odyssey questions and definitions

How many years was Odysseus away from home?

20 years (10 years fighting the Trojan War, 10 years trying to get home).

Who is the author of The Odyssey?

Homer

The Odyssey is an example of what type of poem?

An epic poem.

Odysseus is considered a ________ hero.

Epic hero.

What does Athena disguise Odysseus as? Why?

An old beggar. She does this so he can secretly return to his home, scout out the situation, and see who has remained loyal.

What character's major flaw is arrogance?

Odysseus (his hubris/excessive pride often gets him into trouble). or antinous

Why did Odysseus wander the seas for ten years?

He angered Poseidon (the god of the sea) by blinding Poseidon's son, Polyphemus the Cyclops. Poseidon cursed his journey home.

When did Odysseus' men help tie him to the mast?

Before sailing past the Sirens, so he could safely listen to their beautiful, enchanting song without jumping overboard.

Odysseus told the Cyclops that his name was ________.

Nobody (or "Nohbdy").

Why did Odysseus put wax in the ears of his men?

To block out the singing of the Sirens so the men wouldn't be lured into crashing their ship into the rocks.

How did Odysseus and his men escape the Cyclops?

They blinded him with a hot, sharpened wooden stake while he slept, and then hid under the bellies of his sheep to escape his cave.

How does Odysseus put his men in danger in the episode of the Cyclops?

His arrogance takes over; as they escape on their ship, he taunts the Cyclops and shouts out his real name, allowing Polyphemus to ask Poseidon to curse them.

What did the suitors have to do in order to win the challenge for Penelope's hand in marriage?

String Odysseus' heavy bow and shoot an arrow perfectly through 12 iron ax handle holes.

What happened to anyone who followed the customs of the Lotus Eaters?

They forgot about their homes and lost all desire to return, wanting only to stay and eat the plant forever.

What kind of contest did Odysseus compete in (the suitors had to do this)?

An archery contest.

fugitive

A person who is running away or hiding, especially from the law or danger.

avenge

To get revenge or inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong done to oneself or someone else.

tactics

Carefully planned actions or strategies used to achieve a specific goal.

dissemble

To hide one's true feelings, intentions, or identity; to disguise oneself.

incredulity

The state of being unwilling or unable to believe something; total disbelief.

deceived

Tricked, fooled, or misled into believing something that is not true.