Storyteller: Skill Flashcards 12

Questions and Answers

What did Odysseus and his men do immediately after their return from the house of Hades?

They went back to the Aeaean island to bury Elpenor.

Describe Scylla.

Lived in a cave in the middle of a rock face 2) Yelped like a young hound 3) Had 12 deformed feet, 6 necks, and 6 heads with 3 rows of teeth each 4) Ate fish and monsters when she could and always grazed at least 6 men from passing ships.

Describe Charybdis.

Was a 'sucking whirlpool' who vomited water out 3 times a day 2) Also sucked water down 3 times a day.

Why did Odysseus share Circe's prophecies? What did he leave out?

He shared the prophecies because it was not right that only one or two knew them, but he left out the part about Scylla. Signup and view all the answers

When Odysseus suggested they sail past Thrinacia, who challenged him? Why?

Eurylochus challenged him, stating that he was cruel and that the men were exhausted and needed to stop for supper before heading out to sea. Signup and view all the answers

Who convinced the men to break their promise? What was his argument?

Eurylochus convinced the men to eat the cattle, arguing that they could sacrifice the cattle to the gods and build a temple to the sun-god when they reached Ithaca. It was better to drown than to starve. Signup and view all the answers

Who exacted the punishment on Odysseus' crew for their wrongdoings?

Zeus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Returning from Hades

After leaving the house of Hades, Odysseus and his men returned to the Aeaean island to bury Elpenor, one of their fallen comrades.

Scylla

Scylla resides in a cave within a rock face, exhibiting a terrifying appearance with 12 deformed feet, 6 necks, and 6 heads lined with 3 rows of sharp teeth.
She emits a sound similar to a young hound and preys on marine creatures and sailors, typically snatching 6 men from passing ships.

Charybdis

Charybdis is depicted as a destructive whirlpool that exerts a dangerous force by sucking water down three times each day and then spewing it back up three times as well.

Circe's Prophecies

Odysseus felt it was unjust for only a few to know Circe's prophecies, yet he intentionally withheld information about Scylla from the crew.

Eurylochus' Challenge

Odysseus faced opposition from Eurylochus when proposing to sail past Thrinacia. Eurylochus argued that the crew was weary and needed to rest and eat before continuing their journey.

Breaking the Promise

Eurylochus played a pivotal role in persuading the crew to violate their oath. His argument centered around the notion that they could sacrifice the cattle to the gods and subsequently build a temple for the sun-god upon reaching Ithaca, claiming it was preferable to starving.

Zeus' Punishment

Zeus is responsible for the retribution inflicted on Odysseus' crew as a consequence for their transgressions, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key events and characters from Book 12 of the Odyssey. This quiz focuses on the aftermath of Odysseus' journey to Hades and the terrifying creature Scylla. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of this classic work.