The Odyssey and Greek Myths Review

These flashcards cover key characters, concepts, and events in 'The Odyssey' and related Greek myths for exam preparation.

Telemachus

Odysseus' son who embarks on a journey to find news about his father.

Xenia

The ancient Greek concept of hospitality, which includes showing kindness and respect to guests.

Nekyia

A ritualistic summoning of the dead to converse with them, often to gain insight about the future.

Cicones

A group of people who lived on the coast of Thrace; Odysseus raided their city after leaving Troy.

Scylla

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

Anagnorisis

The moment in a story where a character makes a critical discovery about their identity or circumstances.

Eurycleia

The faithful nurse of Odysseus who recognizes him by a scar on his leg.

Herakles

A divine hero in Greek mythology known for his strength and for completing the Twelve Labors.

Medea

A sorceress and a key figure who helps Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece; she later faces banishment.

Deus ex machina

A plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected intervention.

Chimera

A monstrous fire-breathing hybrid creature with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail.

Polyphemus

A cyclops and son of Poseidon who is blinded by Odysseus in his escape from captivity.

Achilles

A Greek hero of the Trojan War who is known for his wrath and for his vulnerability in his heel.

Antiklea

Odysseus’ mother who died from heartbreak waiting for his return from the war.

Athena

The goddess of wisdom who guides and assists Odysseus throughout his journey.

The Argonauts

The band of heroes who accompanied Jason on his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece.

The Palladium

A sacred statue of Athena, crucial to the defense of Troy, which Diomedes and Odysseus steal.