Background Notes
What is the war epic that provides the background for The Odyssey?
The Iliad
What describes the actions of the the crew when they land on Ismarus?
Raided the island, killed most of the inhabitants, got drunk, and ignored their leader
How did Aeolus try to help Odysseus?
By putting the unfavorable winds into a sealed bag
What quality makes the songs of the Sirens so appealing?
They offer wisdom
The land of the lotus eaters
Tunisia
Where were heroes placed in Homer's day?
Between the gods and ordinary people
What is the effect of the lotus plant when it's eaten?
It made you forget about home
What is the number of men remaining out of the original 720 once they land on Circe's island?
45
What is the protection the men have from listening to the songs of the Sirens?
Their ears are plugged with beeswax
A friendly god had a helpful gift here
Aeolia
Who are the two kings who came for Odysseus with news of war?
Agamemnon and Menelaus
What is law like among the Cyclopes?
Individual law
What are the TWO things Odysseus made Circe promise?
Turn his men back into men and cause them no further harm
How does Odysseus distract his men as they approach Scylla and Charybdis?
He gives them all jobs to do on the ship
The crew found out they were on the menu for a barbeque here
Laestrygonia
What is a long, narrative poem such as The Odyssey called?
An epic
What are the TWO reasons Odysseus refuses to take food from the Cyclop's cave and then leave as his men requested?
Curiosity and greed
Whose spirit did Odysseus recognize in the Land of the Dead?
His mother's
Who is the woman who take cares of Odysseus and held him prisoner for 7 years?
Calypso
island that is home to the forbidden sheep and cattle of Helios
Thrinacia
What are three things Odysseus did to avoid being drafted in the Trojan War?
Pretended to be insane, ignored the kings, and disguised himself
What is the reason why Odysseus' name was familiar to Polyphemus?
A wizard foretold it
What is the specific warning Tiresias gave Odysseus?
To not harm the sheep and cattle of the sun god
Who is the god who brought the message that Odysseus must be set free?
Hermes
Home to the kind king who sailed Odysseus safely home
Phaeacia