Odyssey Book 9 Key Facts

Questions and Answers

What does Odysseus reluctantly tell the Phaeacians?

his story

From which city do the winds take Odysseus' crew after Troy?

Ismarus

What happens when Odysseus' crew lands on Ismarus?

Reinforced ranks of Cicones attack them

How many men does Odysseus' crew lose per ship during the escape from Ismarus?

six Signup and view all the answers

What type of fruit do the natives give to Odysseus' men on the land of Lotus-eaters?

intoxicating fruit of the lotus Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the lotus fruit have on Odysseus' men?

They lose all thoughts of home Signup and view all the answers

What does Odysseus do to get his men off the island of the Lotus-eaters?

drags them to the ship and locks them up Signup and view all the answers

What type of giants does Odysseus encounter on the land of Cyclopes?

one-eyed giants Signup and view all the answers

What does Odysseus find in the cave of the Cyclopes?

sheep, milk, cheese Signup and view all the answers

What does Odysseus decide to do instead of stealing and running when entering the cave?

decides to stay Signup and view all the answers

Who is Polyphemus?

Cyclops, son of Poseidon Signup and view all the answers

What does Polyphemus do to the men after showing initial hospitality?

eats two men; imprisons Odysseus and his men Signup and view all the answers

What does Odysseus want to do to Polyphemus when he first captures them?

kill him with a sword Signup and view all the answers

What plan does Odysseus formulate to escape from Polyphemus?

finds wood stick, hardens it in fire Signup and view all the answers

What name does Odysseus give to Polyphemus when asked?

Nobody Signup and view all the answers

What happens after Odysseus blinds Polyphemus?

Polyphemus shrieks Signup and view all the answers

What do Polyphemus' neighbors do when they hear him shout?

leave when they hear 'Nobody's killing me!' Signup and view all the answers

How do Odysseus and his men escape from Polyphemus' cave?

cling to the bellies of Polyphemus' sheep Signup and view all the answers

What does Odysseus reveal to Polyphemus after escaping?

his true identity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Odyssey Book 9 Key Facts

Odysseus begins recounting his journey to the Phaeacians with reluctance.
After departing from Troy, the crew arrives at Ismarus, the city of the Cicones.
The crew initially takes the land but is attacked by the reinforced ranks of the Cicones.
The encounter results in six men lost per ship as they manage to escape.
A storm sent by Zeus leads them to the land of the Lotus-eaters, where they encounter natives offering intoxicating lotus fruit.
The lotus fruit makes the crew forget their desire to return home, preferring to stay and consume more fruit.
To return his men to the ship, Odysseus forcibly drags them away and locks them up.
Continuing their journey, the crew sails at night to the land of Cyclopes, inhabited by uncivilized one-eyed giants.
They discover a cave filled with sheep, milk, and cheese upon arrival.
While some crew members suggest stealing supplies and escaping, Odysseus opts to stay and investigate further.
Cyclops Polyphemus, son of Poseidon, initially shows hospitality before turning hostile.
Polyphemus consumes two crew members and imprisons Odysseus and the rest for his future meals.
Despite his desire to kill Polyphemus immediately, Odysseus realizes the giant's strength prevents them from escaping through the cave entrance.
He devises a plan to incapacitate Polyphemus by creating a sharpened wooden stick while he is tending to his sheep.
When Polyphemus returns, Odysseus intoxicates him with wine and introduces himself as "Nobody."
After Polyphemus falls into a drunken stupor, Odysseus and his men drive the heated wooden stick into his eye.
Polyphemus cries out in agony, prompting his neighbors to come investigate but they leave upon hearing "Nobody's killing me!"
With morning light, Odysseus and his men escape by clinging to the bellies of Polyphemus' sheep, avoiding detection.
They safely board their ship with the stolen sheep, but Odysseus reveals his true identity to Polyphemus, who then calls upon Poseidon to seek vengeance and ensure Odysseus never returns home.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the pivotal events of Book 9 in Homer's Odyssey. This quiz delves into Odysseus's adventures, from his encounter with the Cicones to his clash with the Cyclopes. Test your knowledge on the critical moments that shape his journey home.