Epic Beginnings
Who is Odysseus's son?
Telemachus
Who traps Odysseus's men in a cave and eats them?
Polyphemus the Cyclops
Who welcomes Odysseus to his home when he returns to Ithaca?
Eumaeus the swineherd
Who is the god of the sea who hates Odysseus?
Poseidon
What does Odysseus's bow symbolize?
His rightful kinship and identity
Which goddess helps Odysseus and Telemachus most throughout the epic?
Athena
What plant makes Odysseus's men forget their home?
The lotus flower
Who helps Odysseus fight the suitors?
Telemachus, Eumaeus, and some other loyal servants
Who delivers Zeus's message to release Odysseus to Calypso?
Hermes
What does the scar on Odysseus's leg symbolize?
Recognition and identity
Where is Odysseus when the story begins?
Who turns Odysseus's men into pigs?
Circe
He strings his bow and shoots and arrow through twelve axe heads
he blinded his son, Polyphemus
What theme is represented by Eumaeus and Penelope's treatment of strangers?
hospitality
What is the main conflict in Ithaca before Odysseus returns?
The suitors overrun his house and pursue Penelope
What is the issue with Odysseus staying on Circe's island for so long?
he forgets his duty to return home, he's too comfortable
What happens to the disloyal servants?
He kills them
Which goddess traps Odysseus for seven years?
Calypso
What theme is shown when Odysseus tests people in disguise?
loyalty
What does Telemachus learn on his journey to Pylos and Sparta?
He learns about his father's reputation and grows in maturity and leadership
What overall truth about temptation does Homer suggest through the Lotus Eaters, Circe, and Calypso?
comfort/forgetfulness leads to the loss of purpose, identity, or mission
She mentions moving their bed that is embedded into a tree
How does Athena serve as a protector and teacher to Odyssues?
She aids him, but also forces him to think and act wisely himeself
Where do we see hubris (pride) in action?
When Odysseus mocks Polyphemus and reveals his name