Odyssey

Flashcard Set: The Odyssey (Trickster Edition)

1. Question: “Who is the last person to recognize Odysseus when he returns to Ithaca?”

• Answer: Penelope.

• Explanation: While many people recognize Odysseus at different points, Penelope is the final person to accept his identity. She tests him by asking about their bed, and Odysseus proves himself by describing the olive tree that forms part of the bed.

2. Question: “When does Odysseus’ scar get recognized for the first time after his return to Ithaca?”

• Answer: By Eurycleia, when she bathes him.

• Explanation: Eurycleia, the loyal nurse, recognizes Odysseus’ scar on his leg while bathing him. This happens before any of the suitors or other characters confirm his identity.

3. Question: “Why does Poseidon hate Odysseus? Be careful: it’s not JUST about Polyphemus.”

• Answer: Poseidon hates Odysseus because he blinded Polyphemus, Poseidon’s Cyclops son, and then bragged about his identity as the man who did it.

• Explanation: It’s not the act of blinding alone that enraged Poseidon, but Odysseus’ pride and recklessness in revealing his name to Polyphemus after the escape. This act defied Poseidon’s power and ensured the god’s wrath.

4. Question: “What did Penelope do to ‘finish’ her weaving for Laertes? Did she truly delay the suitors for years?”

• Answer: Penelope wove the shroud during the day and secretly unraveled it at night.

• Explanation: Penelope tricked the suitors for three years, not indefinitely. They only discovered her deception when one of her maids betrayed her.

5. Question: “Which god or goddess is responsible for the final reconciliation in Ithaca? Hint: it’s not Zeus.”

• Answer: Athena.

• Explanation: Athena intervenes to stop the families of the suitors from continuing the bloodshed against Odysseus. She establishes peace and ensures a stable future for Ithaca.

6. Question: “What does Melanthius do to betray Odysseus?”

• Answer: Melanthius arms the suitors by retrieving weapons from the storeroom.

• Explanation: Melanthius, the disloyal goatherd, sneaks into the storeroom to get weapons for the suitors. His actions directly hinder Odysseus’ efforts during the final battle.

7. Question: “Why does Homer repeatedly mention Agamemnon’s fate throughout the poem? Careful—what’s the bigger reason?”

• Answer: To contrast Agamemnon’s tragic homecoming with Odysseus’ successful return.

• Explanation: Agamemnon’s story serves as a warning of betrayal and disloyalty, while Odysseus’ return highlights loyalty, perseverance, and justice. This comparison emphasizes Odysseus’ heroic and fortunate journey.

8. Question: “Did Odysseus ever encounter any truly ‘peaceful’ people on his travels? If so, where?”

• Answer: Yes, the Phaeacians of Scheria.

• Explanation: The Phaeacians are a peaceful, hospitable people who help Odysseus return to Ithaca after hearing his story. Their civilization represents an ideal, utopian society that contrasts with Odysseus’ hardships.

9. Question: “Was Laertes already dead when Odysseus returned, or was he alive and heroic?”

• Answer: Laertes was alive, and Odysseus found him working in his orchard.

• Explanation: Laertes is alive but grief-stricken and aging when Odysseus returns. Odysseus tests him before revealing his identity, and Laertes later fights alongside Odysseus against the families of the suitors.

10. Question: “In Book 24, where do the suitors’ souls go after they are killed? Bonus: Who leads them?”

• Answer: Their souls go to Hades, and Hermes leads them.

• Explanation: Hermes, acting as a psychopomp (soul guide), leads the souls of the suitors to the Underworld, where they encounter Agamemnon and Achilles.

11. Question: “What was the consequence for the maids who betrayed Odysseus and Penelope?”

• Answer: They were hanged.

• Explanation: Odysseus forces the disloyal maids to clean up the blood and bodies of the suitors. Afterward, they are hanged as punishment for their betrayal.

12. Question: “What weapon does Telemachus use to execute Melanthius?”

• Answer: Trick question—Telemachus doesn’t kill Melanthius directly.

• Explanation: Melanthius is captured, tortured, and dismembered, but the act involves Odysseus and his allies. Telemachus plays a role in the battle but does not personally execute Melanthius.

13. Question: “Why is the olive tree bed so important in Odysseus’ final reunion with Penelope?”

• Answer: It is the secret sign that only they know.

• Explanation: The olive tree bed was built by Odysseus himself and cannot be moved because it is rooted to the ground. Penelope uses it as a test to confirm Odysseus’ identity.

14. Question: “Did Odysseus kill every single suitor in the hall during the final battle?”

• Answer: Yes, every suitor is killed.

• Explanation: With the help of Telemachus, Eumaeus, Philoetius, and Athena, Odysseus kills all the suitors. None escape.

15. Question: “Who speaks the final words in The Odyssey? Hint: it’s a god.”

• Answer: Zeus.

• Explanation: Zeus speaks the final words in The Odyssey, reaffirming peace and balance after Athena’s intervention.

1. Question: “How does Odysseus prove his identity to his father, Laertes, when they reunite?”

• Answer: By showing his scar and describing the trees in Laertes’ orchard.

• Explanation: Odysseus tells Laertes the exact number and type of trees Laertes gifted him as a child, proving he is truly his son. He also confirms his identity by showing the scar on his leg.

2. Question: “What punishment does Odysseus order for the disloyal goatherd, Melanthius?”

• Answer: Melanthius is tied up, mutilated, and killed.

• Explanation: Melanthius has his ears, nose, hands, and feet cut off after betraying Odysseus by arming the suitors. This gruesome punishment reflects his ultimate betrayal.

3. Question: “Who among the suitors begs Odysseus for mercy during the slaughter, claiming innocence?”

• Answer: Leodes, the soothsayer.

• Explanation: Leodes pleads for mercy, claiming he tried to stop the suitors. However, Odysseus kills him anyway, refusing to forgive anyone complicit in consuming his wealth and courting Penelope.

4. Question: “What animal is used as a symbol of loyalty in The Odyssey?”

• Answer: Argos, the dog.

• Explanation: Argos, Odysseus’ old hunting dog, symbolizes loyalty. He waits 20 years for Odysseus’ return and dies shortly after seeing his master again.

5. Question: “How many axe heads must Odysseus’ bow shoot through during the archery contest?”

• Answer: Twelve axe heads.

• Explanation: Penelope sets the challenge for the suitors, and Odysseus is the only one able to string the bow and shoot an arrow through all twelve axes.

6. Question: “Which two servants remain loyal to Odysseus and help him during the final battle?”

• Answer: Eumaeus (the swineherd) and Philoetius (the cowherd).

• Explanation: These two loyal servants assist Odysseus by locking the doors to the hall and fighting alongside him against the suitors.

7. Question: “What god or goddess disguises Odysseus as a beggar upon his return to Ithaca?”

• Answer: Athena.

• Explanation: Athena transforms Odysseus into a beggar to help him gather information, test the loyalty of his household, and plan his revenge.

8. Question: “What deception does Telemachus use to help Odysseus during the final battle?”

• Answer: Telemachus removes the weapons from the hall under the pretense of keeping them from being damaged.

• Explanation: Telemachus follows Odysseus’ orders to remove the weapons so the suitors cannot arm themselves during the battle.

9. Question: “Where does Odysseus reveal his identity to Telemachus for the first time?”

• Answer: In the hut of Eumaeus, the swineherd.

• Explanation: Athena removes Odysseus’ disguise when he is alone with Telemachus in Eumaeus’ hut, and father and son are reunited.

10. Question: “What offer does Eurymachus make to Odysseus to spare the suitors?”

• Answer: He offers reparations—including food, wine, and gifts of gold and bronze.

• Explanation: Eurymachus attempts to negotiate for the suitors’ lives, offering wealth to Odysseus as payment for their offenses. Odysseus rejects this offer and continues the slaughter.

11. Question: “Who is the first suitor Odysseus kills, and why is this significant?”

• Answer: Antinoos.

• Explanation: Antinoos is the leader of the suitors and the most arrogant. Odysseus shoots him with an arrow while he drinks wine, signaling the start of the revenge.

12. Question: “What dream does Penelope have before the archery contest, and how does she interpret it?”

• Answer: Penelope dreams of an eagle killing 20 geese, which she interprets as a sign of Odysseus returning.

• Explanation: The eagle represents Odysseus, while the geese symbolize the suitors. This prophetic dream foreshadows Odysseus’ victory and the suitors’ deaths.

13. Question: “What island do Odysseus and his crew land on where they meet Circe?”

• Answer: Aeaea.

• Explanation: Aeaea is Circe’s island, where she turns Odysseus’ men into pigs. Odysseus later convinces her to help him.

14. Question: “Who is the god of winds that aids Odysseus early in his journey, and what does he give him?”

• Answer: Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of winds.

• Explanation: Aeolus, the god of winds, provides Odysseus with a bag containing all winds except the one needed to return to Ithaca. His crew foolishly opens the bag, blowing them off course.

15. Question: “How does Odysseus lose his men on Thrinacia, the island of the Sun?”

• Answer: His men eat the cattle of Helios, angering the god.

• Explanation: Despite Odysseus’ warning, his men kill and eat Helios’ sacred cattle. As punishment, Zeus strikes their ship with a lightning bolt, killing everyone except Odysseus.

16. Question: “What final test does Athena pose to Odysseus at the end of The Odyssey?”

• Answer: She tests his resolve and wisdom by disguising herself and watching his handling of the suitors’ aftermath.

• Explanation: Athena ensures Odysseus can bring peace to Ithaca and handle his enemies’ families before intervening to stop the conflict.

17. Question: “How does Telemachus mature throughout The Odyssey? Name a key moment where his growth is clear.”

• Answer: Telemachus matures by taking initiative, especially during his journey to Pylos and Sparta and his role in the final battle.

• Explanation: Initially insecure, Telemachus grows into a confident leader by seeking information about his father and standing by Odysseus during the slaughter of the suitors.

18. Question: “Why is the lotus plant dangerous to Odysseus’ men?”

• Answer: It causes them to lose their desire to return home.

• Explanation: The lotus plant makes the men forget their goals and wish to remain in a state of blissful idleness, representing a loss of purpose.

19. Question: “What are the Sirens, and how does Odysseus survive their song?”

• Answer: The Sirens are creatures whose song lures sailors to their deaths. Odysseus plugs his crew’s ears with wax and has himself tied to the mast.

• Explanation: By preventing his men from hearing the song, Odysseus ensures they can row safely past the Sirens without succumbing to temptation.

20. Question: “How does Homer describe Odysseus as a hero? What unique traits set him apart?”

• Answer: Odysseus is characterized by his cunning (metis), perseverance, and loyalty to his home and family.

• Explanation: Unlike other heroes who rely on strength alone, Odysseus uses intelligence, resourcefulness, and strategy to overcome challenges.