The Odyssey Notes

3) Scylla's Description:

  • Monstrous creature with twelve tentacle legs.

  • Six terrifying heads.

  • Six serpent-like necks.

  • Triple serried rows of fangs.

  • Has the voice of a crying newborn.

4) Dangers Faced by Men:

  • Threat of the Sirenes, monsters who lure sailors with hypnotizing songs to devour them.

  • Crew plugs their ears with beeswax to stay safe from the Sirenes’ song.

5) Odysseus's Character Revelation:

  • Shows wisdom in the information he chooses to share with his men.

  • As a leader, it’s his duty to keep the crew focused; sharing too much risks distraction.

6) Resolution of Conflicting Desires:

  • Instructs his crew to tie him down to the mast, allowing him to hear the Sirenes while being prevented from being lured in.

7) Attraction of the Sirenes' Song:

  • The song glorifies Odysseus’s achievements in the Trojan War, appealing to his pride.

8) Mood Created by Imagery:

  • Ominous mood as they approach Scylla and Charybdis, indicated by smoke and white water, foreshadowing danger.

9) Elements of Good Leadership (Lines 226-44):

  • Displays emotional intelligence by recognizing crew’s fear.

  • Communicates effectively to reassure them of their survival, building their confidence.

10) Odysseus's Compassion:

  • Deeply saddened by the loss of his six men, realizing it was necessary for their progression.

  • Quote: "…and deathly pity ran me through at that sight–far the worst I ever suffered, questing the passes of the strange sea." (pg. 49)

11) Violation of Hospitality by Suitors:

  • Suitors disrespected hospitality by continually feasting and drinking in the palace without regard for Penelope's generosity.

12) Motivation for Questioning Swineherd and Cowherd:

  • To test their loyalty before revealing his identity, ensuring they could be trusted for his plan to win Penelope back.

13) Odysseus's Instructions to Men:

  • Prepares them for possible violence with the suitors.

  • Instructs Euimaos to have women lock their doors and Philoitios to secure the outer gates to contain threats.

14) Epic Simile:

  • "Like a musician, like a harper… so effortlessly Odysseus in one motion strung the bow."

  • An extended simile comparing Odysseus to a musician.

15) Homeric Epithet:

  • "Son of crooked-minded Kronos" refers to Zeus, a descriptor recurring in the poem.