Epic Hero Stuff
What is one key heroic trait Odysseus shows ?
Cleverness/Cunning
What does Polyphemus do to Odysseus’s men in the cave?
He eats them.
Which goddess appeals to Zeus to help Odysseus return home?
Athena
How does Odysseus protect his men from the Sirens?
He plugs their ears with beeswax.
Who is Tiresias and what does he do?
A blind prophet; tells Odysseus his fate.
What does Odysseus value more than immortality, as revealed in his dialogue with Calypso?
His home and family (especially Penelope).
What prevents Odysseus from killing Polyphemus in his sleep?
They wouldn’t be able to move the massive stone door.
Who delivers Zeus’s message to Calypso?
Hermes
What magical plant protects Odysseus from Circe's spells?
Moly
What warning does Tiresias give about the cattle of Helios?
Do not eat them or the crew will perish.
What clever name does Odysseus use to trick Polyphemus?
Nohbody
How does Odysseus and his men escape the Cyclops’ cave?
They hide under the bellies of sheep.
What does Calypso offer Odysseus to convince him to stay?
Immortality
How long does Odysseus stay with Circe?
One year
Who is Anticleia?
Odysseus' mother
Why does Odysseus refuse his men's "sound" request?
Curiosity. He wants to see the cave owner
Who are Scylla and Charybdis?
Scylla is a six-headed monster; Charybdis is a giant whirlpool.
Which god does Polyphemus call upon to curse Odysseus?
Poseidon
What happens when Odysseus’s men open the bag of winds?
It blows them back to Aeolus’s island.
Who is Elpenor and what does he ask Odysseus to do?
A dead crewman; asks for a proper burial.
According to Tiresias’ prophecy, what must Odysseus do after dealing with the suitors to appease Poseidon?
Go inland until he reaches where people don't recognize his oar.
Why are the Sirens dangerous to sailors?
Their singing lures sailors to their deaths on the rocks.
What does King Aeolus gift to Odysseus?
A fair wind to get him home and a bag filled with all the bad winds
Why does Odysseus insist on giving his name to the Cyclops after escaping?
Hubris
What kind of death is prophesied for Odysseus in old age?
A peaceful, seaborne death surrounded by people.