Book 1 Flashcards
Who is the resourceful man driven to wander after the sack of Troy?
Odysseus
Odysseus is the central character in Homer’s Odyssey, known for his cleverness and adventurous spirit.
What did Odysseus learn during his travels?
He saw the cities of many people and learned their ways
This highlights his experiences and growth through different cultures.
What caused the demise of Odysseus’s comrades?
They devoured the oxen of Hyperion the Sun-god
This act of transgression led to their doom as a punishment from the gods.
Which goddess kept Odysseus from returning home?
Calypso
Calypso is a nymph who fell in love with Odysseus and detained him on her island.
Who is the only god that does not pity Odysseus?
Poseidon
Poseidon harbors resentment against Odysseus due to the blinding of his son, Polyphemus.
Where was Poseidon when the other gods discussed Odysseus’s fate?
In the distant Ethiopians
Poseidon was away enjoying a feast while the other gods were in discussion.
What did Zeus say about human suffering?
It is their own transgressions which bring them suffering
Zeus emphasizes that humans often blame the gods for their misfortunes.
Who killed Aegisthus?
Orestes
Orestes avenged his father Agamemnon by killing Aegisthus, who had murdered Agamemnon.
What did Athene wish for Odysseus?
That he should return to Ithaca
Athene expresses her desire to help Odysseus return home after his long absence.
What did Athene decide to do to aid Odysseus?
Send Hermes to Calypso and visit Telemachus in Ithaca
Athene plans to instill spirit in Telemachus and inform Calypso of the gods’ decision.
What was the appearance Athene assumed when she visited Ithaca?
Mentes, a family friend
Athene disguised herself to blend in while she interacted with Telemachus.
What do the Suitors do in Odysseus’s house?
They slaughter his sheep and cattle
The Suitors disrespect Odysseus’s household by consuming his resources.
What does Telemachus wish for regarding his father?
To see him return and drive away the Suitors
Telemachus yearns for his father’s return to reclaim his home.
What did Athene tell Telemachus about his father?
Odysseus is alive and will return
Athene reassures Telemachus that his father is not dead and will eventually come home.
Fill in the blank: Athene is the goddess of _______.
wisdom
Athene represents wisdom and strategic warfare, often aiding heroes in Greek mythology.
Who does Telemachus think he resembles?
Odysseus
Telemachus acknowledges a strong physical resemblance to his father, Odysseus.
What does Telemachus ask Athene about the Suitors?
What is the banquet for?
Telemachus is curious about the purpose of the Suitors’ gathering in his home.
True or False: Telemachus believes he is the son of a fortunate man.
False
Telemachus expresses doubt about his parentage and laments his father’s unfortunate fate.
What caused Telemachus distress regarding his father?
His father did not have a famous end, and he was left with sorrow and tears.
Teasing out the emotional impact of Odysseus’s absence on Telemachus highlights the personal stakes of the narrative.
Who is courting Telemachus’s mother and causing problems in his household?
The Suitors
The Suitors are consuming Telemachus’s resources while vying for Penelope’s hand in marriage.
What advice does Pallas Athene give Telemachus?
Call the Achaean lords to Assembly and announce his decision to rid the house of Suitors.
Athene’s guidance emphasizes the need for Telemachus to assert his authority.
Fill in the blank: Telemachus is advised to inquire about his father by visiting _______ first.
Pylos
Pylos is the home of Nestor, who is known for his wisdom and knowledge of the Achaeans’ fates.
What does Telemachus plan to do if he learns that his father is dead?
Build a mound with proper funeral rites and give his mother in marriage to a new husband.
This plan illustrates the cultural importance of honoring the dead and the need for Penelope to remarry.
How does Telemachus respond to the Suitors regarding his authority?
He asserts that he intends to be master of his own house.
Telemachus’s declaration marks a significant moment of growth in his character and his assumption of responsibility.
