Deadly Challenges
What creatures sing an irresistible song that lures sailors to their doom?
The Sirens
What is the name of the god whose cattle Odysseus’ crew were warned not to eat?
Helios
What god ultimately punished Odysseus’ crew for eating the cattle of Helios?
Zeus
After losing his ship and crew, where did Odysseus wash ashore?
The island of Ogygia, home of the nymph Calypso.
What two sea monsters did Odysseus have to sail between, one being a six-headed beast and the other a deadly whirlpool?
Scylla and Charybdis
How did Eurylochus convince the crew to eat the sacred cattle?
He argued that starving to death was worse than risking the gods' anger, and they could make an offering to Helios later.
What happened to Odysseus' ship after the crew ate the cattle?
Zeus struck it with a thunderbolt, destroying it and killing everyone except Odysseus.
How long was Odysseus stranded on Calypso’s island before continuing his journey home?
Seven years.
Why did Odysseus choose to sail closer to Scylla instead of Charybdis?
Because Scylla would only take six men, while Charybdis could destroy the entire ship.
How did Helios react when he learned that Odysseus’ men ate his cattle?
He was furious and demanded Zeus punish them, threatening to take the sun away from the world.
How did Odysseus survive after his ship was destroyed?
He clung to a piece of wreckage and later grabbed onto a fig tree to avoid being sucked into Charybdis.
What was the only reason Odysseus survived while his entire crew perished?
He did not eat the cattle of Helios.