Book 9
This fruit makes some of Odysseus's sailors forget all about going home.
What is the lotus?
This wind god gives Odysseus a bag holding all the storm winds except the one he needs.
Who is Aeolus?
Odysseus sails to the edge of the world and performs a ritual to reach this realm.
What is the underworld?
This is the false name Odysseus gives the Cyclops.
What is “Nobody”?
These giant, cannibalistic people hurl boulders and destroy all but one of Odysseus's ships.
Who are the Laestrygonians?
This crewman, who died falling off Circe's roof, is the first shade Odysseus meets.
Who is Elpenor?
This fire-hardened tool, cut from an olive tree, is used to blind Polyphemus.
What is the sharpened stake?
This protective herb, given to Odysseus by Hermes, shields him from Circe's magic.
What is moly?
This blind prophet gives Odysseus the instructions he'll need for the rest of his voyage home.
Who is Tiresias?
This sea god, father of Polyphemus, curses Odysseus's journey home after the escape.
Who is Poseidon?
Circe turns Odysseus's men into these animals when they first enter her hall.
What are pigs?
This hero tells Odysseus he'd rather be a poor living farmhand than ruler over all the dead.
Who is Achilles?
This Homeric value (the duty to feed and shelter guests) is violated when Polyphemus eats his visitors instead.
What is xenia?
This Greek concept (cunning intelligence) is how Odysseus outsmarts Circe.
What is metis?
This is the name of Odysseus's mother, whose shade tells him of Penelope's grief and Telemachus.
Who is Anticleia?