4Th Homer's Odyssey (Part II)

Eurylochus

A member of Odysseus’ crew who often challenges his leadership and makes poor decisions

Helios

The sun god whose sacred cattle are eaten by Odysseus’ crew, leading to their doom

Circe

A sorceress who turns Odysseus’ men into pigs but later helps him on his journey

Elpenor

A member of Odysseus’ crew who dies accidentally and later asks for a proper burial in the Underworld

Tiresias

A blind prophet in the Underworld who gives Odysseus guidance for his journey home

Tantalus

A figure in the Underworld punished with eternal hunger and thirst, mentioned in the Odyssey

Sisyphus

A figure in the Underworld condemned to roll a boulder uphill forever, mentioned in the Odyssey

Reception

The way the Odyssey has been interpreted and understood by audiences over time

Katabasis

A journey to the Underworld, such as Odysseus’ descent to meet Tiresias

Ocean

The great river that encircles the world in Greek mythology, which Odysseus crosses to reach the Underworld

Libation

A ritual pouring of liquid as an offering to the gods or the dead, performed by Odysseus in the Underworld

Allusion

A reference to other myths, stories, or events, often found in the Odyssey

The Sirens

Dangerous creatures whose beautiful singing lures sailors to their deaths

Scylla

A six-headed monster who devours sailors as they pass by her rocky lair

Charybdis

A deadly whirlpool that threatens to swallow Odysseus’ ship

The Cattle of the Sun

The sacred cattle of Helios, whose slaughter by Odysseus’ crew leads to their destruction