Odyssey Book 1

What does book 1 open with? (Lines 1-11)

A proem (a preface) which is a familiar feature of an epic. It invokes a muse as an appeal for inspiration ‘Tell me muse…’.

It introduces the main themes of the poem: sin and punishment and sets the scene for the tale of Odysseus.

When does the action begin? (Lines 11-21)

The action begins in media res, 10 years after the fall of Troy. This allows Homer to focus on the emotions surrounding Odysseus’ continued absence and the characters affected by it e.g. Penelope, Telemachus and the Suitors.

What is revealed to us in lines 11-21 about Odysseus’ fate after the Trojan War?

We learn that Odysseus had not returned home from the Trojan War (Nostos) and is being held on the island of Ogygia by a goddess, the Nymph Calypso, who wants him to marry her.

Where has Poseidon gone? Why? (Lines 22-26)

Poseidon has gone to visit Ethiopia to receive offerings from the Ethiopian people.

This highlights the transactional relationship between gods and humans. Gods receive prayers, librarians and cult offerings and repay with support.

What is happening while Poseidon is away? Why is this significant?

A divine council is held on Mount Olympus where Athene pleads with her father to allow Odysseus to return home.

Significantly Athene does this while Poseidon is not present because Poseidon does not like Odysseus and has prevented him from returning home in the past. → A god’s power is in their presence

What story does Zeus discuss at the divine council?

The story of Agamemnon→ While Agamemnon is away at Troy Aegisthus becomes loves with his wide Clytemnestra. When Agamemnon returns they kill him and rule in his place until they are killed by Agamemnon’s son Orestes.

FINISH THE LINE:

‘What a lamentable thing it is that men should…….’

‘……blame the gods and regard us as the source of their troubles, when it is their own transgressions which bring them suffering

What is the significance of Agamemnon’s story in relation to Odysseus?

It foreshadows the fate of the suitors who suffer for their transgressions and creates parallels between different characters.

• Penelope vs Clytaemnestra

• Telemachus vs Orestes

What plan does Athene make to help Odysseus’ nostos? How does this set up the action for future books? (Lines 80-96)

• She suggests that they send Hermes to liberate Odysseus from Calypso’s island, setting up the events of Book 5

• She plans to go and visit Telemachus on Ithaca to encourage him to confront the suitors and seek news of his fathers return in Sparta and Pylos. → ‘instil more spirit’ → Help him reach manhood and find Kelso

Who does Athene disguise herself as when she visits Telemachus?

A family friend, Mentes→ Theme of disguise

How does Athene find Telemachus? How does he treat her?(Lines 113-125)

Telemachus is described as ‘sitting disconsolate among the Suitors’ thinking about his father and what he would do to them.

When he sees Mentes (Athene in disguise) waiting at the gates he feels ashamed he left a guest waiting and invites her in with an offer of food→ Good Xenia, food first questions later

How does Telmachus’ welcome contrast the attitude of the suitors? (Lines 107-125)

The suitors do not honour the rules of Xenia and exploit their host by slaying Odysseus’ oxen and abusing his hospitality. WHEREAS Telemachus rushes to welcome his visitor.

How else is the suitors poor Xenia exemplified? (Lines 150-155)

They force the minstrel Phemius to play for them during their banquet.

What does Athene (disguised as Mentes) say to Telemachus during their exchange?

Athene tells Telemachus that ‘the good Odysseus is not dead’ and that “he” sees much of his father in Telemachus ‘The likeness is startling’ but Telemachus had his doubts ‘No man can be certain of his parentage’.

Athene wants to build Telemachus’ confidence up and stir up some hope in him so he can achieve manhood.

What does Telemachus say the suitors have been doing since his father’s absence? (2)

• Abusing his property

• Courting Penelope

FINISH THE LINE: Telemachus

‘Nor is it only on his account that I am sighing and grieving…..’

‘…..,for the gods have gone on piling other troubles on my head’

FINISH THE LINE: Telemachus

‘Meanwhile they are….’

‘….eating me out of house and home. And they will very soon destroy me too.’

Scholarly Quote:

What does Peter Jones say about Book 1?

‘Although absent, Odysseys dominates the thoughts and feelings of everyone in the palace’

What does Athene (disguised as Mentes) instruct Telemachus to do? (Lines 270-306)

• Call the suitors to assembly and command them to leave and go home

• Set out on a ship to try and find news of Odysseus. Go first to Pylos and question Nestor then to Sparta to question Menelaus

What does Telemachus suspect after Mentes (Athene is disguise) departure? (Lines 320-325)

That he had spoken to a goddess.

What is the bard Phemius singing about during the suitors banquet? How does Penelope react? (326-344)

The Achaean’s return from Troy.

Penelope comes down from her quarters with two waiting women and bursts into tears commanding them bard to stop singing because thinking about Odysseus upsets her.

How does Telemachus react to his mother’s reaction to Phemius? (Lines 345-360)

Telemachus, stirred by Athene’s words of encouragement, seeks to establish his position in the household.

Annoyed with his mother for stopping the bard he is abrupt and sends her to her quarters→ Highlights the tense relationship between Penelope and Telemachus.

FINISH THE LINE: Telemachus

‘Making decisions must be men’s concern and mine in particular….’

‘….;for I am master in this house.’

Scholarly Quote:

What does Griffin say about Telemachus’ character in Book 1?

Telemachus’ character is ‘in the process of achieving adult status, asserting himself for the first time both with the Suitors and with his mother’.

What does Telemachus say to the suitors? (Lines 367-380)

Telemachus takes the initiative and summons the suitors to an assembly in the morning taking the suitors by surprise.

What are the personalities of the two suitors Antinuous and Eurymachus like?

Antinuous is consistently unambiguously aggressive whilst Eurymachus is more two faced.

How does the Book end?

Telemachus goes to his room and is attended to by his faithful nurse Eurycleia.