odyssey 2

Who is Odysseus and why is he important in the Odyssey?

Odysseus is the King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope, and father of Telemachus. He is important because he is the main character who embarks on a long journey home after the Trojan War, facing many challenges and demonstrating traits like hubris.

What role does Penelope play in the Odyssey?

Penelope is the wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus. She plays a crucial role by fending off suitors for 3-4 years, demonstrating loyalty and hope for Odysseus's return.

Who are Telemachus and his importance?

Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope. His attempts to drive out the suitors and his journey to find news of his father are significant to the plot.

What is Eumaeus’s role in the Odyssey?

Eumaeus is Odysseus's loyal swineherd and the first person Odysseus meets upon returning home, representing loyalty and hospitality.

What are the characteristics of Eurymachus?

Eurymachus is a manipulative suitor known for being smooth-talking and sneaky.

Describe Antinous's character in the Odyssey.

Antinous is the leader of the suitors, characterized as a bully who throws a stool at the beggar Odysseus.

What is Athena's role in the Odyssey?

Athena is the goddess of weaving and strategy in battle, who aids Odysseus and Telemachus throughout their journeys.

Why does Odysseus face challenges on his journey home?

Odysseus faces challenges primarily due to Poseidon’s anger after he blinds the cyclops Polyphemus.

What happens to Odysseus's men on the Isle of the Lotus Eaters?

Some of the crew get trapped eating the intoxicating lotus flowers, forgetting their desire to return home.

What is the significance of Thrinacia in the Odyssey?

Thrinacia is the Island of the Sun where Odysseus's men are warned not to eat the sacred cattle, but they do so, leading to disastrous consequences.

Who keeps Odysseus captive for five to seven years?

Calypso, the nymph who lives on Ogygia, keeps Odysseus captive during this time.

What transformation does Circe perform on Odysseus's men?

Circe, the sorceress, turns half of Odysseus's men into pigs.

What role does Nausicaa play in the Odyssey?

Nausicaa is the princess of the Phaeacians who helps Odysseus by providing him with assistance to return home.

Why do the suitors believe Odysseus will not return?

The suitors believe Odysseus will not return because it has been around twenty years since he left for the Trojan War.

What clever strategy does Penelope use to delay the suitors?

Penelope weaves and unweaves her father-in-law's shroud to stall the suitors, claiming she will choose a suitor once the shroud is complete.

What is the test Penelope sets for the suitors?

Penelope tests the suitors by requiring them to string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe heads.

How does Odysseus reveal his identity to Eumaeus and others?

Odysseus reveals his identity through a scar on his leg made by the tusk of a wild boar.

What warning does Odysseus receive in the Land of the Dead?

In the Land of the Dead, Tiresias warns Odysseus not to eat the cattle of the Sun.

Name one similarity between O Brother, Where Art Thou? and the Odyssey.

Both stories involve a long journey home filled with various challenges and encounters with unique characters.