Book 1 Flashcards
The opening line of The Odyssey, where Homer invokes the Muse to tell the story of Odysseus’s long and arduous journey home from the Trojan War.
“Tell me, Muse, the story of that resourceful man who was driven to wander far and wide after he had sacked the holy citadel of Troy.”
Zeus comments on the tendency of mortals to blame the gods for their suffering, when often it is their own choices that lead to their problems. This reflects a key theme of fate versus free will.
“What a lamentable thing it is that men should blame the gods and regard us as the source of their troubles, when it is their own transgressions which bring them suffering that was not their destiny.”
Athene, disguised as Mentor, advises Telemachus to take action and step into adulthood, encouraging him to seek news of his father and stand up to the suitors who plague his home.
“You are no longer a child: you must put childish thoughts away. Have you not heard what a name Orestes made for himself in the world when he killed the cunning Aegisthus for murdering his noble father?”
Athene explains to the gods in council (Poseidon is absent) that Odysseus is alive but imprisoned by Calypso, revealing the starting point of his journey and his desperate desire to return to Ithaca.
“The wise and unlucky Odysseus… is pining on a lonely island far away in the middle of the seas.”
Telemachus, emboldened by Athene, rebukes the suitors for their gluttony and disrespect. This marks a turning point in his character as he begins to assert himself.
“…eat your fill… while I pray that Zeus will bring a day of reckoning, when in this house I will destroy you - and not make restitution.”
Our first introduction to Penelope, demonstrating her modesty when appearing in front of the suitors and emotions after hearing the bard song of the Greeks return from Troy.
“the great lady drew a fold of her shining veil over her cheeks and took her stand by a pillar… then, bursting into tears she broke in on the inspired minstrel.”
Right at the very end of the book we are reminded of Telemachus’ age as he is escorted by the faithful maid Eurycleia to bed.
“He was escorted by the faithful Eurycleia.”
