Key Characters from The Odyssey

These flashcards cover key characters and elements from the story of Odysseus.

Odysseus

The cunning King of Ithaca and protagonist of the epic, renowned for his strength, bravery, and intelligence (metis). He survived a 20-year journey home after the Trojan War.

Penelope

The immensely loyal Queen of Ithaca and wife of Odysseus, known for her cunning strategies (like the shroud weave trick) used to delay the persistent suitors during her husband's 20-year absence.

Telemachus

The son of Odysseus and Penelope. Guided by the goddess Athena, he matures from an indecisive boy into a man who successfully aids his father in reclaiming the throne from the suitors.

Argos

Odysseus's old, devoted hunting dog. He recognized his master despite his disguise upon his return to Ithaca after 20 years, dying shortly after this moment of ultimate recognition.

King Lamus

The King of the Laestrygonians, a race of giant, fierce cannibals. He directed his tribe to destroy nearly all of Odysseus's fleet by hurling massive rocks.

King Aelous

The divine keeper of the winds at Aeolia who tried to help Odysseus by giving him a sealed bag containing all destructive winds, provided his crew did not open it on their journey.

Elpenor

A sailor in Odysseus's crew who died carelessly by falling off Circe's roof. His shade encountered Odysseus in the Underworld, where he urgently requested a proper burial for his body.

Zeus

The King of all gods who rules Mount Olympus. Although initially allowing Poseidon's rage to hinder Odysseus, he eventually authorized Hermes to command Calypso to release the hero, setting his final return in motion.

Athena

The Goddess of war and wisdom (metis). She acts as Odysseus's constant divine protector and mentor, often appearing in disguise to guide or aid him, especially in difficult escapes and challenges.

Calypso

A beautiful Sea Nymph who held the hero Odysseus captive for seven years on her isolated island, Ogygia, wishing to make him her immortal husband against his will.

Polyphemus

A gigantic, brutal, and one-eyed Cyclops who is the son of Poseidon. Odysseus blinded him after tricking him by giving his name as "Nobody," resulting in the continuous wrath of Poseidon against Odysseus.

Circe

A powerful sorceress and goddess who lived on the island of Aiaia. She turned many of Odysseus's men into pigs but eventually became his lover and key advisor, helping him prepare for his journey to the Underworld.

Scylla

A monstrous, six-headed beast dwelling in a cave opposite the massive whirlpool Charybdis. She snatched and devoured six of Odysseus's best men as his ship sailed through the dangerous strait.

Lotus Eaters

People encountered on Odysseus's journey who consumed the intoxicating fruit of the lotus plant. This consumption caused them to forget their desire to return home and become content with endless, lazy drifting.

Sirens

Dangerous female creatures who lure sailors to their deaths with their enchanting, irresistible songs. Odysseus listened safely while tied to the mast.

Trojan War

The great conflict that lasted ten years. Odysseus's perilous journey home begins immediately after its conclusion, forming the basis of his entire 20-year absence.

Cockerel

A young rooster that served as the mascot for Odysseus and his crew; it was killed and turned into stew on the Island of the Sun God, directly before the men, desperate with hunger, slaughtered the sacred cattle, marking the final turning point before the crew's destruction.

Sun God (Helios)

The god of the sun, who cursed Odysseus and his men with further suffering and death when they sacrilegiously ate his sacred golden cattle on the island of Thrinacia.

Aiaia (Circe's Palace)

The island and palace of the powerful sorceress Circe, where Odysseus spent one year of his journey as her lover and eventual reluctant guest.

Teiresias

The blind prophet from Thebes whose shade Odysseus consulted in the Underworld. Teiresias predicted Odysseus's final journey and gave him crucial warnings and instructions for his journey home.

King Alcinous/Queen Arete

The benevolent King and Queen of the seafaring Phaeacians on the island of Scheria. They warmly welcome Odysseus (in The Odyssey) after his shipwreck and provide him with aid and safe passage home.