Odyssey Book 9

What is book 9 the start of?

The ‘Flashback’ books which continues in Books 10 through 12. They tell us what happened to Odysseus between his leaving Troy and his seven years on Calypso’s island.

How does Odysseus begin his account to Alcinous?

He reveals his identity by giving his name (an obligation under Xenia) and describes his homeland of Ithaca, emphasising his longing to return (Nostos).

What land do Odysseus and his men reach first after sailing from Troy?

The land of the Cicones (=Trojan allies)

What do Odysseus and his men do in the land of the Cicones?

They plunder the land, taking its women and livestock.

This was viewed as a heroic activity in Ancient Greece and a way of gaining wealth (Time)

What is the first sign of tension between Odysseus and his men?

They refuse to leave the land quickly to avoid conflict despite Odysseus saying they should (Atasthalia).

What happens as a result of them overstaying their welcome?

The Cicones fight back and force Odysseus and his men to retreat resulting in the deaths of 6 of Odysseus’ comrades.

What happens after they set sail from the land of the Cicones?

Zeus sends a divine storm which forces them to rest on land for 2 days, delaying their journey.

They sail for 9 days facing horrific winds and eventually end up reaching which country?

The country of the Lotus-eaters.

What happened when Odysseus’ men ate the lotus? How did Odysseus deal with this?

They lost any wish to return home and wanted to stay and eat lotus with the rest of the lotus-eaters.

He dragged them to the ship and tied them up so they wouldn’t leave.

(Threat to his Nostos!)

How does Odysseus describe the Cyclopes? Give an exact quote

What theme is this?

‘A fierce, lawless people’

Civilised VS Barbaric

In what ways are the Cyclopes barbaric in conventional Ancient Greek standards? (4 points)

• No laws or democracy

• No organised agriculture

• They have no trade as they have no ships

• They cannot craft

Where do Odysseus and his men land? What do they do here?

They land on an isolated island close to the country of the Cyclopes. They explore this island and load up with supplies. They then enjoy a feast.

What does Odysseus do the next day with some of his men?

They sail to the mainland (Land of the Cyclopes) and explore taking a some wine with them as a gift for Xenia.

What is the name of the Cyclops Odysseus finds?

Polyphemus

When Odysseus and his men reach Polyphemus’ cave what do they find? What do Odysseus’ men say?

They find that Polyphemus is not at home and that his cave is filled with cheeses and lambs and vessels for making the cheeses.

How do Odysseus and his men react to the empty cave?

Odysseus’ men beg Odysseus to pillage some goods and leave but Odysseus wants to see the owner of the cave because he ‘had hopes of some friendly gifts from my host’.

In what ways does Odysseus break the code of Xenia in the cave?

He enters when the owner is not there, lights a fire and helps himself to Polyphemus’ cheeses.

When Polyphemus enters the cave with his flock of sheep he puts a rock over the entrance, trapping his guests. What does he say to Odysseus and his men when he sees them? What code of conduct does this break?

‘Who are you?’ He immediately interrogates them on who they are and why they are here.

This is the worst offence in Ancient Greece as he breaks Xenia by not offering hospitality first.

How does Odysseus respond to Polyphemus?

He replies but does not reveal his identity, a sign of his Metis as he uses this to his own advantage later.

He asks for hospitality in accordance with the laws of Zeus but Polyphemus does not care for the laws of Zeus, a sign of his barbarism

Polyphemus wants to find out where the rest of Odysseus’ men are. What does Odysseus say?

Odysseus utilises his cunning and tells Polyphemus that his ship has been wrecked.

What does Polyphemus do to Odysseus’ men? How does Odysseus react?

Polyphemus grabs two of Odysseus’ men and eats them whole. Odysseus, shocked and outraged, is ready to kill them but realises this would be foolish because his men would not be able to remove the stone. He prays to Athene to give him a plan.

What happens the next day?

Polyphemus breakfasts on two more men, then takes his sheep to graze.

What does Odysseus do while Polyphemus is away?

Odysseus prepares a sharpened stake and selects a team to help him. This shows Odysseus’ skills in crafting under pressure.

What does Polyphemus do when he returns?

He eats two more of the men (=6 down).

What is Odysseus’ plan to trick Polyphemus?

Odysseus offers him some very strong wine- Polyphemus takes it and demands more. Now merry and drunk, he asks again Odysseus’ name and Odysseus replies ‘My name is Nobody’.

This sets up Odysseus’ ruse.

What do Odysseus and his men do when Polyphemus collapses into a vomit-strewn ‘drunken stupor’? What is the reaction?

Odysseus and his men drill the sharpened stake they made earlier into the Cyclops’ single eye. Polyphemus screams in pain and his fellow Cyclopes come to investigate.

‘What’s wrong?’, they ask. ‘It’s Nobody’s treachery!’, comes the reply.

The Cyclopes assuming Polyphemus is okay leave him alone.

Polyphemus moves the rock and tries to feel for Odysseus and his men. How does Odysseus take advantage of this?

Odysseus and his men climb under the bellies of Polyphemus’ sheep flock so they can pass through the cave undisturbed and run back to their ship

What does Odysseus do as they sail away?

Odysseus taunts the Cyclops who in anger hurls a rock towards the sound. His men beg him to stop but he continues to taunt him and tells Polyphemus his name so he knows exactly who blinded him, he wants the Kleos for this act.

What does Polyphemus do once Odysseus has sailed away?

He prays to his father Poseidon; if he cannot kill Odysseus at least give him a horrid journey and a painful arrival at Ithaca after losing all his men.