Tell The Story
What happened in Troy?
The Trojan War
How long did the Trojan War last?
10 years
What tragedy strikes Odysseus at sea?
A storm
Describe the Cyclops Polyphemos.
A large man, one eye, is a Shepard, very violent.
What assistance does King Aeolus' give Odysseus?
A bag of winds from Poseidon's storm.
Where is Odysseus trying to go?
His home, Ithaca.
Who is Calypso and what is her relationship to Odysseus?
She's a nymph who holds him captive for 7 years.
What danger did Odysseus and his men encounter when they landed on the Lotus Eater's island?
They forgot about their homeland.
What was the Cyclops response when Odysseus told him of their ship wreck?
He ate two of his men
Why must Odysseus journey to the Land of the Dead?
To seek guidance from a spirit and the blind prophet of Tiresias.
What is a muse?
Any one of the nine goddesses of the arts.
How does Calypso assist Odysseus on his journey home?
She helps him build a boat/raft.
How is Ithaca described in the story?
What plan did Odysseus contrive to divert Polyphemus?
He used wine from past adventures to get the Cyclops drunk.
Why were men drawn to Circe?
Men were drawn to Circe due to a combination of her beauty, captivating singing, and the seemingly friendly, welcoming nature of her home.
Which God is plotting against Odysseus?
Poseidon and Helios
Who is Calypso seemingly jealous of? Why?
Penelope, because Calypso is in love with Odysseus.
How is Odyssesus received on the island of Scheria, home of King Alcinous?
They welcomed him and treated him kindly.
After blinding the Cyclops, how do Odysseus and his men escape the cave?
They cling to sheep and wait for Cyclops to let his heard out.
What advice does Tiresias give Odysseus regarding the island of Thrinakia?
He said to avoid it all together. But if he can't, do not kill the cows.
How many years has Odysseus spent trying to get home?
10 years
Who is Hermes and what is his mission?
A messenger God that freed Odysseus from Calypso
How did Odysseus get him men home from the island of the Lotus Eaters?
He tied them up and forced them to go home.
What customs of Greek society are observed in this story?
Hospitality, revenge, honoring, and loyalty.
Summarize what happens on the island of the Laistrygones.
Odysseus and his men meet a group of cannibalistic giants called the Laestrygonians and their king, Antiphates. Antiphates eats some of Odysseus’ men and then attacks their ships, leaving only Odysseus and his ship.