Odyssey Book 5

How does Book 5 open?

At a council of the gods Athene expresses her worry for Odysseus’ return home and Telemachus who the suitors plot to kill.

Zeus reassures Athene and agrees to send Hermes to secure the release of Odysseus from Calypso’s island.

What is the name of Calypso’s island?

Ogygia

How long had Odysseus been held captive on Ogygia?

7 years

How is Ogygia described? What does this tell us about Odysseus?

Key theme: Oikos

A sensual and idyllic setting described as being full of natural life. This utopia contrasts the depressed state of Odysseus who inhabits it. Homer does this to emphasise the importance of ones own personal oikos in comparison to others ,i.e Calypso’s, and Odysseus’ longing for his home which he remains loyal to no matter what.

Finish the Quote: Ogygia description

‘It was indeed a spot where even…’

‘…an immortal visitor must pause to gaze in wonder and delight’

Finish the Quote: Description of Odysseus

‘He was sitting….’

‘….disconsolate on the shore in his accustomed place’

Scholarly Quote:

What does Peter Jones say about our first sight of Odysseus?

‘Our first sight of the man on whom all hopes have been pinned is of a helpless hero in tears’

How does Calypso react to Herme’s arrival?

She offers him hospitality, good Xenia, but she breaches it slightly but asking him a question before food. This shows her nervousness at his presence as she senses what he is about to ask her

How does Calypso respond to Herme’s message from Zeus that requires her to free Odysseus?

Calypso reacts angrily with bitterness to Herme’s request but reluctantly agrees although she refuses to give Odysseus a boat for his return, she will only give him directions.

She comments on other goddesses who had sex with mortals only for it to end in disaster. This is because she wants to highlight the double standard between gods and goddesses, as gods are free to have sex with whoever they want but goddesses are not

What did Calypso offer Odysseus if he agreed to stay with her? How did he react?

She offered him immortality but he refused.

Finish the Quote: Description of Odysseus

‘Life with its sweetness was ebbing away in the….’

‘…tears he shed for his lost home’

How does Calypso find Odysseus? What does she tell him to do?

She discovers him weeping on the rocks longing for home. This emphasises his loyalty to Penelope despite sleeping with Calypso every night.

She tells him to make a boat and promises that she will stock it with food, water and clothing.

How does Odysseus respond to Calypso when she tells him he is free to leave? What does this say about his character?

He is cautious and untrusting and asks Calypso to swear a solemn oath not to plan mischief for him. This highlights his intelligence (Metis) but also emphasises the impact the 7 years of isolation has had on his mentality.

How does Odysseus describe his longing for Nostos?

‘It is my never-failing wish’→ He turns down immortality in favour of going home

How long does it take Odysseus to make his boat? What does this say about his character?

Calypso brings Odysseus tools to craft his boat which he does single handedly in 4 days. This shows his resourcefulness and intelligence as a hero.

How long does Odysseus sail for until he reaches sight of Scherie?

17 days

Who spots Odysseus as he is sailing?

Poseidon returning from Ethiopia

What does Poseidon do when he sees Odysseus?

He rouses a divine storm to try and hinder Odysseus’ journey in his rage.

How does Odysseus react to the storm?

He believes this is the end for him and wishes that he had died in Troy with the correct burial rites. → Evokes sympathy for Odysseus as drowning would mean neither funeral nor tomb and, hence, no real Kleos → Trait of the ‘Homeric Hero’

Who rescues Odysseus from drowning? What does she do?

‘Ino, of the slim ankles’ → a goddess

She tells him to take off his clothes and leave his raft and instead swim to the Phaeacian coast. She gives him a veil to wear in order to give him divine protection from injury or death.

How does Odysseus react to the goddess Ino’s help?

He is naturally mistrusting after his experience with Calypso and worries that Ino is setting a trap for him. He decides that instead of leaving the raft he will stay with it until he can swim for land. → His thinking highlights his Metis as he considers every option before making a decision

What does Poseidon send that spurs Odysseus to act?

He sends a wave over Odysseus’ raft which prompts him to follow Ino’s advice.

Pleased with his mischief Poseidon retreats.

How does Athene intervene to help Odysseus?

She makes the winds calm and summons the North wind to flatten the waves so Odysseus can swim to Scherie

How long did Odysseus swim for before he reached Scherie?

2 days but the swell of the sea prevents his landing on the coastline

How does Athene intervene AGAIN to help Odysseus?

She gives him to the idea to grab hold of the rocks BUT before he can be crushed against them he is swept out to sea again.

Where does Odysseus swim to after being swept out to sea? What does he do?

He swims until he sees a river estuary where with a prayer to the unknown river god he is able to land, safe but exhausted.

Where does Odysseus rest for the night?

He enters a wood and buries himself for warmth in a pile of leaves.