Monsters: Eye-conic and Odd (I See!)
This group of mythical monster women are typically found on rocks out at sea-- singing the most beautiful song to entice sailors to come closer in order to drown and eat them.
Who are the Sirens?
The ancient Greek literary concept of a hero returning home (particularly by sea).
What is nostos?
This is the ancient Greek concept of glory after a spectacular death on the battlefield.
What is kleos?
The household item Penelope uses in order to delay the numerous pursuits of marriage from the suitors by weaving a shroud each day, but unfastening her work each night.
What is a loom?
Odysseus was the architect of the destruction of this city, which is where he had been for the first ten years of his twenty year journey.
What is Troy?
This group of people weren't exactly monsters, but instead offered an obstacle to Odysseus and his men with a particular flower that when ingested makes the person forget their past and disregard their future.
Who are the Lotus-Eaters?
The ancient Greek concept and custom of providing hospitality (food, drink, and shelter) to strangers in their land.
What is xenia?
The blind poet Homer (who is attributed as the author of these stories) was potentially personified in the story as this blind minstrel in The Odyssey.
Who is Demodocus?
This name is given by Odysseus to the cyclops that ultimately allows the hero to escape his perilous captivity.
Who is "Noman"?
The land that Odysseus is king of-- the place he wishes to return to in order to see his wife and child.
Where is Ithaca?
This six headed monster was previously a nymph, but now she lies in waiting in a cave on a rock in the sea to pick off unknowing sailors from their ships in all of their terrible mouths.
Who is Scylla?
Penelope, Odysseus, and his bow are all potential symbols of this major cerebral trait that helps define all three.
What is cunning/cleverness?
This is the Greek concept of the spoils of war or the prizes won through battle, which the lack of slightly influences Odysseus' crew to open a bag of winds and divert them from their path home.
What is tîmê?
This substance is applied to the inner-ears of everyone except Odysseus in their journey home to ensure no one is enticed or lured in by the song of the sirens.
What is wax?
The two cities visited by Telemachus on his journey to find out what happened to Odysseus.
What are Pylos and Sparta?
The one-eyed shepherding giant that devours men in his large cave dwelling on the island of the cyclops who happens to be a son of Poseidon.
Who is Polyphemus?
Circe the Enchantress turns the men from Odysseus' crew into these, which may explain some of their potential behaviors toward herself and her home.
What are swine (pigs)?
The name of the ancient Greek drink made up of wine, honey, barleymeal, and grated cheese that the potion Circe created to entice the sailors is based on.
What is kykeon?
This weapon is the ultimate challenge for any of Penelope's suitors, as the configuration of it makes it impossible for anyone but Odysseus to use.
What is Odysseus' bow?
The island of a nymph who wanted to turn Odysseus immortal so he could be her husband forever.
What is Calypso's Island (Ogygia)?
This nautical natural phenomenon is described to be particularly dangerous, as its entire anatomy is described as a whirlpooling vortex of water that will destroy any ship that comes close to it.
Who is Charybdis?
The numerous forms of monsters and obstacles Odysseus faces are often thought to be manifestations or reflections of these-- particularly in men of the time.
What are fears?
The type of bow that was used by Odysseus that was unable to be strung and shot by any of the suitors as a result of its complexity.
What is a palintonos?
This was in the middle of what eventually became Odysseus and Penelope's bedroom-- specifically being utilized as a bedpost in their bed.
What is an olive tree?
The land of King Alcinous and his daughter Nausicca, where Odysseus washes ashore and eventually tells his tale.
Where is Phaecia?