Circe
Circe transforms these men into these animals.
Pigs.
What fatal mistake by his crew causes the winds to escape from the bag?
In the excerpt, what action by Odysseus’ crew directly causes their shop to be low back out to sea, showing the theme of consequences for disobedience?
They open the bag of winds.
When Odysseus’s men first see Circe inside her house, what is she doing?
She is weaving at her loom and singing.
Why does Aeolus refuse to help Odysseus a second time?
Aeolus refuses because he believes Odysseus must be “hated by the gods” if such misfortune struck him.
What event from the excerpt demonstrates the theme that danger can come suddenly and violently in unfamiliar lands?
The Laestrygonians attack and kill most of the crew, throwing boulders and spearing men.
What magical plant does Hermes give Odysseus to protect him from Circe’s spells?
Hermes give him Moly (a black root and a white flower).
What large animal does Odysseus kill and bring back to the starving men?
He kills a massive stag with great tall antlers.
Circe’s wolves and lions behave in a surprising way when Odysseus’ men encounters them. What do they do that expresses the theme that appearances can be deceive?
They act tame and wag their tails like friendly dogs instead of attacking.
After Odysseus resists Circe’s magic, Circe asks him a frightening question. What does she ask him?
Why does Eurylochus refuse to enter Circe’s house, even though the others go in?
He suspects trickery and thinks Circe is dangerous, so he stays outside.
What specific choice does Odysseus make in Circe’s hall that shows the theme of loyalty to his man above personal comfort?
He refuses to eat or drink until Circe frees his transformed crew members.
What specific oath does Odysseus demand Circe swear before they go to bed with each other?
Odysseus makes her swear an oath by all the gods: Not to harm him or plot further tricks especially once he is vulnerable.
What does Odysseus threaten to do Eurylochus when he warns the men not to return to Circe’s house?
Odysseus threatens to cut off Eurylochus’ head with his sword.
What repeated emotional reaction from Odysseus’ men illustrates the theme of trauma from past losses and fears - especially after remembering the Cyclops and Lastrygonian attacks?
They weep, wail, and shed “great floods of tears”.