Definitions/Vocab
Elements of Epics
Plot: Part I
Plot: Part II
Misc.
100
What is the definition of a 'bard'?
A poet or storyteller who functions to entertain, teach history, and teach morals
100
What is the "Invocation of a Muse"?
An invocation begins the epic poem and serves as a prologue to the events to come. A prayer or address is made to one of the nine muses of Greco-Roman mythology. The poet asks for the inspiration, skill, knowledge, or the right emotion to finish a poem worthy of his subject matter.
100
Why is Poseidon angry at Odysseus?
He blinded his son Polyphemus (the cyclops)
100
Who is Charybdis?
A whirlpool monster
100
What is the name of the Sun God’s island?
Thrinacia
200
What is the definition of an 'epic hero'?
A brave and noble character in an epic poem
200
What does it mean to begin a story 'in media res'?
It means that the story starts in the middle of the action.
200
How is Odysseus saved from the Sirens? How are Odysseus' men saved from the Sirens?
His men tie Odysseus to the ship His men put wax in their ears
200
Who is Scylla?
A cave monster with six heads
200
Why doesn’t Odysseus recognize Ithaca when he finally returns?
Athena covers it in mist
300
What is an 'epic poem'?
A long, narrative poem telling a story about the actions of heroes and gods
300
What is the Latin translation for 'in media res'?
"into the middle of things"
300
Why do Odysseus’ men disobey his orders on the island of the Sun God?
They were hungry and the food was running low
300
Who does Odysseus want to talk to in the Underworld?
Tiresias
300
What does Odysseus do to help win the Trojan war?
He thinks up the idea of the Trojan Horse
400
Who are the muses?
A supernatural power, from whom one seeks divine assistance in recalling and narrating the story
400
What is the definition of 'hamartia'?
A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine
400
How does Odysseus escape from Polyphemus?
He blinds him and clings to underside of goats
400
What does Tiresias tell Odysseus in the Underworld?
He tells Odysseus how to get back to Ithaca and what obstacles he will face while trying to get back.
400
What is the definition of an 'epithet'?
Descriptive words or phrases to accompany or replace a person's name, or a place
500
Who is the main antagonist of "The Odyssey"?
Posiedon
500
Name three characteristics of an epic hero
Unusual circumstance of birth - An event leads to adventure or quest - Has family or a homeland but lives away from them/it - Has a special weapon that only he can use - Has supernatural help - Is spiritually rewarded (meets his/her destiny) - Must prove himself many times on an adventure
500
What is one mistake that Odysseus makes when escaping from Polyphemus?
He tells Polyphemus his name
500
What is Athena's plan to help Odysseus and his family?
To send Hermes to Calypso’s island to tell her that Odysseus needs to go home To convince Telemachus to search for Odysseus
500
Name an epithet used in "The Odyssey".
Hermes the Giant Killer OR Odysseus the man of twists and turns OR Dawn with her rose red fingers
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