidon's right hand man; Menelaus had to snare him while he was hidden among sea carcasses.

How did Ajax die according to the account of the old man of the sea?

Poseidon split the ledge of the rocks of Gyrae after Ajax claimed the gods couldn't kill him, causing him to fall back into the sea.

What does Calypso offer to give Odysseus if he chooses to stay with her as her husband?

She promises to make him immortal.

How many days did it take Odysseus to reach the island of Phaeacia after his raft was wrecked?

$20$ days.

How does Odysseus prove his skill at the Phaeacian games after being insulted by Euryalus?

He rises to the challenge and impresses everyone with a discus throw.

What happened to Odysseus's men after they pillaged the city of the Cicones?

They stayed to celebrate against Odysseus's wishes, allowing the Cicones to regroup and kill $6$ men from each of his ships.

What trick does Odysseus use to prevent the other Cyclopes from helping Polyphemus?

He tells Polyphemus his name is "Nobody," so when the other Cyclopes ask who is attacking him, he replies, "Nobody's trying to kill me."

What occurs when Odysseus's men open the bag given by King Aeolus?

They think the bag is full of riches and open it, setting all the winds free and blowing the ship back to Aeolus.

What are the Laestrygonians, and how did they attack Odysseus’s fleet?

They are giant creatures who smashed the ships and speared Odysseus’s men from the water like fish.

How does Hermes help Odysseus survive Circe's magic?

He provides a specific herb for Odysseus to chew and swallow, which protects him from her spells.

What does the shade of Elpenor ask Odysseus to do for him in the Underworld?

To bury him, raise a monument of stones, and plant the long oar he used in life on top of it.

What warning does Tiresias give Odysseus regarding the cattle of the sun god, Helios?

If the men kill and eat the cattle, the ship and crew will be destroyed, and Odysseus will return home alone and unrecognized.

How did Odysseus’s mother, Anticleia, die?

She died of longing for Odysseus's return.

What are the Sirens, and how does Odysseus hear their song safely?

They are creatures whose song lures sailors to doom; Odysseus has his crew plug their ears with beeswax while he is tied to the ship's mast.

How does Odysseus sacrifice six of his men to Scylla?

He follows Circe's instruction to stay close to the mountain of Scylla, a six-headed monster, rather than risk the ship being destroyed by the Charybdis whirlpool.

Why did Odysseus's men slaughter the sacred cattle of Helios?

They were trapped by a storm and running out of provisions; Eurylochus convinced them that starvation was the worst death and they could appease the god with a temple later.

How does Argos, Odysseus’s old dog, react when he sees his master for the last time?

He recognizes his master, despite the beggar disguise, and then dies on the dung heap.

How does the nurse Eurycleia identify Odysseus?

She recognizes an old scar on his leg while washing his feet.

What are the specific requirements of Penelope's contest to choose a new husband?

The winner must string Odysseus's old bow and shoot an arrow through $12$ axe heads.

Why is the bed of Odysseus and Penelope immovable?

Odysseus built it from the rooted stump of an olive tree.

How many trees did Laertes give Odysseus when he was a boy as a sign of their relationship?

$13$ pear trees, $10$ apple trees, and $40$ fig trees.