Quotes
"Get out! You nasty creature, leave my island! Now! It is not right for me to help convey a man so deeply hated by the gods."
Aeolus
Elpenor
What messenger god tries to help Odysseus avoid getting trapped by Circe with a plant and a plan?
Hermes
Odysseus longs for this concept—his “homecoming” and return to Ithaca—while stranded on Calypso’s island.
Nostos
Odysseus earns this “glory and fame” when poets sing of his victories at Troy, but he risks losing it through poor choices.
Kleos
"Remember what the Cyclops did? Our friends went to his home with this rash lord of ours. Because of his bad choices, they all died."
Eurylochus
The creatures that cause Odysseus' crew the most damage and leave him with just one ship of men.
Laestrygonians
On the Cyclops’ island, Odysseus refuses to simply steal food and escape. Why does he insist on staying (two acceptable answers)
To see a Cyclops OR to receive a gift
This fatal flaw, often tied to arrogance or pride, appears when Odysseus can’t resist taunting the Cyclops after blinding him
Hubris
Odysseus demonstrates this “inner strength” as he survives storms at sea and resists Calypso’s temptation to stay on her island and live forever.
Fortitude
"Take my scarf and tie it under your chest: with this immortal veil, you need not be afraid of death or danger."
Ino
In Alcinous' palace, this poet sings songs that bring Odysseus to tears.
Demodocus
How do Odysseus and his men escape and get past the blinded Polyphemus?
By hiding under sheep that are exiting Polyphemus' cave
A performance on this stringed instrument entertains Odysseus at the Phaeacian court, reminding him of Troy and bringing him to tears.
Lyre
Nausicaa gives Odysseus advice that is fitting and well-suited to his situation; her guidance could be described with this word.
Apt
"My people think nothing of that Zeus with his big scepter, nor any god; our strength is more than theirs. If I spare you or spare your friends it will not be out of fear of Zeus."
Polyphemus
Reveals Odysseus' true identity to Poseidon's son Polyphemus
Odysseus
After sacking the Cicones’ city, Odysseus urged his men to retreat, but they refused. This disobedience gave the Cicones time to do what?
Gather their forces to fight back
In Book 9, Odysseus uses these clever tricks and strategies—such as calling himself “Noman”—to escape from the Cyclops.
Wiles
The Phaeacians’ warm welcome to Odysseus creates a friendly and pleasant atmosphere that could be described with this word.
Congenial
"Throughout this heavenly song, since dinnertime, our guest has been in pain, grieving. A heavy burden weighs his heart. Let the song end, so we can all be happy."
Alcinous
Held Odysseus on her island for nearly 7 years
Calypso
Despite getting help from the gods to avoid Circe's trap, Odysseus and his men accidentally stay on her island for around how long?
1 year
Polyphemus is described as this—boorish, brutish, and uncivilized—when he devours Odysseus’ men without shame. The suitors could also be described as this.
Loutish
When we first meet Telemachus, he is often lost in this state of dark, thoughtful reflection, especially when he wonders if his father will return.
Brooding