The Odyssey Study Guide PDF

Epic conventions-basic parts to an epic Gods-Odysseus sees them as important; Zeus and Poseidon In Medias Res-starts in the middle of things; an epic convention Homer-blind poet Epic Poem-a long, narrative poem Invocation of the Muse-Homer calls on the muse; an epic convention The Odyssey-about Odys...

Epic conventions-basic parts to an epic Gods-Odysseus sees them as important; Zeus and Poseidon In Medias Res-starts in the middle of things; an epic convention Homer-blind poet Epic Poem-a long, narrative poem Invocation of the Muse-Homer calls on the muse; an epic convention The Odyssey-about Odysseus’ journey home Elevated style-fancy language; an epic convention Trojan War-a horse is used during this to secure a victory Honor-an important value to a hero Epithet-a repeated description Patronymics-called son by father’s name Epic Simile-an extended simile that is used typically in epic poetry to intensify the heroic stature of the subject Supernatural Intervention-the gods and goddesses interfere in the life of the hero Epic Hero-the central figure of an epic; his traits are valued by the society; national, international, and cosmic importance; performs deeds of great valor that sometimes require superhuman courage Greek Culture-strong body & mind; intervention of deities; hospitality What is a muse? Muses are the Greek goddesses of inspiration, particularly in poetry, music, and the arts. How do all of Odysseus’ men die at the end? Zeus strikes their ship with a thunderbolt, destroying it completely. The entire crew perishes in the stormy sea, except for Odysseus, who manages to survive by clinging to the wreckage. Which goddess keeps Odysseus captive for 5 years? Calypso What does Odysseus give to Polyphemus-the Cyclops? Odysseus gives him wine to make him drunk. What is Polyphemus’ job? Polyphemus is an shepard. How does Odysseus keep his men from going back to the land of the Lotus Eaters? He forcefully dragging them back to the ship and tying them to the ship. Who is Polyphemus’ father? Poseidon What name does Odysseus give to Polyphemus? He tells Polyphemus his name is Nohbdy. How do Odysseus and his men escape from Polyphemus’ cave? He gets Polyphemus drunk, tells him his name is Nohbdy than blinds him with an great wooden stake. Polyphemus opens the cave door to call for help and says Nohbdy is hurting him so the cyclops don't come to help. Than they hide under the sheep and escape. Why does King Aeolus refuse to help Odysseus a second time? King Aeolus refuses to help Odysseus a second time because he believes that Odysseus and his crew are cursed by the gods and unworthy of further assistance. Who does not go into Circe’s house because he thinks it is a trap? Eurylochus What does Circe turn the men into? Pigs and animals How long is Odysseus and his crew on Circe’s island? Odysseus and his crew stay on Circe's island, known as Aeaea, for one year. Who does Odysseus go to see in the Underworld? Odysseus goes to see the spirit of the prophet Teiresias in the Underworld. Why does Circe say Scylla is less of a threat then Charybdis? Scylla is a sea monster with six dog-like heads and Charybdis, on the other hand, is a massive whirlpool that can swallow entire ships and all their crew in a single gulp. Do Odysseus’ men always obey him? Give an example. Odysseus' men do not always obey him as despite Odysseus' instructions to not eat the lotus flower, they are tempted by it and eat it, showing a lack of obedience to their leader. When Odysseus finally gets home, how does Athena disguise him? When Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca after his long journey, the goddess Athena disguises him as a beggar. Does Argus recognize Odysseus? Yes, Argus, Odysseus' loyal dog, recognizes Odysseus when he finally returns home to Ithaca. What contest does Penelope organize? Penelope organizes a contest of the bow to choose a suitor to marry her and one must shoot an arrow through the heads of the twelve axes lined up. How does Odysseus prove his identity to his wife? Penelope mentions their bed and Odysseus responds with great detail about the bed's construction, describing how he made it and how he knows it cannot be moved. Laertes - Odysseus's father Penelope - Penelope is the wife of Odysseus and a central character in The Odyssey. Telemachus - Odysseus's son. Hospitality: It includes providing food, shelter, and protection, as well as treating guests with honor. Honor: Honor is closely tied to a person’s reputation, integrity, and respect. King Alcinous: King Alcinous plays a crucial role in The Odyssey as a symbol of hospitality, nobility, and the importance of community support and gives an ship to get back to Ithaca. Lotus Eaters: The Lotus Eaters inhabit an island that Odysseus and his men arrive at and offer lotus flowers. Lotus Flowers: The flower gives the eater a state of forgetfulness and bliss in those who consume it, causing them to lose all desire to return home or fulfill their responsibilities. Muse: One of the nine goddesses of the arts and sciences in Greek mythology, who inspire creativity and knowledge. Trojan War: The events of The Odyssey take place after the conclusion of the Trojan War. Odysseus is one of the Greek heroes who fought in the war, which lasted ten years. His experiences during the war significantly impact his journey home. His idea of the Trojan Horse is a pivotal moment in the war, which leads to the Greeks' victory over Troy. Poseidon: Known as the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He plays a crucial role in The Odyssey and is often portrayed as a powerful and vengeful god. Cyclopes: The many cyclops that live on the remote island. Cyclops: The most famous Cyclops in literature is Polyphemus, who appears in The Odyssey. Aeolus: Aeolus is often referred to as the ruler of the winds. Circe: Circe is renowned for her knowledge of magic and herbs. She has the ability to transform humans into animals. Tiresias: Blind prophet Hermes: Hermes is often depicted as the messenger who delivers messages between the gods and mortals. Charybdis: She is often depicted as a monstrous sea creature or a whirlpool Calypso: She is depicted as a nymph or goddess who inhabits the island of Ogygia. Scylla: Scylla is often depicted as having six heads, each capable of snatching sailors from passing ships. The Sirens: They are known for their enchanting voices and songs that captivate sailors, drawing them toward the rocks of their island. Helios: God of the Sun Apollo: God of music and protector of archers Ithaca: The land in which Odysseus rules. Zeus: King of the gods and is god of lightning. He also carries out justice and order. Antonius: Antinous is one of the leaders among the suitors of Penelope Menelaus: King of Sparta Elpenor: Odysseus’ crew members and dies on Circe's island. Elpenor asks Odysseus for a proper burial and to remember him in the underworld. Homer: The poet that talks and composed the Odyssey for it to be passed down to the next generation. Athena: Goddess of wisdom and warfare. Trojan Horse: Trojan Horse symbolizes trickery, deception, and the idea that appearances can be misleading in which the trojans where defeated. Achilles: Greek hero that was invincible in every part of his body except for the heel as that was the only part that was dipped in the river styx.