A
The men vying to marry Penelope and take Odysseus’ throne.
Suitors
A Cyclops blinded by Odysseus after trapping him in his cave.
Polyphemus
A disloyal goatherd who aids the suitors.
Melanthius
A six-headed monster who snatches sailors from ships.
Scylla
Excessive pride or arrogance that often leads to downfall.
Hubris
King of the gods who upholds fate and justice.
Zeus
Odysseus’ son who matures and helps fight the suitors.
Telemachus
The arrogant leader of the suitors competing for Penelope.
Antinous
A sorceress who turns men into animals before becoming Odysseus’ ally.
Circe
The sun god whose sacred cattle are eaten by Odysseus’ men.
Helios
Goddess of wisdom who guides and protects Odysseus.
Athena
A nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island for years.
Calypso
The Greek code of hospitality toward guests.
Xenia
A manipulative suitor who tries to scheme his way out of danger.
Eurymachus
A literary technique where a story begins in the middle of the action.
In media res
Argos
Odysseus’ loyal old dog who recognizes him upon his return.
Odysseus’ aging father who regains strength when his son returns.
Laertes
The Phaeacian princess who helps Odysseus when he washes ashore.
Nausicaa
A deadly whirlpool that threatens Odysseus’ ship.
Charybdis
Odysseus’ faithful swineherd who helps him reclaim his home.
Eumaeus
Keeper of the winds who helps Odysseus by giving him a bag of winds.
Aeolus
A cautious crewman who often challenges Odysseus’ decisions.
Eurylochus
The belief that one’s own culture is the only correct way of life.
Cultural absolutism
A long narrative poem that celebrates heroic deeds.
Epos/Epe
An elder prophet who interprets bird omens about Odysseus’ fate.
Halitherses