The Odyssey Key Characters Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who is Eumaeus?

Eumaeus is the swineherd.

What place did Odysseus say he was from?

Crete

What was Odysseus disguised as?

An old beggar

What attacked Odysseus when he first arrived at the swineherd's house?

Ferocious hounds Signup and view all the answers

What led Odysseus to Egypt?

His craze for war Signup and view all the answers

Who does Eumaeus complain about and dislike?

The suitors Signup and view all the answers

What part of Odysseus's story does Eumaeus not believe?

The part about Odysseus being alive Signup and view all the answers

Why does Eumaeus not believe Odysseus is alive?

He has found too many vagrants trying for a relationship with the queen for news. Signup and view all the answers

How long is Eumaeus letting Odysseus stay?

Until Telemachus arrives Signup and view all the answers

What was the meal Odysseus ate after he was rescued from the hounds?

A small meal of scrawny pork. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Odysseus say he was the son of?

A rich man and a slave woman Signup and view all the answers

Why is there not much swine left?

The suitors are eating them all. Signup and view all the answers

What was Odysseus's false identity?

He is from Crete, fought in the Trojan War, and encountered many hardships. Signup and view all the answers

What bet does the beggar make with Eumaeus?

O says that Eumaeus can throw him off a cliff if Odysseus didn't come home soon. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters

Eumaeus: Loyal swineherd of Odysseus; kind and hospitable, dislikes the suitors vying for Penelope's hand.
Odysseus: Disguised as an old beggar to hide his identity during his return home.

Odysseus's Journey and Disguise

Odysseus claims to be from Crete, having experienced numerous hardships since the Trojan War.
His disguise allows him to gather information safely while waiting for the right moment to reveal his identity.

Initial Encounter

Upon arriving at Eumaeus's house, Odysseus is attacked by ferocious hounds, highlighting the loyalty of the swineherd to his master.

Eumaeus's Disbelief

Eumaeus expresses skepticism about Odysseus's survival because he has encountered many impostors claiming to be messengers of Odysseus.
He has been disappointed by numerous vagrants seeking a connection with Penelope in exchange for news of her husband.

Ordinary Life and Challenges

Eumaeus allows Odysseus to stay until Telemachus returns, demonstrating his hospitality.
The suitors are depleting Eumaeus's swine, indicating the strain they place on local resources and the impending conflict.

Odysseus's Backstory

Attempts to prove his identity include fabricating a story about being the son of a wealthy man and a slave woman, emphasizing his noble lineage.
In his tale, Odysseus explains his ill-fated journey to Egypt following a lust for battle and subsequent misfortunes including betrayal and enslavement.

Meal and Hospitality

After being rescued from the hounds, Odysseus receives a small meal of scrawny pork, underscoring the hardships faced by both characters.

The Bet

Odysseus proposes a bet to Eumaeus, suggesting he could be thrown off a cliff if Odysseus does not return soon; Eumaeus refuses the bet, illustrating his kindness and faith.

Description

Test your knowledge of key characters in Homer's 'The Odyssey' focusing on Eumaeus and Odysseus. Understand their complex relationships and the significance of Odysseus's disguise. This quiz explores themes of loyalty and identity in Odysseus's journey.