Study Guide: The Iliad and The Odyssey

Flashcards covering key terms, characters, themes, and concepts from The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Epic

A long narrative poem with elevated themes and language, providing cultural insight.

Kleos

Glory or reputation, considered the ultimate goal for warriors.

Hubris

Arrogance that often leads to downfall.

Xenia

The Greek code of guest-friendship, emphasizing hospitality.

Thetis

Achilles’ mother, a sea goddess who assists him.

Achilles' Wrath

His anger stemming from Agamemnon's taking of Briseis.

Fate vs. Free Will

A central theme questioning if one can escape destiny.

Polyphemus

The Cyclops blinded by Odysseus.

Nostoi

The concept of returning home with gained wisdom.

Deception & Identity

A theme in The Odyssey focusing on Odysseus’ disguises and cunning.

Briseis

Achilles’ war prize, taken by Agamemnon, leading to conflict.

Funeral Games for Patroclus

A return to human values after a tragic event.

Eumaeus

The loyal swineherd who assists Odysseus.

Aeolus

The keeper of the winds in The Odyssey.

Sirens

Enchanting creatures whose singing lures sailors to their doom.

Alcinous

The Phaeacian ruler who aids Odysseus on his journey.

Achilles

The greatest Greek warrior, known for his rage and heroic qualities.

Heroes of The Iliad

Key characters include Achilles, Agamemnon, and Hector.

Major Themes in The Iliad

Honor, fate, humanity vs. inhumanity, and divine influence.

Primary Conflict in The Iliad

The quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon over Briseis.

Penelope

Odysseus’ faithful wife, symbolizing loyalty and cunning.

Role of the Gods

The influence of divine beings on human affairs throughout the epics.

Human Experiences in The Odyssey

Themes of loyalty, identity, and the complexity of human relationships.

Agamemnon

King of Mycenae, leader of the Greek forces, power-hungry and vengeful

Odysseus

Clever and eloquent warrior, known for his intelligence and diplomacy. Hero of the Odyssey, known for intelligence and perseverance

Hector

Troy’s greatest warrior, a devoted family man and honorable defender of his city

Priam

King of Troy, father of Hector and Paris

Paris

Prince of Troy, abducts Helen, leading to the war

Helen

The most beautiful woman, wife of Menelaus, taken to Troy

Patroclus

Achilles’ closest companion, whose death sparks Achilles’ wrath

Honor and Glory (Kleos & Timeo)

The ultimate goal for warriors

Hector and Andromache

Their tragic farewell before battle

Achilles' Revenge

His rage after Patroclus’ death, killing Hector

Priam’s Plea

The moving moment when he begs Achilles for Hector’s body

The Shield of Achilles

A vision of life beyond war

Telemachus

Their son, who matures into a leader

Athena

Goddess aiding Odysseus

Eurycleia

Old nurse who recognizes Odysseus

Circe & Calypso

Women who detain Odysseus

Alcinous & Arete

 Phaeacian rulers who help Odysseus

Nausicaa

Phaeacian princess who aids Odysseus.

Aidos

Moral instinct

Arete

Excellence

Thumos

Spirited pride and passion

Greek saying: Know Yourself

Understanding human limitations

Greek saying: Nothing in Excess

Avoiding hubris

Greek saying: No Human is God

Contrast with Persian rulers

Justice & Vengeance

Odysseus’ brutal return

Time & change

The gods' timelessness vs. human mortality

Trojan horse

A cunning ploy used by the Greeks to infiltrate Troy, ultimately leading to the city's downfall.

Polyphemus’ cave

Odysseus’ trickery

Underworld

Encounters with the dead

Return to Ithaca

Odysseus' disguised arrival

The Contest of the Bow

Testing Penelope’s suitors

Slaughter of the Suitors

Odysseus’ brutal justice