Characters
The Gods
Greek Traditions
Plots
Grab Bag
100

Cunning and resourceful King of Ithaca, is a central figure in Homer's The Odyssey, known for his intelligence, bravery, and long journey home after the Trojan War, enduring numerous trials and tribulations.

Who is Odysseus

100

The tradition or culture called where guests are treated kindly, offered food, water and shelter, ever before being asked who they are. 

What is Xenia?

100

Give an example when Telemachus shows Xenia to others. 

1. Welcoming Athena (in a disguise) at the beginning of the novel. 

2. Offers passage to the stranger on the island before he heads back home. 

3. Offering kindness to the bagger upon his return to Ithaca. 

100

Telemachus is upset at the beginning of the text because...

The suitors not only disrespect him, but his home by invading his home and trying to get his mom to marry one of them. 

100

This is the first character to learn that Odysseus is back on the Island of Ithaca. 

Who is Telemachus. 

200

Goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, is a key figure, acting as a divine benefactor and mentor to Odysseus, guiding him through his perilous journey home and assisting his son, Telemachus.

Who is Athena?

200

These two gods or goddess help Odysseus and Telemachaus to find thier way home and reclaim Ithaca. 

Who are Hermes and Athena?

200

Name two characters or times when Xenia is not shown in the text. 

1. The suitors often mock and are cruel to guests/beggars

2. Polyphemus

200

In the early parts of the story, Penelope says she will choose a suitor after she does this... But what does she do to delay having to pick a suitor. 

Make a shroud for her father-in-law. 

Each night, she removes parts of the weave so it is never done. 

200

How does Penelope test Odysseus to make sure he is really her husband?

She tells the maids to maids to move the bed. But Odysseus protests as he knows the bed is immobile as it is made from a tree that is growing on the bed; therefore, the bed cannot be moved.  

300

A powerful nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island of Ogygia for seven years, offering him immortality but ultimately failing to overcome his desire to return to his wife and home.  

Who is Calypso?

300

Beyond telling Calypso she has to release Odysseus, this is another time when Hermes helps Odysseus. 

What is giving Odysseus a special flower to protect him from Circe's harm. 

300

This character mocks the greek tradition of Xenia and laughs at the idea of gods. 

Who is Polyphemus?
300
This is how Odysseus makes Poseidon mad so he is he cannot make it home for almost 20 years after the war. 

After escaping the cave of Polyphemus (Cyclops), Odysseus mocks the Cyclops who then prays to his father Poseidon to make his journey home difficult. 

300

These three things happen when Odysseus' men feast on the cattle that belongs to Helios?

1. They encounter a huge storm

2. All of Odysseus' men die

3. Odysseus' ship is destroyed

400

A giant, with one eye in the middle of his forehead and he's the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. His diet includes whatever he can find to hand - so he grabs two of Odysseus's crew and devours them on the spot.

Who is Cyclops or Polyphemus?

400

This God does not want to see Odysseus return home. What do they do to prevent his return home. 

Poseidon - he creates storms at sea which always delays his return.  


400

Oral tradition and story telling is very important in Greek tradition. This is one example when we see story telling happen. 

What is when the Bard begins to play a song and tells the story of Odysseus. It makes Odysseus cry. This is what prompts him to tell the hosts who he is and tell his own story. 

400

Odysseus encountered these character when visiting the land of the dead. 

Who are his mom and his friend Elpenor. 

400

Give two examples when Odysseus demonstrates his physical strength. 

1. Swimming in the ocean for days. 

2. When he shows off during the games on the land of Ogygia and throws the bolders. 

3. When he stabs the Cyclops in the eye

4. Kills all the suitors

5. Beats the "big" guy when back on Ithaca

500

Odysseus's loyal swineherd, a figure who initially doesn't recognize the disguised Odysseus but treats him with great hospitality and respect, eventually aiding Odysseus in his return and the defeat of the suitors

Who is Eumaeus?

500

Though this character is mentioned often in the text, we only see them once. 

Who is Zeus. 

500

A character must embody all or most of the seven traits to be an Epic Hero. Name at least three that Odysseys embodies. 

1. Capable of deeds of great strength and courage

2. Great Warrior

3. Travels over a vast setting

4. National Heroism

5. Humility

6. Faces supernatural foes and/or receives supernatural help

500

This is the first island Odysseus visits/lands on after the battle of Troy. 

What is Cicones?

500

Give at two examples of when Odysseus has to show his mental strength in the novel. 

1. Escaping from Cyclops

2. Navigating the sirens songs

3. Outsmarting the suitors